Destination

Trek Details

Welcome to an immersive 15-day mountaineering experience in the heart of the Andes!

15 DAYS climbing school in ECUADOR

Cayambe, Antisana and Chimborazo National Parks.

Price from

$3400

Duration

15 Days

Group Size

from 2 people

Welcome to an immersive 15-day mountaineering experience in the heart of the Andes! The Climbing School in Ecuador is tailored for adventurers of all levels eager to enhance their alpine skills while exploring one of the most scenic and volcanically active regions on Earth. Situated in Ecuador’s high-altitude landscapes, this hands-on program combines professional instruction with practical climbs on glaciated peaks. Participants will learn essential mountaineering techniques including rope handling, ice climbing, crevasse rescue, and glacier travel while progressively acclimatizing in a safe environment. Throughout the journey, you will train on iconic volcanoes such as Pasochoa, Cayambe, and Chimborazo, guided by certified Ecuadorian mountain guides. The course culminates in an expedition-style ascent, allowing you to apply all the skills you’ve learned in a high-altitude setting. Whether your goal is to climb the world’s great peaks or simply gain confidence in alpine terrain, this 15-day climbing school offers the perfect blend of education, adventure, and cultural discovery amidst the majestic Andes of Ecuador.

Sights:

Quito world cultural heritage.
Cayambe, Antisana and Chimborazo National Parks.
Baños & Papallacta hot springs.

Summit opportunities:

Pasochoa 4,199 m/ 13,776 ft.
Cayambe: 5,789 m/18,993 ft.
Antisana: 5,740 m/18,800 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

Day 1 Saturday

Travel Day

Upon arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, you will be greeted by our driver at the airport. Most flights arrive in Quito (UIO) in the late evening. From there, you will be transported to our warm and welcoming Tambocajas B&B Basecamp, where you can unwind and prepare for your upcoming adventures.

Altitudes: Quito: 2,890 m/9,481 ft.
Travel times: Airport – B&B: 45 min-40 km/24 mi
Accommodations: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with Wi-Fi
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Sunday

City Tour of Quito – Equator Monument

We will spend the day exploring the beautiful Colonial Quito. Our first stop will be at El Panecillo, home to a sculpture of Quito’s Madonna, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciated peaks. Next, we’ll explore the historic old town of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning colonial architecture. We’ll stroll through charming streets, including Calle La Ronda, and visit significant sites such as Carondelet Palace, Independence Square, the Church of La Compañía, and the Church and Monastery of San Francisco. At midday, we’ll drive northwest of Quito to reach the Middle of the World (Equator Monument), where you can stand on the equatorial line and learn about this fascinating region’s unique geography.

Altitudes: Quito: 2,850 m/9,350 ft.
Travel times: B&B – 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 WiFi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 3 Monday

Pasochoa Climb

Today, we will embark on a journey 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 begin our three-hour hike through the lush cloud forest, following roadways and narrow paths that wind through the stunning paramo grassland of Pasochoa National Park. Our destination is the summit of the extinct volcano Pasochoa, which stands at 4,199 m (13,776 ft). From this vantage point, we will be treated to breathtaking views of two of Ecuador’s highest snow-capped peaks: Cotopaxi and Antisana. To reach the highest point on the crater rim, we’ll navigate a straightforward climbing passage just below the summit. After enjoying the remarkable scenery, we will return to the bus for our drive back to Quito.

Altitudes: Start hike: 3,595 m/11,794 ft. – Summit Pasochoa: 4,199 m/ 13,776 ft.
Vertical gain climbing: 604 m/1,981 ft.
Travel times: B&B – Start hike: 1 hr 30 min – 40 km / 25 mi.
Hiking/climbing times: Start hike – Summit Pasochoa: 3 hours – Summit Pasochoa – Start hike: 2 hours.
Accommodations: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with WiFi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 4 Tuesday

Dry exercise day

Today marks the beginning of our basic glacier training course. We will start with an overview of essential gear, including how to properly put on crampons, harnesses, and helmets, as well as how to securely attach climbing equipment to your harness. We will also cover the different types of harnesses, crampons, ropes, and carabiners, discussing their specific uses. Following our introduction to equipment, we will focus on knot skills, learning how to tie various knots such as the figure-eight, butterfly, and clove hitch, along with their applications. We will then practice the proper technique for roping up. After lunch, we will delve into crevasse rescue skills, including self-belay, self-arrest, and team arrest techniques. We will also cover rappelling to prepare you for various climbing scenarios. We will conclude the day with a session on trip planning, ensuring you have the tools needed to organize successful outings in the future.

Altitudes: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse 2,850 m/9,350 ft.
Accommodations: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with WiFi
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 Wednesday

Cayambe Approach

After breakfast, we will drive to Cayambe National Park. Our bus will drop us off at the end of the paved road at an altitude of 4,426 m (14,521 ft). From there, we will hike the last section of the road, allowing the jeeps to transport our equipment to the Ruales-Oleas-Bergé Refuge at 4,648 m (15,249 ft). Once we arrive at the refuge, we will begin our first ice training session in the Cayambe glacier area. The focus for the day will be on navigating the glacier using crampons and ice axes, as well as learning how to rope up for glacier travel. We will cover techniques and tactics for safely crossing crevasses and performing braking falls in snow. At the end of the afternoon, we will return to the refuge to enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Altitudes: Start hike 4426 m/14521ft – Refuge: 4,648m/15,249ft. glacier entrance: 4840 m/ 15879 ft.
Vertical gain climbing: 414 m/ 1358 ft.
Hiking/climbing times: Start hike – Refuge: 30 min. – Refuge – Glacier entrance: 1 hr.
Travel times: Hotel – Start hike: 2 hour – 58 km/36 mi.
Accommodation: Refuge. Not Wi Fi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 6 Thursday

Training Skills day

After breakfast, we will hike up to the glacier where we will begin practicing with snow and ice anchors. Our focus will be on crevasse rescue skills, including self-belay, self-arrest, and team arrest techniques, all at the edge of a real crevasse. The entire afternoon will be dedicated to mastering these vital skills, including how to hold a crevasse fall and perform a self-rescue. Throughout the practice, our mountain guide will provide helpful tips and insights to enhance your technique. At the end of the afternoon, we will return to the refuge to enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Altitudes: Refuge: 4,648m/15,249ft. glacier entrance: 4840 m/ 15879 ft.
Vertical gain climbing: 192 m/629 ft.
Hiking/climbing times: Refuge – Glacier entrance: 1 hr.
Accommodation: Refuge not Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner

Day 7 Friday

Training Skills day

After breakfast, we will leave the refuge and head up to the glacier to practice climbing on an ice wall. We will begin by setting up a top-rope anchor system, followed by several hours of ice climbing and rappelling to build your skills and confidence in this terrain. In the afternoon, we will address any remaining questions and resolve any issues that may arise. We will also engage in tour planning for our upcoming climbing objectives, allowing participants to determine what preparations will be necessary for the climb ahead.

Altitudes: Refuge: 4,648m/15,249ft. glacier entrance: 4840 m/ 15879 ft.
Vertical gain climbing: 192 m/629 ft.
Hiking/climbing times: Refuge – Glacier entrance: 1 hr.
Accommodation: Refuge. Not Wi Fi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 8 Saturday

Cayambe Summit day

We will begin our climb at midnight, fueled by some hot drinks and snacks. From the mountain hut, our route takes us over loose scree and a series of rocky sections until we reach the entrance to the glacier. Once on the glacier, we will rope up and make our way toward a prominent rock outcrop known as Picos Jarrin, located at 5,300 m (17,390 ft), where we will take a break. The ascent continues along the ridge eastward toward a large crevasse, which we will either cross or bypass depending on the conditions. After approximately seven hours of climbing, you will reach the summit of Cayambe at 5,789 m (18,993 ft), the third highest mountain in Ecuador. Here, you can witness a breathtaking sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. The descent will follow the same route and will require your full concentration once again. After returning to the mountain hut, we will drive back to Quito for rest and recovery.

Altitudes: Refuge 4,658 m/15,282 ft. – Summit Cayambe 5,789 m/18,993 ft.
Vertical gain climbing: 1,131 m/3,711 ft.
Travel times: Refuge – B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse: 3 hours – 100km/62 mi.
Hiking/climbing times: Refuge – Summit Cayambe: 7 hours – Summit Cayambe – Refuge:3 hr.
Accommodation: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 9 Sunday

Papallacta Hot springs

Today is our designated rest day, focused on regenerating between summit tours. We will embark on a drive to Cayambe-Coca National Park, where we’ll reach an altitude of 4,391 m (14,406 ft) and take in stunning views of Antisana. After our time in the park, we will head to Termas Papallacta, widely regarded as the most beautiful hot springs spa in Ecuador. Nestled in a picturesque green area with views of the majestic Antisana and fed by the Reventador volcano, this spa offers the perfect setting for relaxation. Here, you will have ample time to unwind and recharge for the upcoming summit challenges. We will spend the night in the same comfortable accommodation as the previous night.

Altitudes: Papallacta 3250 m/ 10662 ft.
Travel times: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse – Papallacta: 1 hr. 30 min – 74 km/45 mi.
Accommodation: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse with Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 10 Monday

Antisana Base camp

After breakfast, we will drive to the charming town of Pintag, located at the foot of the Antisana Reserve, where you’ll meet your mountain guides. From there, we will continue our journey to a parking lot at approximately 4,300 m (14,107 ft). The final leg of our journey involves a hike to the tent camp at an altitude of 4,500 m (14,763 ft). Group equipment will be transported to the camp by four-wheel drive vehicles, allowing you to carry only your daypack with your personal items. Upon arriving at the camp, you will find everything already set up for your comfort, and you will be served a warm dinner. Enjoy your overnight stay in the tent, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Andes.

Altitudes: Start hike: 4300 m/ 14107 ft – Base camp: 4500 m/ 14763 ft.
Vertical gain climbing: 200 m/656 ft.
Travel times: B&B Tambocajas Guesthouse – Base Camp: 2 hr. – 50 km/31 mi.
Accommodation: Base Camp No WiFi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 11 Tuesday

Antisana summit day

The summit day at Antisana begins at 12 a.m. After a light snack and some hot tea, we’ll commence our ascent of the fourth highest mountain in Ecuador at midnight. From camp, we will trek for about an hour to reach the foot of the glacier, where we will rope up for glacier travel. As we navigate through crevasses and ice features, we will make our way to the serene and stunning summit of Antisana, standing at 5,740 m (18,800 ft). We expect to reach the summit between 6 and 7 a.m., where you can marvel at the breathtaking sunrise and enjoy views of neighboring Cotopaxi, complete with its ash plume. The descent back to the tent camp will take approximately four hours, following the same route we ascended. After a hearty breakfast at camp, we will continue our journey down to the parking lot, where our bus will be waiting to take us to Baños, located at 1,820 m (5,871 ft) on the edge of the Amazon Basin, for some rest and recovery. We will drive south along what Alexander von Humboldt famously referred to as “The Avenue of the Volcanoes.”

Altitudes: Base camp: 4500 m/ 14763 ft. – Summit Antisana: 5,740 m/18,800 ft.
Vertical gain climbing: 1.240m/4068 ft.
Travel times: Base camp – La Casa de Pia: 4 hour – 250 km/ 155 mi.
Hiking/Climbing times: Base camp – Summit Antisana: 7 hr. Summit Antisana – Base camp: 3 hr.
Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de Pia with Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 12 Wednesday

Watterfall day

After breakfast, we will embark on a trip to the stunning Pastaza Gorge. We’ll cross the river via a cable car, arriving on the other side, where we can stroll through gardens filled with tangerines, lemons, and guava pears, as well as past tranquil trout pools. The waterfalls in this area are truly spectacular! We will descend to the impressive «Pailón del Diablo,» renowned as the most beautiful waterfall of all. Following our exploration, we will savor the region’s specialty grilled trout. In the afternoon, we will 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

Day 13 Thursday

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). Notably, its main summit holds the distinction of being the farthest point from the center of the Earth, making Chimborazo the tallest mountain in the world. We will drive to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, where we will reach the Carrel Hut at 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). Our ascent will follow the West Ridge Route, also known as the Castillo Route, which increases our chances of reaching the summit. Porters will carry the 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 prepare for a peaceful night’s sleep under the stars. Overnight 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 hours
Accommodation: Base Camp not WiFi
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 14 Friday

Chimborazo summit day

We will begin the Chimborazo climb around midnight, setting off for the summit. Our route will take us through rocky fields until we reach the mountain ridge, La Arista, at 5,500 m (18,044 ft). From there, we will continue onto steep slopes of snow, firn, and ice, with grades reaching 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 ascent to the main summit, Whymper, at approximately 6,263 m (20,548 ft), will take an additional 40 minutes. Once at the summit, you will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Andes, including El Altar the most challenging mountain to climb in Ecuador as well as active volcanoes Tungurahua and Sangay. To the north, you’ll see 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). Afterward, 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