Ecuador, Cotopaxi

DAY 2-3

Acclimatization hikes

In preparation for the larger peaks, we acclimatize by hiking up Pasochoa. On clear days, we may see condors and wild horses on this extinct volcano. Our next hike is Rucu Pichincha, starting from a trailhead we access via cable car just outside of Quito. Our late afternoon and evening are free to explore Quito and organize our gear.

Hotel Ibis, Quito (3 nights)
Activity Moderate Hiking

DAY 4

Hike to the summit of Corazon

We depart Quito early and drive a few hours south to a quaint hacienda near the base of Corazon in Illinizas Ecological Reserve. After checking in and a short drive to the trailhead, we climb Corazon. Our ascent ends with an exhilarating rocky scramble onto the summit. We eat lunch and then return to the lodge for the evening.

Chuquiragua Lodge (1 night)
Activity Moderate Hiking

DAY 5-6

Illiniza Norte Ascent

Our expedition now turns its attention to Illiniza Norte. After driving to the trailhead, we hike three hours to the Nuevo Horizontes Refuge between the north and south peaks of Illiniza. The refuge is known as the smallest high mountain hut in the Ecuadorian Andes.

We rise early, eat breakfast, and set our sights on the summit. After a short hike to the base of the climbing route, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Iliniza Sur and Cotopaxi as we ascend the long ridgeline of Iliniza Norte. After we summit, we descend to the refuge, pack our gear and hike out. That evening we relax in the comfort of a beautiful hacienda near the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park.

Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (1 night)
Hacienda Los Mortiños or Tambopaxi Lodge (1 night)
Activity Beginner Mountaineering

DAY 7-8

Climb to the summit of Cotopaxi

The team gears up and shuttles to Cotopaxi. From the trailhead we hike 40 minutes to the Jose F. Rivas refuge. We enjoy lunch, relax and prepare to climb. For our summit push, we leave the refuge around midnight. From the hut we ascend moderate glacier slopes, crossing snow bridges and crevasses as the mountain steepens. After navigating a heavily crevassed section of the glacier, we reach the final summit slope. With ice axes in hand, we climb a challenging section of 35- to 40-degree snow until suddenly we are stepping onto the crater rim of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. We descend and transfer to a hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

Or extend your trip by continuing to a summit attempt of Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador.

Jose F. Rivas Refuge (1 night)
Wyndham Hotel (1 night)
Activity Beginner Mountaineering

DAY 9

Departure (If not continuing to Chimborazo)

Today we depart Mariscal Sucre International Airport on our flights home.

DAY 9-12

Extend your stay with a climb of Chimborazo

Following a rest day and night, our team drives to Chimborazo. From the trailhead, we hike two hours to our high camp just below the glacier. With a midnight alpine start, we follow a new climbing route to the west-northwest to avoid rockfall. We pass the base of a rock formation called El Castillo or “The Castle” and then climb to Chimborazo’s false summit, Pico Veintimilla. A half-hour walk across a saddle takes us to the top of the mountain at Whymper Summit, ending with one of the best views in Ecuador. We descend and transfer to a hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Ecuador, Chimborazo »

Accommodation After Cotopaxi (1 night)
Chimborazo High Camp at Stubel (1 night)
Wyndham Hotel (1 night)
Activity Intermediate Mountaineering