Cayambe Volcano 2-day guided climbing trip
5.0
(5)
Cayambe is the highest point of the planet measuring it from the Ecuadorian Line. Are you ready to reach its summit in a 2-day guided ascent? Do it under the supervision of Jaime, an ASEGUIM certified guide.
Andes
2 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Description
Welcome to the highest point on the Equator Line: the Cayambe volcano!
It’s my pleasure to invite to a 2-day guided ascent up to the summit of Cayambe, the Ecuadorian third-highest mountain. This climbing tour includes a low technical difficulty level. However, participants must have a good fitness condition since we’ll face demanding glaciers, crevasses and snow avalanches. In addition to that, a good acclimatization would be a plus as well as some previous mountaineering experience. Since Cotopaxi summit has been closed for climbing, the Cayambe volcano has gained popularity among mountaineers from all around the world. Moreover, the area offers a new and comfortable mountain hut with excellent facilities. This climbing adventure can be run all year round, although from November to February the weather conditions are the best. The period from June to September is also good, but it’s rather windy. You can choose your more convenient starting point among these options. There are other places available upon request:
- Baños,
- Riobamba,
- Ambato,
- Machachi,
- Quito.
Then, you can see a sample itinerary of this program. Any item can be adapted to your wishes and expectations.
DAY 1
A transfer will take you to the chosen starting point. Then we have a long drive to the Cayambe city. We’ll stop at the parking lot very close to the Ruales Oleas Berge Hut, at 4700 meters of altitude. Here we’ll spend the night. During the afternoon we’ll have some time to walk around and explore the surroundings. We can also have a training hike on a nearby glacier before having dinner and rest.
DAY 2
Depending on the group size and weather conditions we’ll start the climb up to the summit of Cayambe by midnight. After around 7 hours we’ll get there! Then, we’ll descend to the hut again (3 or 4 more hours). On the way back you will enjoy a great meal in a local restaurant. Finally, the transfer will take you back to your starting point. End of the program.
So, remember this trip is available during all the year. If you’re planning to come to Ecuador do not hesitate to contact me. Live a unique experience in the highest point of the planet!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- Pick up on the first day and drop off on the last day can be arranged according to your accommodation.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1:
A transfer will take you to the chosen starting point. Then we have a long drive to the Cayambe city. We’ll stop at the parking lot very close to the Ruales Oleas Berge Hut, at 4700 meters of altitude. Here we’ll spend the night. During the afternoon we’ll have some time to walk around and explore the surroundings. We can also have a training hike on a nearby glacier before having dinner and rest.
Day 2:
Depending on the group size and weather conditions we’ll start the climb up to the summit of Cayambe by midnight. After around 7 hours we’ll get there! Then, we’ll descend to the hut again (3 or 4 more hours). On the way back you will enjoy a great meal in a local restaurant. Finally, the transfer will take you back to your starting point. End of the program.
Details
More info
- Climbing equipment upon request
- Prices depend on group size and services included. Please contact me for individual trip
What to bring:
Good mountaineering shoes, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, warm mountaineering clothes incl. gloves, hat or buff, sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, drinking bottle, headlamp, personal items, special snacks.
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Ice axe
Harness
Helmet
Sunglasses
FAQs
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
There will be one guide for every four climbers. This is a standard guide-to-climber ratio for climbing Cayambe, and it ensures that each climber has the attention and support of a qualified guide.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
For insurance, you can review the options proposed by Explore-Share's partner. They offer rescue and travel coverages. More information is available here: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/.
Where will we meet at the start of the trip?
We will meet at the start of the trip in one of the following locations: Baños, Riobamba, Ambato, Machachi, or Quito. We can also meet in other places upon request.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
This climbing adventure can be done year-round, but the best time to go is from November to February, when the weather conditions are the most favorable.
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb Cayambe?
Climbing Cayambe requires prior climbing experience and skills, as well as a good fitness level since we’ll face demanding glaciers, crevasses and snow avalanches. It is also KEY to acclimatize to the altitude before the climb. The tour itself is 2 days, but acclimatization is the most important thing. We usually have 5-6 day plans with the final goal of Cayambe, which works pretty well. It's a non-technical but challenging glacier climb. So if you book this 2-day ascent, please make sure to schedule some days for acclimatization prior to the climb (4 - 5 days), and try to sleep high as well in order to prepare properly for the climb.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own?
You'll need to bring: good mountaineering shoes, crampons, an ice axe, harness, helmet, warm mountaineering clothes including gloves, hat or buff, sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, drinking bottle, headlamp, and snacks.
How will accommodation be handled?
The lodging will be arranged in Ruales Oleas Berge Hut.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Jaime
4.8
(49)
Mountain Guide
Certified IFMGA - ASEGUIM Mountain Guide, National guide, Rescue Team Member GRA & Lawyer.
As passionate mountaineer and with almost 20 years of guiding experience, I worked with clients from all over the world. Each tour is a unique experience and I will pleased to guide you to the marvellous summits of Ecuador and South America. My journeys have allowed me to guide and summit several mountains in Peru, like Alpamayo, Chopicalqui & Tocllaraju amongst others and to experience some mountain climbing in the Alps of Austria and Italy.
I’m based in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador’s famous piece of heaven, where we run together with my Austrian girlfriend a small tour operator and a consulting office.
Continuous improvement and keeping up with the State of the Art is our mission:in 2017, I completed the IFMGA certification and, recently, in 2018, I received the National guide certification from the ministry of Tourism.
President of Baños Trail Running Club, I run every week with my team. My achievement of 2018 : Finishing 1st of my category for the 100km Ruco Ultra Trail.
I’m looking forward to exploring our beautiful mountains together with you.
Languages
German | French | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM | IFMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Vroni
I spent an almost 3 week long holiday with Andean Summit Adventure in Ecuador this November and can totally recommend this agency. As a guest you feel really welcome and our guide Jaime was very experienced, professional and friendly. We climbed some mountains off the beaten track and it was a lot of fun! The organization was perfect as well, both for mountain days as well as for the rest days (hot springs, mitad del mundo and so on)
Sarah
We summited Cotopaxi with Jamie as our guide. It was an unbelievable and perfect experience. Jamie was very knowledgeable, skilled, and personable. He shared just enough information with us for each part of the trip for us to be prepared but not too overwhelmed. It was very easy to communicate with our guide and the company before the trip. The food was really nice and the whole experience staying at the refuge and meeting other climbers and guides. We were very confident in Jamie’s skills and ability to keep us safe. His saying “never give up!” was very motivating for our successful summit. The gear was all very nice and up to date, we were given every tool we needed. I felt every emotion during this day from excitement, to fear, to fatigue, to gratitude, I cried very much at the summit because it was so beautiful and it was such a big accomplishment for myself and my husband. Overall this experience was our favorite for our time in Ecuador and even one of my favorites of my whole life! Highly recommend Jamie and Andean summit adventure. Worth every dollar as an investment for an experience of a lifetime!
Artur
Thanks to Elisabeth, the experience before climb was already great - she provided guidance and all answers right away, even being in different timezone! Jaime was our guide and he is exceptionally skilled guide, with tons of experience, but also we did many great talks about different things! Can't recommend this guides highly enough!
Matthew
Great mountaineering trip in Ecuador. Well organized with great guides, hotels and food options.
Nina
Our guide was Robinson (not jamie). The trip was amazing! Easy communication with the Company before the trip. We got sick right before and there were No problem to postpone the trip one day. We got picked up by robinson at our hostel, driven to rental shop for gear, then had lunch in Cayambe before heading to the refuge. Robinson was a Great guide, knowledagble and very helpful and nice! The hike to the summit was beautiful!!
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