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Ecuador Volcano Descent in Quito

Join certified guide Emilio and embark on a truly unique full-day adventure to venture deep inside the active Pichincha volcano's steaming crater. Prepare for an approximately 1.5-hour descent into the heart of the crater and an invigorating 3 uphill ascent.


TRIP TYPE

Group

MOUNTAIN RANGES

Andes

DURATION

1 Day

OFFER PERIOD

Jan, Feb, Jun - Dec

FITNESS LEVEL

high

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

  • Unique opportunity to be safely inside an active volcano.
  • Best views of Quito and its surroundings.
  • Closest and easiest way of climbing a 16,000 ft peak.

Description

Full-day adventure to the crater of an active volcano in Ecuador

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a full-day adventure that will take you deep inside the steaming crater of an active volcano.

This unique experience ensures your safety while granting you the chance to explore the inner workings of an active volcano, all while enjoying the best views of Quito and its breathtaking surroundings.

With just a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Quito's historic center, you'll be captivated by the stunning vistas of the city, neighboring volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, and the sprawling coastal lowlands of Ecuador.

Once at the rim, prepare for a descent of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes into the heart of the crater, where you'll walk among the steam and sulfur-smelling fumaroles.

After thoroughly exploring the area, we'll embark on a 2-3 hour uphill ascent at high altitudes (12,500 to 15,500 feet) to reach the rim. Once there, we'll head back to Quito, concluding an unforgettable adventure.

Book your spot today for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the crater of an active volcano in Ecuador!

Interested in a longer volcanic adventure? Consider checking out some of my other programs such as this 8-Day Ecuador volcanic rock climbing trip.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Transportation start and back

- Mountain guide expenses

Price details

The price INCLUDES transportation Quito-trailhaed-Quito.

Does NOT include:

- Food and snacks

- Helmet (mandatory)

- Adequate gas mask (mandatory)

- Tips

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking


Itinerary

Day 1: Descent to active crater in Quito

  • 6:00 AM: We'll pick you up from your hotel in Quito.

  • 7:30 AM: Arrive at the refuge and trailhead to prepare and gear up.

  • 8:00 AM: Begin the hike.

  • 10:00 AM: Reach the base of the crater and explore the area.

  • 12:00 PM: Commence the return ascent to the refuge.

  • 3:00 PM: Arrive back at the refuge, and we'll start the drive back to Quito.

  • 5:00 PM: Return to your hotel.

Equipment you will need to bring

You will need to bring a helmet as well as a gas mask for acid vapors

FAQs

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain?

Participants must have previous hiking experience and be acclimatized to at least 4,000 m / 13,200 ft. Steep slopes are to be expected.

Where will we meet?

We will meet in Quito in Centro Histórico

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own?

You will need to bring a helmet as well as a gas mask for acid vapors

What's included in the price?

The price includes transportation from Quito to the trailhead and back.

What is NOT included in the price?

Food and snacks, helmet (required), adequate gas mask (required), and tips are not included.

About the guide: Camilo

Guide profile image

Camilo

Mountain Guide

ASEGUIM Aspirant Guide from Ecuador

I`m a passionate of adventure, nature sports and culture. As a kid, I used to go with my family to hiking, climbing and camping trips. My love for the mountains and nature comes from my dad!

I`ve been in the mountains all my life and I found a way to work in what I love. I`m an Eco-tourism graduate and after that I started my international mountain guide career in Ecuador.

I have been guiding since 2009 and almost every year I go to Peru or Bolivia. I lived for 2 years in Huaraz, Peru in the beautiful Cordillera Blanca area climbing and guiding.

My goal is to offer an experience in the mountains that will keep with you for a long time; during the climbing trips, I will explain the history, culture and biology of the environment we are in.

I you are interested in this different aspect of mountaineering and climbing, contact me!

Languages

German | English

What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari

5.00

I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!

Niklas

5.00

I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.

Greg

5.00

I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.

Colin

5.00

Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!

Lesley

4.00

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.

 

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