Climbing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo Ecuadors Most Famous Summit Awaits | Cotopaxi Mountain Guides, Cotopaxi Volcano Climb, Cotopaxi Travel

Arrival in Quito– Acclimatization Begins

2,800 m / 9,186 ft

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, where you will be greeted by your Trip Advisor and transferred to your hotel in Quito, Ecuador's capital, located at 2,800 meters above sea level.
Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the altitude and relaxing.
If you're up for it, enjoy a leisurely walk around Quito’s historic center (UNESCO World Heritage site), or relax in your hotel.
Overnight in Quito to rest before the adventure begins.

Meals:Dinner
Acomodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito

Transfer to Iliniza Mountain Lodge & Acclimatization Hike to Saquihua Hill

3,900 m / 12,795 ft

After breakfast, private transport will take you from Quito to Iliniza Mountain Lodge, located at 3,300 meters. The drive takes approximately 1.2 hours, passing through rural landscapes and picturesque villages.
In the afternoon, you'll begin your acclimatization hike to Saquihua Hill, which is 3,900 meters high. This easy-to-moderate trek offers a fantastic opportunity to get accustomed to the altitude.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as you hike through lush valleys and rugged terrain.
Return to Iliniza Mountain Lodge for dinner and a comfortable night’s rest.

Distance: 4 km (round trip)
Duration: 2-3 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Acomodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge (3,300 m) Iliniza Mountain Lodge (3,300 m)

Transfer to Iliniza Mountain Lodge & Acclimatization Hike to Saquihua Hill

3,900 m / 12,795 ft

Today’s adventure takes you to the El Corazón Volcano, located at 4,788 meters. This challenging yet rewarding day hike will test your endurance and provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes and valleys.
Early start with a transfer to the trailhead, followed by a hike to the summit of El Corazón. The route is steep and involves some sections of scrambling, but the views from the top are absolutely worth the effort.
From the summit, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Cotopaxi, Iliniza, and other volcanoes in the region.
After the hike, return to Iliniza Mountain Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and rest.

Distance: 10 km (round trip)
Duration: 4-6 hours (including summit time)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Acomodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge (3,300 m) Iliniza Mountain Lodge

Hike to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge

4,700 m / 15,420 ft

Today, we begin the journey toward Nuevos Horizontes Refuge, a popular high-altitude base for mountaineers aiming to climb Iliniza Norte and Cotopaxi.
A private transport will take you to La Virgen Parking Lot (3,300 meters), the starting point for the hike.
From here, you will begin your steep ascent toward the refuge, located at 4,700 meters.
As you ascend, the landscape becomes more rugged and exposed, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
At Nuevos Horizontes Refuge, you’ll receive briefing and go over mountaineering techniques and safety protocols with your guide.
Enjoy a warm dinner and rest overnight at the refuge, preparing for the next day's climb.

Distance: 5 km
Duration: 2-3 hours

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner Acomodation: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,700 m) >

Summit Iliniza Norte

5,126 m / 16,818 ft

This is a big day as you attempt the summit of Iliniza Norte, which stands at 5,126 meters.
You’ll begin early in the morning to make the most of the daylight hours and summit safely. The route involves technical climbing with rock scrambles and some exposed sections.
After summiting, enjoy a moment of achievement and panoramic views of the central Andes.
Return to Iliniza Mountain Lodge for a celebratory dinner and relaxation.

Distance: 10 km (round trip)
Duration: 4-6 hours (including summit time)

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner Acomodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge Iliniza Mountain Lodge

Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park & Hike to Refuge

4,864 m / 15,953 ft

Private transfer to Cotopaxi National Park, a 1-hour drive from EL Chaupi.
Once at the park, you'll begin the short but steep hike to Jose Ribas Refuge, situated at 4,864 meters.
The rest of the day is dedicated to preparing for the Cotopaxi summit. Your guide will conduct climbing briefing, and you’ll review the proper use of mountaineering gear such as crampons, ice axes, and ropes.
Have an early dinner and get some rest as you prepare for the ascent tomorrow.

Distance: 1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)
Duration: 1 hour

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Acomodation: Jose Ribas Refuge (4,864 m)

Summit Cotopaxi

5,897 m / 19,347 ft

Early morning (around midnight), begin your summit attempt of Cotopaxi, Ecuador's second-highest volcano and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
The ascent includes glacier travel, requiring you to be roped up most of the time. The ascent to the summit is physically demanding, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding volcanic peaks and high-altitude glaciers.
After reaching the summit, you will descend to Jose Ribas Refuge for a quick breakfast.
Private transport will transfer you to hotel in Baños.

Distance: 10 km (round trip)
Duration: 5-6 hours to the summit (including breaks)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, celebration dinner Acomodation: Hotel in Baños

Free Day in Baños – Recovery & Relaxation

1,820 meters /5,971 feet

After intense climbs, enjoy a well-deserved break in Baños. This adventure town offers thermal baths, waterfalls, and optional activities such as zip-lining, canyoning, and mountain biking. Relax and rejuvenate before the final big climb.

Distance: 115 Km.
Duration: 3-hour transfer to Baños

Meals: Breakfast Acomodation: Hotel in Baños

Transfer to Chimborazo & Hike to High Camp

5,300 m / 17,388 ft

Depart for Chimborazo 10:00 am., Ecuador’s highest peak and the closest point to the sun from the Earth's center. A gradual hike leads to High Camp, where we make final summit preparations. The landscape is stark yet awe-inspiring, offering breathtaking views of the Andean wilderness. An early night is essential before the midnight summit push.

Distance: 2.5 Km
Duration: 2-3 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Acomodation: High Camp

Summit Chimborazo

6,268 m / 20,564 ft

 At midnight, we begin our ascent of Chimborazo, climbing under a starlit sky for 5 to 7 hours. Reaching the summit at dawn, we take in breathtaking panoramic views from the highest point in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun on Earth. After capturing unforgettable memories, we descend for 3 to 4 hours back to the high camp, where we pack our gear and depart for El Chaupi, carrying with us the incredible experience of conquering this legendary peak.

Distance: 7 km (round trip)
Duration: 5-7 hours to the summit (including breaks)

Meals: Breakfast Acomodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge (3,300 m) Iliniza Mountain Lodge

Departure – Fly Home

After a hearty breakfast, your private transport will take you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for your departure.
We hope that your stay with us has been the best and all that remains is to tell us that you have a good trip back home.

Meals: Breakfast