Ecuador Mountaineering Course
This trip is for: Friends, Couples & Solos
Trip Length: 11 days • 10 nights
Activity Levels: Beginner Mountaineering
Hotels: Premium Hotels, Tented Camp, Lodge, Mountain Refuge
Elevation Reached
• 19,347 ft
• 19,347 ft
From $3,995/person
Dates & Prices »
Dates & Prices »
2026 Dates: January
Learn glacier mountaineering skills and summit Ecuadorian volcanoes
From the glaciers of Antisana to the summit of Cotopaxi
Ecuador is a country of towering, ice-capped volcanoes, where glacial streams tumble through pristine cloud forest into the Amazon Basin far below. With relatively easy access to more than a dozen major volcanoes, Ecuador offers an excellent introduction to the world of high-altitude international mountaineering. Mountain Gurus’ Ecuador Mountaineering Course begins with acclimatization hikes on Pasochoa and Rucu Pichincha before setting out for the glaciers of Antisana (18,875 ft) with a curriculum designed to teach the foundational skills for independent glacier mountaineering. Once our glacier school is complete, we take a rest day in Papallacta and then go southwest to Cotopaxi (19,347 ft) for a summit attempt of Ecuador’s second highest peak.
Climbers who want to experience more of what Ecuadorian mountaineering has to offer may extend this expedition with an ascent of Chimborazo (20,702 ft). Chimborazo is the tallest mountain in Ecuador. Its position on the equatorial bulge makes its summit the closest point on the earth’s surface to the sun.
Ecuador • Start Quito • End Mariscal Sucre International Airport Travel & Airport details »
Tour Highlights
- 11 days of adventure in Ecuador
- Co-led by an American and Ecuadorian mountain guide
- Acclimatization hikes on Pasochoa and Rucu Pichincha
- Glacier mountaineering school and summit attempt on Antisana
- Summit attempt on Cotopaxi
- 3 nights at a premium hotel in Quito, the Ecuadorian capitol
- 3 nights in a tented camp on Antisana
- 2 nights at a premium lodge in Papallacta
- 1 night in a mountain refuge on Cotopaxi
- 1 night at a hotel near the airport at the conclusion of the trip
- 9 Breakfast, 9 Lunch, 6 Dinner
DAY 1
Arrive Quito, Ecuador
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador (UOI). Most flights arrive in Quito in the late evening. Our driver will be awaiting your arrival at the airport and will take you to the hotel.
Hotel Ibis, Quito (3 nights)
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 afternoons and evenings are free to explore Quito and organize our gear.
Hotel Ibis, Quito (3 nights)
Activity Moderate Hiking
DAY 4-7
Glacier mountaineering school and summit attempt on Antisana
Our team heads into the field to begin our glacier mountaineering school. We set up camp in the highlands on Antisana where few people visit; our closest neighbors are usually llamas and wild horses. Over the next several days we will learn glacier mountaineering skills including footwork, crampon and ice axe techniques, self- and team-arrest, alpine knots, snow anchors, and crevasse rescue systems. Finally, we put these skills to the test with a summit bid on this wildest of Ecuador’s volcanoes.
Tented Camp on Antisana (3 nights)
Activity Moderate Hiking & Beginner Mountaineering
DAY 8
Rest day in Papallacta
After descending from the summit of Antisana, we transfer to our deluxe villa to rest and enjoy some home comforts, surrounded by nature, volcanic hot springs and beautiful panoramic views. All of day eight is spent recovering and preparing for our next climb.
Termas de Papallacta (2 nights)
DAY 9-10
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 11
Departure (If not continuing to Chimborazo)
Today we depart Mariscal Sucre International Airport on our flights home.
DAY 11-14
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
Premium Hotels, Tented Camp, Lodge, Mountain Refuge
Our hand-selected hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.*
NIGHTS 1-3
Hotel Ibis in Quito
Your journey begins in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital. You’ll stay at the Hotel Ibis, a modern and comfortable hotel known for its convenient location and excellent amenities. This base allows for easy exploration of the city’s rich culture and history.
NIGHTS 4-6
Tented Camp on Antisana
Next, you’ll venture into the highlands to set up camp near Antisana, one of Ecuador’s most remote and pristine volcanoes. Here, you’ll stay in high-quality mountaineering tents, sharing space with fellow climbers. Cook staff and a dining tent are also provided. This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and focus on your mountaineering training.
NIGHTS 7-8
Termas de Papallacta
After your mountaineering training near Antisana, you’ll unwind at Termas Papallacta, a renowned spa resort nestled in Ecuador’s high-altitude cloud forest. Known for its natural hot springs and peaceful mountain setting, Termas Papallacta offers a relaxing retreat to soak and recover before your next climb. Guests stay in cozy, well-appointed rooms with access to thermal pools. This stay provides the perfect balance of rest and rejuvenation amid scenic Andean beauty.
NIGHT 9
Jose F. Rivas Refuge on Cotopaxi
For the summit attempt on Cotopaxi, you’ll stay at the Jose F. Rivas Refuge, located at 15,744 feet. This mountain refuge offers basic accommodations, providing a functional and comfortable setting before your alpine start for the summit climb.
NIGHT 10
Wyndham Hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport (If not continuing to Chimborazo)
Following the climb, you’ll return to Quito and stay at the Wyndham Hotel, conveniently located near Mariscal Sucre International Airport. This hotel offers comfortable accommodations, allowing for a restful night before your departure.
*Hotels may vary based on departure.
If you have climbed in the Pacific Northwest, Mexico or elsewhere in North America and you are ready to expand your skills, Mountain Gurus’ Ecuador Mountaineering Course is an excellent choice. Home to massive, 5,000- and 6,000-meter volcanoes, Ecuador is an ideal training ground for climbers who want to broaden their high-altitude experience and glacier mountaineering skills for larger objectives such as the Seven Summits and the peaks of Alaska and the Himalaya.
With its pristine nature preserves, luxurious hot springs and vibrant cities, Ecuador is also a logical next step for climbers who have already summited Mount Rainier, Mount Baker or other North American peaks and are simply seeking their next adventure. Because of Ecuador’s latitude, its seasons are reversed, making it an ideal destination during the North American winter.
Ecuador
• Start Quito • End Mariscal Sucre International Airport
International Destinations
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in-country in the destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Entry/Visa
A valid passport is required for American citizens to enter Ecuador. American citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 30 days for tourism.
Meals
All meals are provided as per meal schedule.
Gear
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure information packet upon booking. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list. Request a detailed itinerary.
Things you should know about this trip
When is the best season to climb?
Ecuador’s main climbing season lasts from November to February. Excellent climbing conditions also occur during the dry weather in June.
What curriculum is taught on this course?
Over several days on Mountain Gurus’ Ecuador mountaineering course, you will practice the fundamentals of glacier mountaineering including crampon and ice axe technique, climbing on snow, self-arrest, alpine knots and hitches, snow anchors, rope team travel, crevasse rescue and more. You will apply some of these skills under expert guidance during the summit climbs.
Do I need mountaineering experience?
Prior mountaineering experience is not required, though it is helpful. This is an ideal next step for climbers who have joined us on climbs of the Pacific Northwest Volcanoes, such as Mt Baker. Prior hiking experience and good physical conditioning are required.
What are the fitness requirements?
You must be in good aerobic condition and able to hike for 7 to 9 hours on summit day while carrying a 20 to 25-pound pack. Previous climbing experience will increase your chances of reaching the summits. Ice axe, crampon, and rope travel skills, which are taught during this course, are essential for a safe and successful climbing adventure.
Learn more about this tour? Request a detailed itinerary.
Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, gear list, and more. Let us help you plan your adventure.
