The travelers really expect a spectacular nature and a rich culture. As one of the smallest countries in South America, Ecuador offers so much variety like no other. From the capital, Quito, we can easily reach the starting point for ascending numerous volcanoes, and thanks to the various summit heights, we can optimally acclimatize. The highlights are the shapely and famous Cotopaxi and the 6000th Chimborazo. Our guide guides us safely to various peaks and brings us in between the rich culture and the lovable people of Ecuador. A combination of peak happiness and cultural experience!

 

# Day	Place	Altitude
Day1	Transfer airport - Otavalo	2800 m./4,905 ft
Day 2	Cuicocha Lagoon	3246 m./10,649 ft
Day 3	Fuya Fuya volcano	4263 m./13,986 ft
Day 4	Visit of Quito	2800 m./9,186 ft
Day 5	Isinliví	3200 m./ 10,498 ft
Day 6	Chugchilán	3200 m./10,498
Day 7	Iliniza North Summit	5126 m./ 16,818 ft
Day 8	Cotopaxi Refuge	4864 m./15,958ft
Day 9	Summit Cotopaxi	5897 m./19,347 ft
Day 10	Baños City Free day	1800 m./5,905 ft
Day 11	Hermanos Carrel Refuge	4800 m./15,744 ft
Day 12	Summit Chimborazo	6.268m./20,702 ft
Day 13	Ingapirca	2560 m./8,398 ft
Day 14	Cuenca	2560 m./8,398 ft
Day 15	Guayaquil	4m./13,1 ft
Day 16	Transfer to Airport	3300 m./10,826 ft

 

trekking and moutaineering program DAY BY DAY

Day 1: Transer Airport - Otavalo

Elevation: 2800 m./4,905 ft

1. Transfer from the airport Mariscal Sucre to the nice town. Otavalo draws visitors every week who come to this native community to shop at the world-famous handicraft market. The market features a dazzling array of handicrafts including tapestries, hammocks, jewellery, paintings and colourful native clothing. Otavalo itself lies in scenic northern Ecuador (Imbabura Province), surrounded by volcanoes, rivers and lakes. For lodging, there wonderful local haciendas: centuries-old estates now converted into elegant hotels. Overnight in Otavalo.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 2: Cuicocha Lagoon

Elevation: 3246 m./10,649 ft

1. We start explore the famous market of Otavalo, where you´ll have the option to purchase local handicrafts. The main market day in Otavalo is Saturday, however, this tour can operate on Tuesdays. Your professional guide will provide an explanation on the indigenous people of this area, such as the Quitu, Cara and other pre-Inca groups, and some information on the city. Afterward, you’ll have lunch, then go to the beautiful Laguna Cuicocha, which is located in a volcano crater and contains two green islands. An optional sail is available for US$2. There will be an optional visit to a wood shop where musical instruments are made, depending on your wishes and the time spent in the market and lagoon. Overnight Otavalo.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 3: Fuya Fuya volcano

Elevation: 4263 m./13,986 ft

1. After breakfast 7:30 am by our private transport will take you to the shores of Lake Mojanda at an altitude of 3.700m (12.100ft). From there we start our climb (2 hours) through páramo grasslands to the top of Fuya Fuya Mountain (4.265m, 14.000ft). At the top we enjoy a snack and the stunning views of the Mojanda lakes and surrounding peaks like Imbabura, Cotacachi and Cayambe. Finally, we descend and drive to Quito. On the way we will stop for lunch and visit the Quitsato Sundial is a cultural-tourist place located at La Mitad Del Mundo, near to Cayambe, 47 km at North of Quito. It was built in 2006 and inaugurated in 2007 as an independent, non-profit project in a 24756 ft² (2300 m²) area. Its main goal is to share crucial aspects of the astronomical knowledge of the prehispanic cultures of the region. The expositions are carried out by community members as a self-sustaining project. According to Google Maps, the central pillar is 4 meters below the true equator. Overnight Quito.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 4: Visit of Quito

Elevation: 2800 m./9,186 ft

• We start early in the morning, after breakfast at 8:30am. We will visit he old town Quito! The biggest, best-preserved colonial city of America was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and the second most important city of the old Inca Empire.  After lunch will drive through “The Avenue of the Volcanoes to the small village of Isinlivi. In aproximately 3 hours we will arrived to the beatifull village. Overnight Isinlivi
  Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
  Accommodation: Hotel San Francisco

Day 5: Isinliví

Elevation: 3200 m./10,498 ft

1. We start early in the morning and after breakfast at 7:30am. From here we will descend to the bottom of the Toachi Canyon and continue along the river through highland villages until we reach Chugchilan. The hike ranges from 4 to 5 hours and is moderately challenging. We will be staying at Cloud Forest Hostal, which is a basic, but friendly and clean hostel run by José Luis. Chugchilán is a well-known destination for hikers, it is a typical village of the mountain region in Ecuador. It has a small plaza, a church and a school, most of the people still use a horse or donkey as transport. Here, you will feel like you have gone back a few hundred years in time. Overnight Chugchilán.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 6: Chugchilán

Elevation: 3200 m./10,498

1. As we climb from Chugchilán to Huayama we will have beautiful views of the Toachi River Canyon. We will watch the scenery change was we ascend the trails along the canyon walls, until we reach the indigenous village of Huayama. From here we will begin the challenging climb to the edge of the Quilotoa Lagoon. Here you can rest, taken photos, and appreciate the the magnitude of the crater and its lagoon. The hike ranges from 4 to 5 hours and is the most challenging day of the trip. Lunch at the nice indigenous restaurant and drive to El Chaupi Village.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 7: Iliniza Norte Summit

Elevation: 5126 m./16,818 ft

• We start early in the morning after breakfast 7:30 We will be driving up to the “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795ft/3.900m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,580ft/4.750m). We will relax for couple of minutes and we took the opportunity to put our helmet and harness for continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then head up to Illiniza north summit; it will take us between 2 to 3 hours to get to the summit, the way back to the parking lot it will take us between 2 hours. Drive back to El Chaupi. Overnight at the Hostal or Lodge.
• Meals: (Breakfas/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
• Accommodation: Andes Alpes Hostel & Café

Day 8: Cotopaxi Refuge

Elevation: 4864 m./15,958 ft

• We will leave El Chaupi in midday  and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. From here we’ll drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4500m./14,764ft/) then we’ll hike for around an hour to the José Rivas Refuge (15,748ft/4800m). In the afternoon we’ll head up to the glacier for ice practice and training. We’ll learn some basic techniques which will include how to handle climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc.) then go back to the Refuge for dinner and rest.
  Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
  Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge

Day 9: Cotopaxi Summit

Elevation: 5897 m./19,347 ft

1. Midnight will be our wake up time and the departure to the top (19,347ft/5897m) will be around 1am, after having a light breakfast and getting our gear ready for the ascent. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours and once at the summit we’ll take our time for pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head back down the refuge, which will take us 2 to 3 hours. Once at the refuge we will pack our belongings, have something to eat and go down to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to take us and drive to Baños city.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: Andes Alpes

Day 10: Baños City Free day

Elevation: 1800 m./5,905 ft

• This is a relaxing day; in this beautiful town you can do it different activities that can be purchased on behalf of the passenger. It's a free day its surroundings offer many possibilities like: the route of the waterfalls, hikes inside the “cloud forest”, besides, depending on our interest, with an extra cost, we could try rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, horseback riding, etc. Night in hotel.  

  Meals: (Breakfast/-/-)
  Accommodation: Hotel Sangay

Day 11: Chimborazo High Camp

Elevation: 4800 m./15,744 ft

2. This picturesque town offers you a lot of possibilities to spend an unforgettable midday… You can relax in the famous hot springs. After we will drive to the Wildlife Reserve entrance for about 2 hours, until getting to the Hermanos Carrel refuge (15,744 ft./4,800 m), where we’ll have dinner and get some rest until 23h00. There will be an early light breakfast served just before getting ready with our gear and start heading up.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: Chimborazo High Camp

Day 12: Chimborazo Summit

Elevation: 6.268m./20,702 ft

1. At midnight we will start our climb to the top of Ecuador’s highest volcano, Chimborazo, which will take us about 8 to 9 hours. We’ll get to the summit in the early hours the perfect spot for resting and pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start our descending to the refuge; it will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once in refuge we’ll pack our gear, where our transportation will be ready to drive to Riobamba.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 13: Ingapirca

Elevation: 2560 m./8,398 ft

1. On this day, we will see what activity we can do depending on the day, we can do the famous train of the devil's nose or else we will visit the Inca ruins of Ingapirca on the way to Cuenca. A fascinating day trip to Ingapirca, the most northern fortress-temple remaining from Inca times.  Sun-worshippers built this stone center on a promontory high above the Cañar valley, about 96 Km (60 miles) northeast of Cuenca and at an altitude of 10,595 feet (3,230 meters) above sea level. Ride through enchanting highlands, passing through the towns of Azogues and Cañar, with a short visit on Sundays to the market at Cañar.  Upon arrival at Ingapirca stop at the on-site museum, and admire the stone fortress with several trapezoidal doorways and stone walls perfectly fit together, without mortar, of the Inca construction. There is an elliptical platform, known as the Temple of the Sun used for religious and ceremonial purposes, the barracks, the stone “Inca Face” and the zoomorphic carvings.  Lunch at a pleasant inn of the area and later on continue to Tambo Coyoctor.
   The Devil's Nose, Nariz del Diablo, is a major attraction in the Ecuador. It’s a train route known as "the most challenging railway in the world”. The many hills are making this a rather rocky ride. Especially at the point where the train will slowly zigzag on a hill, about 90 degrees steep and 1800 meters above sea level, known as The Devil’s Nose.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 14: Cuenca

Elevation: 2560 m./8,398 ft

1. National Park of Cajas, 19 miles (30 Km.) west of Cuenca. Cajas is lake country, a protected 28,800-hectare area starting at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level; the region shows remains of intense volcanic activity and glaciation. The highest point is reached on the road at Three Crosses, the water divides of those than go to the Pacific and to the Atlantic. The wind and drizzle can make it very cold, but the scenery surrounding these 230 lakes is splendid, for walking and hiking, for observing flora, fauna and bird life. The vegetation includes small forests of quinua trees, a high protein grain. These dwarf forests are home to many species of birds like hummingbirds and the gray-breasted mountain toucan. The cold lakes of Cajas are full of trout, and A visit to a trout-breeding hacienda is included, where lunch will naturally feature delicious fresh trout. After lunch we will visit the charming colonial city of Cuenca. Its marvellous historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still retains all of its traditional charm. Cuenca is a city to be visited leisurely with strolls along flower-lined, cobblestone streets. Take photos along the riverbanks, stop at one of the many colonial churches, or peek into one of the many antique shops and art galleries. Overnight at hotel Cuenca.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 15: Guayaquil

Elevation: 4m./13,1 ft

1. On our trip to the Pacific, we pass El Cajas National Park, known for its over 200 lagoons and numerous rivers. At the highest point we make a short stop at the Laguna Toreadora and enjoy an incredible view over the lake landscape. Then we leave the Andes and drive to the coastal city of Guayaquil. Here, after lunch, we take a city tour, where we marvel at the Parque Bolivar with its numerous iguanas and the impressive town hall. The area "Cerro Santa Ana" is full of colorful and beautifully restored colonial buildings and we also have a fantastic view over the whole city. At the river promenade with its modern architecture we enjoy a last drink before it goes to the airport in the late afternoon.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
   Accommodation: (-/-)

Day 16: Transfer to Airport

Elevation: 3300 m./10,826 ft

1. Transfer to the airport depends on the time of your flights, remember to be close to the time of your flight and return to home.
   Meals: (-/ Box Lunch/ Dinner)
2. Accommodation: (-/-)

Services included in the tour cost:

• Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM) ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
• Registration in the SIB System (System of Biodiversity Information)
• Technical mountain equipment (Mountaineering Boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
• Land transportation and transfers to the National Parks and airport
• Lodging at hotel in Otavalo 2 night
• Lodging hotel in Quito 1 Nights
• Lodging at Andes Alpes Lodge 2 nights
• Lodging at Llullo llama Lodge 1 night
• Lodging at El vaquero Hotel 1 night 
• Lodging at Cotopaxi refuge and Chimborazo High Camp
• Logding at Baños Hotel 2 night
• Lodging at Riobamba Town 1 night 
• Lodging at Cuenca City 2 nights
• Lodging at Guayaquil 1 nights
• All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
  

Not included:

• International flight tickets
• Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
• Insurance of any kind
• Tips
• Travel accident and health insurance
• Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
• Other non-specified expenses

_________________________________________________________

Recommendations:

 

What to Bring?

• 1.- Head torch
• 2.- Helmet (includes)
• 3.- Sun Glasses
• 4.- Buff/ Warm cap  
• 5.- Backpack
• 6.- First layer
• 7.- Second layer
• 8.-Third layer (Waterproof Windbreaks, Waterproof pants)
• 9.- Mittens/Gloves
• 10.- Harness (Includes)
• 11.- Inside gloves
• 12.- Carabiners (Includes)
• 13.- Thermal pants
• 14.- Ice ax (includes)
• 15.- Dynamic Rope (includes)
• 16.- Thermal Lycra
• 17.- Gaiters (includes)
• 18.- Socks Mountain
• 19.- Crampons (Includes)
• 20.- Mountaineering boots (Includes)
• 21.- Sleeping Bag
• 22.- Battery Groups AAA
• 23.- Sunscreen
• 24.- Trekking Poles
• 25.- Thermo / Canteen fro Water
• 26.- Energy bars

 

 

 

Group of 2........... 2980 USD per person

Price: Please CONTACT US

Payment

In order to confirm the reservation of any tour service provided by Cotopaxi Travel Company Cia. Ltda. we require a pre-payment of 30% of the tour price. The remainder is to be carried out before climbing tour or travel starts. We will not send confirmations, vouchers or flight tickets until the full balance has been received, and we reserve the right to cancel your trip if full payment is not received prior to the start date.
PRICES, SURCHARGES AND CREDIT CARD CHARGES
All prices we advertise are accurate at the date published/advised, but we reserve the right to change any of those prices prior to booking. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen programme including the cost of any peak-season supplements, upgrades or additional facilities which you have requested.
For all payments made by credit card, a 6% service fee will be added to the cost. The additional costs for every transfer made out to Cotopaxi Travel Company Cia. Ltda. Ecuadorian Taxes and bank transfer fees, will have to be paid by you, the client. We are obligated tu charge 12% IVA for every payment realized by Ecuadorian citizens.

Cancellation by You

Notice of cancellation by you must be given in writing. Should you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:

• - 30 days or more before the Departure Date = loss of deposit.
• - 29 to 15 days from the start of the trip = 50% of total trip cost
• - Less than 14 days before the Departure Date = loss of 100% of total trip cost,
• unless agreed otherwise with cotopaxi travel due to unforeseen circumstances.

Cancellation by Cotopaxi Travel Company

A trip may be cancelled as a result of unforeseen events and beyond Cotopaxi Travel´s control including but not limited to war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural Cotopaxi Travel• Calle Guayaquil 6-74 y Sanchez de Orellana- Latacunga - Cotopaxi - Ecuador Terms & Conditions 2 or nuclear disaster, fire, epidemics or health risks, closed or congested airports, ports or stations, changes imposed by re-scheduling or cancellation of transport, adverse weather conditions.

More Info please visit our Terms & Condicitions  

22-30 Septiembre 2023
8-16 Octubre 2023
15-23 Octubre 2023
21-29 Octubre 2023
5-13 Noviembre 2023
12-20 Noviembre 2023
19-27 Noviembre 2023
25 Nov. -3 Dec. 2023
3-11 Diciembre 2023
10-18 Diciembre 2023
16-24 Diciembre 2023
25 Dic.-2 Ene 2024
6-14 Enero 2024


Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

CCountry / Location: Ecuador

 

In Ecuador you can Climb all year, but these are the seasons

High Season: June to August / December to January
Low season: February to May / September to November

Ecuador is a fantastic destination that offers plenty of options for travel lovers. In addition to the Andes, Galápagos and Amazon Jungle are also part of this amazing land.

Difficulty: Demanding
Places: *Available
Trip-code: Number ►Ec-1981
Duration: 2 days
Participants: Minimum: 2 Maximum: 12
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

---

Legend Booking-information
EZZ - Single room supplement
On this trip, places are still available.
On this trip, only a few places left.
This trip is sold out / closed.

FAQ's

IS NECESSARY PREVIOUS GLACIER EXPERIENCE?
• Having previous glacier experience is not required. We do recommend that you have joined one of our best acclimatization and ascent programs containing instructions and skills that we teach you as previous mountaineering training helps you enjoy the overall experience. Is also important that you try out your mountaineering gear prior to joining this adventure if you don’t have we have for you in our rental equipment shop.
• WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB COTOPAXI?
• A). In Ecuador you can Climb all year, but these are the seasons - High Season: June to August / December to January - Low season: February to May / September to November
• B). Likewise, weather forecasts are very unpredictable. Therefore, we recommend being prepared for all types of weather.
• DO I REALLY NEED RESCUE INSURANCE?
• We strongly urge you to purchase travel and accident insurance. We recommend Global Rescue for both types of insurance.
• IS COTOPAXI A DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN?
• A). Cotopaxi is a relatively safe climb on the routes we climb. The biggest challenges are the high altitude and people not coming physically prepared. Some groups try to ascend too quickly and do not take the time to acclimatize. We do not have this issue because our itinerary has been carefully planned over years of experience working in low oxygen environments.
• ACCLIMATIZATION IS IMPORTANT AND HOW DO I PREPARE FOR HIGH ALTITUDE?
• A). Acclimatization is the most important and should be taken seriously. Even if you are fit and practice any physical activity, it is important to follow the process for a successful climb.
• B). Firstly, there is some very specific training you should be doing. Learn more. Let’s be clear, always pick the itinerary with more acclimatization built in. After that, you need to focus on mapping out a training plan that focuses on strength and endurance. We will pace the trip at lower heart rates so we can perform for longer periods of time. You still need to be comfortable hiking for 6+ hours. We know that building up the weight you carry in your backpack for hours at sea level builds endurance, strength and cardio which stress tests your body for high altitude. We can help you learn more about how to prepare for your high-altitude adventure.
• WHAT KIND OF GEAR, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BRING?
• A). We will provide you with a full detailed itemized kit list so that you.
• SAFE TO BRING AND LEAVE OUR BAGS IN THE BASE CAMP?
• A). Yes, you can leave a bag of items not needed in our base camp. You can also leave valuable items in the safe.
• WHAT ROUTE DO WE CLIMB ON?
• A). Depending on the glacial conditions we will follow the safest route to the top. We also leave from the refuge at 4864 m./15,958 ft for all our summit attempts
• . DO YOU HAVE TRAINING ADVICE?
• A). If you sign up to one of our trips, we can give ongoing advice. We also have training courses in Cotopaxi that you can sign up to.
• CAN I PAY WITH CREDIT CARD?
• A). Yes, you can do it

  TIPS

• Develop a personalized training plan. Mountaineering requires multiple types of training, each focusing on a different need:
• Cardio workouts to improve the overall fitness level of your heart and lungs.
• Interval sessions to boost your ability to process more oxygen with each breath.
• Strength and endurance exercises so you can haul a heavy load and sustain physical output for many hours.
• Balance and flexibility training because you need both for mountaineering.
• Hiking days to extend your training into real-world situations.