Ecuador and its famous Avenue of The Volcanoes are one of the best places of the world for those who love mountaineering , a variety of landscapes and challenging surfaces. We invite you on an exciting hiking and ice climbing adventure across the green lands, secret paths and the snow-covered peaks located along the Ecuador Line.
These 7 days will be very intensive because we will climb up to five different volcanoes. Our base will be El Chaupi, a small town at 3300 meters, where we will return to after each summit in order to rest for the following ascent.
Day 1: Flight to Quito (2800 m)
You will be taken from Quito Airport to the accommodation where we will meet each other and get ready for the following day.
Day 2: Iliniza Norte (5126 m)
We will leave from Quito in the morning (7am) and drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the village of “El Chaupi”. We will continue driving up until we get to “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795ft/3900 m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,580ft/4750 m). After relaxing for 15 minutes we will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/ 5126 m). The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scrambling. Once at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful surroundings. It will take us around 7 hours round trip. Lodging in the Hostal Andes Alpes
Day 3: Cayambe Refuge (4600 m)
Cayambe is a massive glaciated extinct volcano. It is located about 95 km Northeast of El Chaupi and is the highest point on the surface of the earth through which the Equator directly passes. Cayambe is the third highest mountain in Ecuador. It is characterized by good climbing opportunities and impressive glaciers. With easy access from the comfortable hut Ruales Oleas Cayambe Refuge. We will arrive at the shelter after about 3.5 hours of driving and rest for a couple of hours at the Refuge, until dinner time. (B/D)
Day 4: Cayambe Summit (5790 m)
We will wake up at midnight, eat a light breakfast, put our gear on and start our climb around 01:00 in the morning; the ascent takes about 6 to 7 hours. The route to the summit follows a safe glacier terrain to the summit. A gaping bergschrund sometimes presents a challenge in route finding and an exciting extra obstacle. Once at the summit (18,996ft/5790 m) we will take our time for pictures of the surroundings, and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the Refuge we will rest for a while, then pack our belongings and drive to Quito. (B/D)
Day 5: Baños (1800 m) FREE DAY
We will drive south to the town of Baños de Agua Santa. The town and its surroundings offer many possibilities like: the route of waterfalls, hikes inside the “cloud forest”, or, depending on your interest and budget, rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, horseback riding, etc. Night in hotel (B)
Day 6: Baños – Hermanos Carrel Refuge Chimborazo (16,400 ft/5000 m)
This picturesque town offers you the opportunity to spend an unforgettable day, for example, you could relax in the famous hot springs. Afterwards we will drive to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve entrance (2 hours), then to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge (15,744 ft/4800 m), where we’ll have dinner and get some rest until 11pm. An early light breakfast will be served just before getting ready with our gear and starting the climb. (B/BL/D)
Day 7: Chimborazo Summit (20,702ft/6268m) – Quito
At midnight we will start our climb to the top of Ecuador’s highest mountain, Chimborazo, which will take us about 8 to 9 hours. We’ll get to the summit (20,702ft/6268m) in the early hours, which is the perfect spot for resting and taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings. We’ll then start our descent back to the refuge which will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once at the refuge we’ll pack our gear and drive back to Quito. (B)
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