2+ day ascent to Antisana volcano and Antisana Ecological Reserve
Join Pablo, an IFMGA certified guide on this ascent of the Antisana Volcano! On this 2 or 3 day trip, you will climb one of Ecuador's most impressive Volcanoes!
Group
Andes
3 Days
Jan, Feb, May, Jun, Jul, Oct, Nov, Dec
Fit
Intermediate
Highlights
- Hiking in the grassbeds located at the base of the volcano
- The less-touristy aspect of the trail
- Recuperating in the famous Papallacta thermal springs
Description
Calling all climbers to the Antisana Volcano, Ecuador! Join me for a 2 to 3 day ascent of this inactive volcano.
The Antisana Volcano (5758 m) is certainly lesser-known, as it used to be of limited accessibility to climbers. And the word “Antisana” which means “Man of Wind and Snow” in Quechua derives from Atisana’s four peaks, all of which are ensconced by electric blue glaciers. These glaciers also contain the most colossal amount of equatorial ice and snow in the world!
We begin our trip with a 2 hour hike to the base of Antisana by going through Píntag, a small town whose charm is rooted in its cobblestone streets and tiled roofs. We will then continue hiking up and set up our base camp at an altitude of 4533 m, in order to prepare ourselves for the climb the following day. In the morning, we will rise early to enjoy breakfast and begin our morning climb up Antisana, which is expected to take 8 hours. And given that we will have started the climb at such a high altitude with scarce vegetation, climbers will use many technical and ice climbing skills early on. Once we reach the summit, we’ll stop to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of north face of Cotopaxi and the headwaters of the Amazon basin below. We will eventually return from the summit, taking about 4 hours to descend back to the base camp.
More still, this trip is available as a two day or three day expedition, with the optional third day taking us on an excursion to the Papallacta Hot Springs & Ecological Reserve, and here you can enjoy the hot springs and nature reserve after a physically rigorous climb.
This trip is intended for people of an intermediate to advanced level of skill and is ideal for those who want to practice crevasse travel and perfect their snow and ice techniques. We will try to stick with the intended itinerary but this is subject to change based on the weather conditions and physical fitness of participants.
Request to book this trip if you have always wanted to summit the Antisana Volcano in Ecuador! And if you would like to do other summits in Ecuador, check out my 2 day guided climb to Iliniza North or my 1 day ascent of El Corazon.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1
We will drive from Quito to Antisana. After 2 hours we will reach base camp at (4,533 m/14,870 ft ), located on the western side of the mountainous volcano. Here we will prepare our equipment, then conduct a safety and skills review. Afterwards we will reach our accommodation and go to bed early in order to rest for the next day’s climb.
Day 2: Day 2
We will wake up early for breakfast and then begin our early morning ascent up Antisana. It will take approximately 8 hours to reach the top. At the summit we will enjoy the views and prepare for the 4 hour descent back to base camp.
Day 3: Day 3-Termas de Papallacta & Ecological Reserve Extension (optional)
Optional: You may explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife at the Antisana Ecological Reserve. We will then end the day at the Papallacta thermal springs, where you can recuperate with their exceptional massage and aromatherapy.
Details
Meeting point Quito, Ecuador |
About the guide
UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide from Ecuador.
I fell in love with the mountains at a young age while climbing Ecuador’s volcanoes with my father. I guided in the Andes for 8 years and have been guiding for the past four years in the Northwest United States. In 1997 I expanded his adventure skills by taking on rock climbing. I represented Chimborazo province three times as the Ecuadorian National Rock Climbing Champion.
I completed his UIAGM certification with the Bolivian Mountain & Trekking Guide Association, accredited by the National School of Ski and Alpinism of Chamonix (ENSA), and completed Advanced Alpine and Rock Guides Courses with American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).
I usually spend some months every year in Ecuador (from October to January, but it varies every year). The rest of the year I am based and guide in Europe.
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