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.
Andes
14 Days
Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
High
Intermediate
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.
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We’ll meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We will keep hiking to the edge of the Antisana glacier (4,789 m), before we establish our Antisana Base Camp (4, 533m).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our services end today with a group transfer to the airport.
More info
Please contact us directly for more details.
Meeting point
5.0
(10)
Mountain 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
Paul
David
We had an excellent experience with Willie Benegas, he was knowledgeable and inclusive and would by all means join him again.
Jonathan
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
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
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% !
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