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Antisana, Cotopaxi & “Condor Trek”, roundtrip from Quito, Ecuador (14 days)

Antisana, Cotopaxi and the "Condor Trek" in Ecuador, roundtrip from Quito (14 days)

Guillermo, an AMGA certified guide, would love to take you to the summit of two colossal volcanoes in Ecuador: Antisana and Cotopaxi. Join him on this mountaineering adventure, and hike through the Condor Trek as well.

Private and Group

Andes

14 Days

Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec

Fit

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Explore the humid and intriguing Andean Forest.
  • Reach the summit of Antisana and Cotopaxi.
  • Hike across the famous Condor Trek.

Description

Are you a trekking enthusiast or mountaineer who wishes to gain more experience? Would you like to live an unforgettable alpine adventure? Then, search no more! Join this fantastic journey to climb Antisana and Cotopaxi. And cross the Condor Trek.

On this trip we will combine the best of two worlds. First, we’ll trek through the humid Andean Forest. There, we’ll learn about one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth. Then, we’ll reach the summit of two magnificent high-altitude peaks, with incredible glaciers.

Please note both ascents are highly demanding. Thus, they require a huge effort. Also, participants must have an excellent fitness level and good acclimatization. But, don’t worry, as we’ll have plenty of time to acclimatize during our expedition. Plus, the views we’ll get from both summits, are completely worth it. So, once you get to stand at the top of Antisana and Cotopaxi, all of your effort will be rewarded.

Moreover, the “Condor Trek” is a wonderful path, blessed with breathtaking sceneries. Ecuador is known as the land of volcanoes. And during this expedition, you’ll get the opportunity to admire many of them. Also, we’ll visit different mountain passes and even hot springs. So every day will be a new adventure.

As for the accommodation, there are several options available. On top of camping under a dazzling bed of stars, and staying at charming mountain huts, there are also options at comfortable lodges and hot springs, where you can experience true luxury.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity. Gather your friends and request to book a private trip. Or join one of our groups, at the dates we’ve already set some expeditions. But regardless the type of trip you choose, it will most certainly be a life-changing experience.

Looking for an adventure on the other side of the continent? Check this Utah’s Wasatch Mountains backcountry ski days.

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Transport during the trip

- Luggage transfer

- Permit and entrance fees

- Group porters

Price details

Group Cost: $4,550 (minimum 4 participants-this is the price to join one of our group tours). Private Guide Cost: $7,750. On top of the guide fee, the price includes: hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary, based on double occupancy*; all park entrance fees and climbing permits; sightseeing arrangements as indicated in the itinerary; all group transportation in country as indicated in the itinerary (to include one group transfer from Airport to Quito City on Day 1 and one group transfer Quito City to the airport on Day 14); tents and all group cooking and climbing equipment; all meals in the mountains (all meals outside Quito); mules for the Condor Trek. The price does not include: international airfare; personal gear; travel insurance, medical evacuation insurance and security evacuation insurance; excess baggage fees and departure taxes; meals in Quito; any other meals not included in the itinerary; bottled water and personal drinks; customary guide gratuities; additional room charges including laundry service and other personal expenses; hotel accommodations not indicated in the itinerary; medical, hospitalization and evacuation costs (by any means).


Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1: Quito

We’ll meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2: City Tour of Quito City

On our first day we’ll tour the city of Quito. Due to its mild weather and well-preserved colonial architecture, it is considered one of the most beautiful of South America. Then, trekking across its enchanting streets will be the perfect way to acclimatize. Also, we’ll have a safety briefing and go over all our gear. Finally, we’ll have a welcome dinner in the evening. And we’ll stay at our hotel to get ready for the next day’s adventures.

Day 3: Rucu Pichincha Ascent - Termas de Papallacta.

Using the new cable car, we’ll reach an altitude of 3,966 meters. Thereupon, we’ll hike to the summit of Ruco Pichincha (4,698 m). After that, we’ll head back to Quito. And we’ll take a bus to the Termas Papallacta hot springs, where we’ll stay for the night.

Day 4: Termas de Papallacta - Acclimatization hike to the La Virgen High Pass.

After a delicious and nutritious breakfast, we’ll take a bus to the entrance of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. Later, we’ll hike to the La Virgen High Pass (3,952 m). On the way there, we’ll pass by mesmerizing lakes, including Laguna Sucus. After our hike, our bus will be waiting at La Virgen to head back to Termas Papallacta for dinner and another evening in the spa.

Day 5: Condor Trek

We’ll depart from Termas Papallacta, driving to El Tambo (3,400 m) where our kit and supplies will be waiting on mules. Thereon, we’ll hike through Andean grasslands to the shores of Volcano Lake (3,800 meters), where we’ll set camp.

Day 6: Second Day of The Condor Trek

After breakfast, we’ll hike to the base of Antisana, enjoying views of the four highest mountains in Ecuador, along with the Santa Lucia Lake and the high plateaus. Then, after about 6 hours we’ll reach our second camp.

Day 7: Third Day Of The Condor Trek

We will keep hiking to the edge of the Antisana glacier (4,789 m), before we establish our Antisana Base Camp (4, 533m).

Day 8: Glacier Travel Training

We’ll depart early after breakfast, trekking up to the glacier for a day of glacier school. Then, we’ll return to our Base Camp to spend the night.

Day 9: Preparation for the ascent

On this day we’ll reinforce our glacier skills during the morning. And, in the afternoon, we’ll prepare our climbing equipment, and get some rest to get ready for the ascent.

Day 10: Summit Day Antisana - Termas de Papallacta.

Before midnight, our cook will have our breakfast ready. Thereon, we’ll head towards the summit, passing by glaciers, and avoiding the crevassed areas and towers of glacier ice. Then, we’ll be reaching the summit with the sunrise to get a hypnotizing view. Upon completion, we’ll descend to Termas de Papallacta for a celebratory dinner and a well-deserved evening in the spa.

Day 11: Transfer to Tambopaxi Lodge

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Tambopaxi Lodge (3,766 m), which lies inside the Cotopaxi National Park. From there, we’ll get unrivalled views of Cotopaxi.

Day 12: Jose Rivas Lodge - Preparation for Summit Day Cotopaxi

Right after breakfast, our transport will be ready to take us to the parkland at the northern slopes of Cotopaxi (4,600 m). Thereupon, we’ll trek to the Jose Ribas Refuge (4,800 m), where we’ll get ready to reach the summit of Cotopaxi.

Day 13: Summit Day Cotopaxi. Return to Quito.

At about 1:00 a.m., we’ll begin our ascent. Departing early means better snow conditions. Thus, we’ll travel faster and more safely. And although the route is not technically challenging, it is physically demanding, as it involves climbing on moderate glaciated slopes (generally 30° – 45°). After seven to eight hours we’ll reach the summit, from where we’ll get fantastic views of the gigantic crater and peaks around like Antisana, Cayambe and Chimborazo. After taking in the views, we’ll descend Cotopaxi and head back to Quito to celebrate.

Day 14: Return Home

Our services end today with a group transfer to the airport.

 

Details

Accommodation

Camping, mountain huts and hotels. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those occupying single accommodations by choice or circumstance. The single supplement is not available in huts, tents, or in all hotels.

More info

Please contact us directly for more details.

Meeting point

Quito's Airport

About the guide

Twin brothers Damian and Willie Benegas are two of the most respected climbers and mountaineers that Patagonia has produced. They boast an impressive 20 years' experience climbing and guiding expeditions in the Seven Continents, including tailor-made trips and group tours.

Benegas Brothers Expeditions' track record is proven by its outstanding safety and summit rates and the fact that clients keep coming back year after year.

It was their father's love for mountaineering and the outdoors that inspired Damian and WIllie as children to pursue their own adventures. Aconcagua and the mountains in northern Patagonia became their training ground and the place where they established themselves as world-class alpinists.

BBE was founded in 1992 and over the course of 20 seasons has guided clients from all over the world around the 4 corners of the world. The Benegas Brothers offer personalized adventures by prioritizing small groups in which family values and environmentally-friendly policies are of essence.

Join their expeditions in Patagonia, the Andes, the US and all over the world!

Languages

English

Certificates

AMGA | IFMGA


What people are saying about Benegas Brothers Expeditions

Jonathan Unsworth-White

5.00

March, 2023

Willie was hugely experienced and adapted the day according to our inexperience, late middle age and heavy snow fall. It was an exhausting climb and when the weather became even more inclement we bailed out and skied down the way we had come. Willie had already displayed great flexibility with the date, trying hard to negotiate a series of storms coming across the region. In the end we made the best of a bad situation. Be prepared for additional expense. Touring skis, skins, boots and poles plus the backpacks, shovels, search poles and beacons all adds up. With tip that will add another $150 per person. The day was a real adventure and certainly a memorable one. Don't underestimate the level of fitness required. We are pretty fit but it didn't feel like it was enough!

Thomas Oshea

5.00

February, 2023

We all had a great day out with Willi. He found us some great snow to ski. And even with a few technical issues, he worked round it with ease. He shared alot of knowledge with us all, so we all had a great powder day. We would highly recommend this trip. Tom

alex klinovsky

5.00

January, 2023

My guide Joseph was exceptional. His combination of local knowledge, avalanche expertise, trip/route planning, photography, and his fun, positive attitude made for an unforgettable experience. I’ll be back 100% !

John Litherland

5.00

January, 2023

Willie Benegas was a superb guide for our first BC ski adventure in the Wasatch. Friendly and highly competent, he accurately assessed the conditions and our ability, and planned a trip that was both challenging and fun. Highly recommended!

Vas Ketavarapu

5.00

March, 2022

The backcountry ski trip with Willie was awesome! He called me the day before the trip to explain where we were going to go and what we were going to do. Given that the weather was going to be cold, he brought along a thermos flask that I could put hot tea in. On the second day, he shared his thermos of hot tea with me since I didn't take the thermos. The snow conditions were a bit variable but Willie did a good job finding some good powder (especially the second day where we were able to ski 18 inches of untracked powder on an east facing bowl). The skinning part on the second day was extremely challenging because it was on a 32-34 degree slope with about 12 inches of fresh powder and it made the kick turns rather exciting. Willie really helped by using his shovel on each of the kick turns to make it a bit easier for me to make the turn. Willie also provided some coaching tips along the way both on the skinning as well as on the skiing part. He was also able to accurately judge what kind of terrain would work for my skill/fitness level and push me to that level! Willie was also a great companion. He has traveled all over the world and has had some interesting experiences which he shared. All in all, I had a really good trip with Willie.

Chris Lowe

5.00

February, 2022

Very quick, attentive and personable service and was adaptable to my changing needs. The guide was very professional and organised, great communication and some fantastic ski tours in a new mountain range. Great all round. Many thanks.

David Berton

5.00

January, 2022

We had an excellent experience with Willie Benegas, he was knowledgeable and inclusive and would by all means join him again.

Paul Wolf

5.00

February, 2021

The traveller did not leave a comment.


 

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