Destination
Trek Details
Embark on a high-altitude adventure through the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes on this 15-day mountaineering expedition.
15 DAYS COTOPAXI – CHIMBORAZO CLIMB ECUADOR
Price from
$3400
Embark on a high-altitude adventure through the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes on this 15-day mountaineering expedition. Designed for experienced trekkers and aspiring alpinists, this program combines acclimatization, cultural immersion, and technical climbing, culminating in the summits of two of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes: Cotopaxi (5,897 m) and Chimborazo (6,263 m) the closest point on Earth to the sun. This meticulously crafted itinerary allows ample time for proper acclimatization through ascents of smaller peaks and hikes across picturesque Andean villages, national parks, and volcanic landscapes. Along the way, you’ll experience the warmth of Ecuadorian hospitality, stunning biodiversity, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you seek the challenge of high-altitude climbing or the thrill of conquering South America’s tallest volcano, this journey promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of the world’s most dramatic mountain regions.
Sights:
- Quito world cultural heritage.
- Cotopaxi and Chimborazo National Parks.
- Baños & Papallacta hot springs.
Summit opportunities:
- Fuya Fuya: 4263 m/13986 ft.
- Guagua Pichincha: 4,794 m/15,728 ft.
- Padre Encantado: 4600 m/ 15091,86 ft.
- Cerro Ladrillos: 4580 m/ 15026,25 ft.
- Rucu Pichincha: 4784 m/15696 ft.
- Pasochoa 4,199 m/ 13,776 ft.
- Illiniza North: 5116 m/16784 ft.
- Cotopaxi: 5897 m / 3280 ft.
- Chimborazo: 6,263 m/20,548 ft.
Our services:
- All transfers within Ecuador with private transport (4×4 jeep or bus) as per the travel description.
- All applicable national park fees and entrance fees as per the program.
- Meals as listed in the program.
- Overnight stays in mid-range hotels (based on double room) when staying in the cities and accommodation in mountain huts.
- Local English-speaking tour guide in Ecuador
- Free equipment rental on site (ice axe, crampons, harnesses, etc.)
- English-speaking Ecuadorian Mountain guide on the mountains (depending on group size, additional local English and/or Spanish-speaking mountain guides). For the ascent of Cayambe, Antisana and Chimborazo, 1 mountain guide applies for 2 participants.
Not included:
- Flight to/from Ecuador
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, telephone, etc.)
- Travel health and insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips on site
Trip Information:
- Duration of the trip: 15 days
- Dates & Price
- Number of participants: from 2 people
- Travel documents: Passport
- Health: No requirements; recommended vaccinations: tetanus, polio and yellow fever
- Difficulty rating: 4
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Travel Day
You will arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where most flights typically land in the late evening. Upon your arrival at Quito International Airport (UIO), our driver will be there to greet you and transport you to your hotel in Otavalo.
Meals: Dinner
Altitudes: Quito: 2,890 m/9,481 ft. – Otavalo: 2,532 m/ 8307 ft.
Travel times: Airport – Hotel Rivera Sucre: 1 hr. 30 min – 81 km/50 mi
Accommodations: Hotel Rivera Sucre with Wi-Fi
This morning, you will journey to Guinea Pig Lake, situated at an altitude of 3,082 m (10,111 ft). This beautiful crater lake, approximately three kilometers in diameter, lies at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano. You will embark on a hike around the lake that will last about four hours, reaching the highest point of 3,440 m (11,286 ft). In the afternoon, we will visit the city of Cotacachi, renowned for its vibrant leather production and crafts.
- Altitudes: Otavalo: 2,532 m/ 8307 ft. – Cuicocha Lake 3082 m/ 10111 ft. High point hike 3440 m/11286 ft.
- Travel times: Hotel Rivera Sucre – Cuicocha lake: 30 min-18 km/11 mi
- Vertical gain climbing: 358 m/ 1174 ft.
- Hiking/climbing times: 4 hr.
- Accommodations: Hotel Rivera Sucre with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast
Fuya Fuya Climb
After breakfast, we will drive into the Andean highlands to reach Laguna Mojanda. Our destination for the day is the summit of Fuya Fuya, standing at 4,263 m (13,986 ft). The hike begins on the banks of Laguna Mojanda at approximately 3,700 m (12,139 ft) and leads towards the eastern summit. As we approach the summit, there will be some easy climbing to navigate before you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and crater lakes. With a bit of luck, you may even spot the ice giant Cayambe, towering at 5,790 m (18,996 ft), in the distance. After our adventure, we will drive back to Quito for the night.
- Altitudes: Start hike: 3700 m/12139 ft – Fuya Fuya Summit: 4263 m/13986 ft. – Otavalo: 2,532 m/ 8307 ft. – Quito: 2,890 m/9,481 ft
- Vertical gain climbing: 563 m/1847 ft.
- Travel times: Hotel Rivera Sucre – Start hike: 30 min – 14km/8 mi – Start hike – Quito: 2 hours – 78km/48 mi.
- Hiking/climbing times: Start hike – Summit: 3 hr./ Summit – Start hike: 1 hr.
- Accommodation: B&B Tambocajas Base Camp with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
City Tour of Quito – Equator Monument
We will spend the day exploring Colonial Quito, starting with a visit to El Panecillo, home to a striking sculpture of Quito’s Madonna. From this vantage point, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciated peaks. Next, we will delve into the historic old town of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we will admire its stunning colonial architecture. Our tour will include charming streets such as Calle La Ronda, as well as notable sites including Carondelet Palace, Independence Square, the Church of La Compañía, and the Church and Monastery of San Francisco. At midday, we will drive northwest of Quito to reach the Middle of the World (Equator Monument).
- Altitudes: Quito: 2,850 m/9,350 ft.
- Travel times: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse – old town: 30 min-8 km/5 mi; Old town – Middle of the World: 1 hr.-30 km/19 mi.
- Accommodations: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Guagua Pichincha Climb
Today, we will ascend Guagua Pichincha, Quito’s local mountain, which towers at a height of 4,794 m (15,728 ft). Our journey begins with a drive south through the town of Lloa, sitting at an altitude of 3,000 m (9,842 ft), until we reach the parking lot at 3,500 m (11,482 ft). From there, we will embark on a comfortable hike to the refuge at 4,500 m (14,763 ft), where we will spend the night. After taking a break at the refuge, we will continue our ascent to the summit. The technically straightforward climb follows the crater rim over loose boulder terrain, ultimately leading us to the main summit. In addition to acclimatizing to the altitude, you will be treated to fantastic views of Quito, particularly if the weather is clear. After celebrating our successful summit, we will return to the refuge to enjoy a delicious dinner.
- Altitudes: Start hike: 3,500 m/11,482 ft. – Refuge: 4,500 m/14,763 ft – Summit Guagua Pichincha: 4,794 m/15,728 ft.
- Vertical gain climbing: 1,294 m/4,245 ft.
- Travel times: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse – Start hike 1 hr. 30 min – 27km /17 mi
- Hiking/Climbing: Start hike – Summit: 4 hr.
- Accommodations: Refuge not Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Rucu Pichincha climb
After breakfast, we will begin our hike toward the summit of Rucu Pichincha, which stands at 4,784 m (15,696 ft). Our trail will take us across the slopes of the “Padre Encantado” hill. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with stunning views of several volcanoes, including Cayambe, Antisana, and Cotopaxi. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we will descend to the cable car station at 4,000 m (13,123 ft) and enjoy a scenic ride on the teleférico back to the center of the city.
- Altitudes: Start hike: 4,500 m/14,763 ft. – Rucu Pichincha Summit: 4784 m/15696 ft – Telepherique: 4000 m/13123 ft
- Vertical gain climbing: 284 m/931 ft.
- Travel times: Telepherique – B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse: 10 min- 1,6 km/ 1 mi.
- Hiking/Climbing times: Refuge – Summit: 2 hr. / Summit – Telepherique: 1 hr.
- Accommodation: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Pasochoa Climb
Today, we will drive to San Rafael, a suburb located south of Quito. Our private bus will take us to an altitude of 3,595 m (11,794 ft). From there, we will embark on a three-hour hike through the lush cloud forest, following roadways and narrow paths that wind through the stunning páramo grasslands of Pasochoa National Park. Our destination is the summit of the extinct volcano Pasochoa, which stands at 4,199 m (13,776 ft). From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of two of Ecuador’s highest snow-capped peaks: Cotopaxi and Antisana. To reach the highest point on the crater rim, you’ll navigate a straightforward climbing passage just below the summit. After enjoying the scenery, we will descend and return to the bus for our drive to El Chaupi.
- Altitudes: Start hike: 3,595 m/11,794 ft. – Summit Pasochoa: 4,199 m/ 13,776 ft. El Chaupi: 3500 m/ 11482 ft.
- Vertical gain climbing: 604 m/1,981 ft.
- Travel times: B&B Tambocajas Base Camp – Start hike: 1 hr 30 min – 40 km / 25 mi. – Start hike – Hosteria Illiniza Lodge: 1hr. 30 min – 58km/36 mi.
- Hiking/climbing times: Start hike – Summit Pasochoa: 3 hours – Summit Pasochoa – Start hike: 2 hours.
- Accommodations: Hosteria Illiniza Lodge with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Illiniza North
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we’ll drive to the “La Virgen” parking lot, located at 4,000 m (13,123 ft), which takes about 30 minutes. From there, we will begin our ascent of Northern Iliniza. Our first stop will be the “Nuevos Horizontes” refuge at 4,700 m (15,419 ft), where we will take a break. Next, the path leads us over the Cutucucho saddle at 4,770 m (15,649 ft) and across the challenging Paso de la Muerte at 5,050 m (16,568 ft) before reaching the summit at 5,116 m (16,784 ft). From the summit, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of Iliniza Sur and Cotopaxi. We will then descend via the northern side back to our bus, followed by a drive back to Quito for accommodation.
- Altitudes: Hosteria Illiniza Lodge: 3500 m/ 11482 ft. Start hike: 4000 m/ 13123 ft. – Summit Illiniza North: 5116 m/16784 ft.
- Vertical gain climbing: 1116 m/3661ft.
- Travel times: Hosteria Illiniza Lodge – Start hike: 20 min – 5 km / 3 mi. – Start hike – B&B Tambocajas Base Camp: 1 hr. 30 min. 64 km / 39 ft.
- Hiking/climbing times: Start hike – Summit Illiniza North: 5 hours – Summit Illiniza North – Start hike: 2 hours.
- Accommodations: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Cotopaxi Refuge
In the afternoon, we will drive to Cotopaxi National Park, ascending to an altitude of approximately 4,600 m (15,091 ft). From there, we’ll take a one-hour hike to the José Ribas hut at 4,800 m (15,748 ft), where we can rest and prepare our equipment for the upcoming ascent. At around 6:00 p.m., we will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by an overnight stay in the hut.
- Altitudes: Start hike: 4600 m/ 15091 ft – Jose Ribas Hut: 4800 m/ 15748 ft.
- Vertical gain climbing: 200 m/656 ft.
- Travel times: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse – Jose Ribas Hut: 2 hr. – 93 km/57 mi.
- Accommodation: Refuge No Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Cotopaxi summit day
We will rise at around 11:00 p.m., enjoy a warm drink, and prepare for our climb. Our ascent will begin at midnight! The journey to the summit of Cotopaxi, towering at 5,897 m (19,347 ft), will take approximately 5-7 hours. You will reach the summit at sunrise, a rewarding moment when you can enjoy a unique view into the crater and a breathtaking panoramic vista. After descending back to the hut, we will have breakfast before continuing our journey to the parking lot. From there, we will drive to Baños, which will take approximately 5 hours.
- Altitudes: Jose Ribas Hut: 4800 m/ 15748 ft. – Summit Cotopaxi 5897 m / 3280 ft.
- Vertical gain climbing: 1.097m/3600 ft.
- Travel times: Jose Ribas Hut – La Casa de Pia: 3 hour – 140 km/ 87 mi.
- Hiking/Climbing times: Refuge – Summit Cotopaxi: 7 hr. Summit Cotopaxi – Refuge: 3 hr.
- Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de Pia with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Waterfall day
After breakfast, we will embark on an exciting trip to the Pastaza Gorge. We’ll cross the river via a cable car, reaching the other side where we’ll stroll through gardens filled with tangerines, lemons, and guava pears, as we pass tranquil trout pools. The waterfalls in this area are truly spectacular! We will descend to the stunning “Pailón del Diablo” waterfall, considered the most beautiful of all. After enjoying this natural wonder, we’ll savor a delicious local specialty: grilled trout. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the famous “End of the World” swing before returning to Baños.
- Altitudes: Baños 1820 m/5871 ft.
- Travel times: Hotel Casa de Pia – Watterfall: 40 min – 26 km/16 mi.
- Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de Pia with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Chimborazo Base Camp
Today, we will follow in the footsteps of Edward Wymper to Ecuador’s highest mountain, Chimborazo, which stands at 6,263 m (20,548 ft). Its main summit is uniquely distinguished as the farthest point from the center of the Earth, making Chimborazo the tallest mountain in the world. Our journey begins with a drive to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, where we will reach the Carrel Hut at an altitude of 4,800 m (15,748 ft). Here, we will prepare our equipment before making our way to the high camp at approximately 5,300 m (17,388 ft). The ascent will follow the West Ridge Route, also known as the Castillo Route, which increases our chances of reaching the summit. Porters will transport our tents, food, and water to base camp, while you will carry only your sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Once settled into your tents, you can enjoy a warm dinner, sip hot tea, and then rest peacefully for the night. Overnight will be spent in tents.
- Altitudes: Hotel La Casa de Pia: 1820 m/5871 ft- Refuge: 4,800 m/15,748 ft.- Base Camp: 5,300 m/17,388 ft.
- Vertical gain climbing: 500 m/1640 ft.
- Travel times: Hotel Casa de Pia – Refuge: 3 hr. – 118 km/73 mi
- Hiking/Climbing times: Refuge – Base Camp: 2 hr.
- Accommodation: Base Camp not Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Chimborazo summit day
We will begin our Chimborazo climb around midnight, setting off for the summit. Our route takes us through rocky fields until we reach the mountain ridge, La Arista, at 5,500 m (18,044 ft). From there, we will continue over steep sections of snow, firn, and ice, with gradients of up to 40 degrees, for approximately six hours until we reach the pre-summit, Ventimilla, at about 6,234 m (20,452 ft). The final stretch to the main summit, Whymper, at approximately 6,263 m (20,548 ft), will take another 40 minutes. At the summit, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Andes, including El Altar to the east—which is known as the most challenging mountain to climb in Ecuador—as well as the active volcanoes Tungurahua and Sangay. To the north, you can observe the Ilinizas, Antisana, and the iconic Cotopaxi. The descent back to base camp will take about two hours, followed by an additional hour to return to the Carrel Hut at approximately 4,800 m (15,748 ft). From there, we will drive to Baños for an overnight stay at a hotel.
- Altitudes: Base Camp: 5,300 m/17,388 ft. – Summit Chimborazo: 6,263 m/20,548 ft. – Refuge: 4,800 m/15,748 ft – Hotel La Casa de Pia: 1820 m/5871 ft
- Vertical gain climbing: 963 m/3,159 ft.
- Travel times: Refuge – Hotel Casa de Pia: 3 hr. – 118 km/73 mi
- Hiking/Climbing times: Base Camp – Summit Chimborazo: 6 hours – Summit Chimborazo – Base Camp: 2 hours – Base Camp – Refuge: 1 hr
- Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de Pia with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Quilotoa Day
Today, we will embark on a hike around Laguna Quilotoa, a stunning caldera and its accompanying crater lake, which is also the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The highest point on our hike will reach an elevation of 3,914 m (12,841 ft), and the caldera has a diameter of 3 km (1.8 mi). The last recorded eruption is believed to have occurred in 1280. The lagoon’s vibrant turquoise blue water transforms with the changing position of the sun, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. As we trek, you’ll feel as if you’re on another planet, captivated by the dramatic play of colors surrounding you. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey back to Quito.
- Altitudes: Hotel La Casa de Pia: 1820 m/5871 ft – Quilotoa 3914 m/ 12841 ft. – B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse 2,850 m/9,350 ft
- Vertical gain climbing: 250 m/820 ft.
- Travel times: Hotel Casa de Pia – Quilotoa: 3 hr – 155 km/96 mi – Quilotoa -B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse: 3 hr. – 166km/103 mi.
- Hiking/Climbing times: 45 min. down / 1 hr. 30 min. up.
- Accommodation: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with Wi-Fi
- Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Fly Home
Today, we will drive to the airport for your departure home.
- Altitudes: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse 2,850 m/9,350 ft
- Travel times: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse – Quito Airport: 1 hours – 40 km/ 24 mi.
- Meals: Breakfast
Dates
- 05.07.2025 – 19.07.2025
- 16.08.2025 – 30.08.2025
- 27.09.2025 – 11.10.2025
- 08.11.2025 – 22.11.2025
- 20.12.20.25 – 03.01.2026
- 31.01.2026 – 14.02.2026
- 14.03.2026 – 28.03.2026
- 25.04.2026 – 09.05.2026
- 06.06.2026 – 20.06.2026
- 18.07.2026 – 01.08.2026
- 29.08.2026 – 12.09.2026
- 10.10.2026 – 24.10.2026
- 21.11.2026 – 05.12.2026
- 02.01.2027 – 16.01.2027
Price
- 2 PAX = 3400 USD
- 3 PAX = 3000 USD
- 4 PAX = 2600 USD
- 5 PAX = 2550 USD
- 6 PAX = 2500 USD
- 7 PAX = 2450 USD
- 8 PAX = 2400 USD
- 9 PAX = 2350 USD
- 10 PAX = 2300 USD
- 11 PAX = 2250 USD
- 12 PAX = 2200 USD
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