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Get to the top of 7 of the highest peaks in Ecuador on this fantastic 18-day mountaineering expedition from Quito led by IFMGA certified mountain guide Edgar.
Climb 7 of the highest peaks in Ecuador in one expedition.
Spend 18 days exploring the natural areas of the Andes.
Contemplate incredible views of the range from the summits.
Reach the tallest peaks in Ecuador, including Chimborazo! Follow me on this unique 18-day mountaineering expedition from Quito.
Among the mountains that we will climb, you can find Pasochoa, Corazon, Illiniza Sur, Cayambe, Antisana, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. This amazing adventure allows you to summit 7 peaks in 18 days.
Take a look below for a detailed description of each day’s activities.
Would you like to climb the highest peaks in Ecuador in one program? All you have to do is send the request and book your place.
Looking for a shorter program? Check out this ascent that I lead to Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.
Meeting point Quito, Ecuador. |
Pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Quito.
We will depart from Machachi early in the morning and drive for about an hour through the Andean highlands until we get to the trailhead (10,827ft/3.300m). The hike leads us through an amazing Andean forest, where we can observe birds, such as the exotic hummingbirds. As we gain elevation, we will be able to see some of the surrounding mountains, such as Antisana, Cayambe, Illinizas, Cotopaxi and even Chimborazo on a clear day. Before we reach the summit (13,875/4.230m), we will hike by a ridge of the deep forest. The round trip will take us around 6 hours and we will drive back to Machachi in the late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel (B/BL)
Early in the morning, we will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the village of “El Chaupi”. Then, we will continue driving up to the trailhead (13,120ft/4.000m) where we will start our hike. First, we will go through a green natural area and then we will get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to the Corazon summit (15,702ft/4786m). We will have lunch during the hike that has a duration of around 8 hours. Return to Machachi by late afternoon (B/L).
On this day, we will also go to the village of “El Chaupi” and drive to “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795ft/3.900m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,580ft/4.750m). We will relax for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner will be served in the late afternoon. (B/L/D).
Our climbing day starts at 2 am. After a light breakfast, we will pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge in the direction of the col formed between both peaks. Then, we will head to the Illiniza Sur summit (4 to 5 hours, 17,267ft/5.263m). The descent to the refuge will take us around 2 hours. Once there, we will have something to eat and drink, pack our stuff and go down to the La Virgen parking lot to drive back to Machachi. Overnight in Hotel (B/L).
After an early lunch, we will drive to Ruales Oleas Cayambe Refuge for about 3,5 hours and rest for a couple of hours until dinner (B/D).
On day 7, we will wake up at midnight, get a light breakfast, put our gear on and start climbing around 01:00 am. The ascent will take us around 6 to 7 hours. Once at the summit (18,996ft/5.790 m), we will take our time for pictures and then head back to the refuge in 2-3 hours. At the Refuge, we will rest for a while, and start packing our belongings in order to drive to Otavalo. Overnight in the Hotel (B/L).
Today we will spend the time relaxing and recovering energy for our next challenge. However, we will have options like an excursion to the Cuicocha Lake, the Cotacachi Town, or hanging around in the Otavalo Town, visiting its famous indigenous and colourful market (B).
On this day, we will depart from Otavalo early in the morning and drive (3,5 hours) to Laguna Santa Lucia (14,118ft/4.300m). Depending on the road conditions, we will keep driving to the end of the road. Once there, we will put our backpacks on and continue for an hour up to the base camp (15,580ft/4.750m), located at the base of the glacier. The rest of the day will be to relax until dinner in the late afternoon (B/L/D).
We will wake up at midnight and depart to the summit (18,891ft/5.758 m) around 1 am. The climb will take us around 6-8 hours. First, we will hike to the glacier, put our crampons on and start the glacier ascent. From the summit, get to see fantastic views of the crater and the surroundings. Then, we will head back to the base camp (2-3 hours), rest, pack our belongings, have something to eat, drink and go to the car, from where we will drive to the hot springs. Rest and overnight in the Hotel (B/L).
Papallacta hot springs are one of the best places to relax. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools, the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Papallacta thermal waters contain sulphates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium. Besides improving intestinal function, the baths’ curative properties are also anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic. Overnight and rest in the hotel (B).
On day 12, we will drive from Papallacta to the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park and the Cotopaxi parking lot (14,764ft/4.500m). We will prepare our equipment and hike up for an hour to the Jose Ribas Refuge (15,748ft/4.800m), where we will rest and have dinner (B/L/D).
Wake up at midnight and start of the climb to the top (19,347ft/5.897 m) at 1 am (6-8 hours). In the first section, we will hike for an hour to the glacier and put our crampons on to start the glacier ascent. After watching the dazzling views from the top, we will head back to the refuge, rest and then go to the parking lot, to drive back to Machachi. Overnight in the hotel (B/L).
From Machachi, we will drive to the Chimborazo’s Reserve entrance for 4 hours, until the Hermanos Carrel Refuge (15,744 ft/4,800 m), where we’ll have dinner and go to sleep (B/D).
After breakfast, we will pack our things to go to the Chimborazo High Camp. Around 10 am, we will start a 4-hour climb to the camp, where we set up our tents and get some rest before dinner time (B/BL/D).
At midnight of day 16, we will start the climb to the top of Ecuador’s highest mountain, Chimborazo, which will take us around 7-8 hours. We’ll get to the summit (20,702ft/6.310m) in the early hours, the perfect moment to take pictures of the stunning view. Then we will start our descent to the Camp and then to the Carrel Refuge (4-5 hours). Once there, we will pack our left gear and drive to the town of Baños. Overnight and rest at the hotel (B/L or B/L/D).
Extra day in case of bad weather or to spend in Baños. Optional visit to waterfalls along the Pastaza River Canyon. The transfer to Quito will be in the afternoon. Overnight and rest in the hotel (B or B/L).
Transfer to the airport and flight back home.
Helmet
Crampons
Ice Axe
Harness
UIAGM/IFMGA-ASEGUIM Mountain Guide from Ecuador.
I am a mountain guide, but also a passionate traveler, climber in rock and ice, and photographer. I spend my free time and holidays exploring new destinations, discovering new mountains and cultures.
I have more than 17 years of experience climbing mountains and volcanoes not only in Ecuador, but also in other South American countries such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, and in the Alps in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, and Mt. McKinley in Alaska. This experiences prepared me to lead expeditions in challenging routes all around the world.
I studied 6 years of Tourism in the University, and followed ASEGUIM courses to become a mountain guide. I’ve also been evaluated by ENSA, and completed first aid courses in the Ecuadorian Red Cross.
I like guiding people from all around the world, and help them discover and enjoy the mountains, while reaching their objectives. I speak Spanish, English, German, Italian, and a bit of Russian.
Umesh Katdare
5.00
December 2020
Benoit Feyen
5.00
February 2020
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Michelle Lostracco
5.00
February 2020
End-to-end this was very well organized with good communication. The guide was very knowledgeable and took the climb seriously. He was also easy to talk to, spoke good English and went out of his way to tell me about climbing in the region, the volcanoes and anything else I was I interested in.
Adam Behmer
5.00
January 2020
Edgar Parra\'s guiding service was excellent. His guide understood the mountain, made sure I understood the approach, and did a good job of communicating. While Edgar can\'t control the weather, his guide did a great job of controlling the situations he could control. Highly recommended and would climb with him again.
R.Romendes
4.00
December 2019
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Steven MISHOE
5.00
June 2019
Edgar was an excellent guide. I have little climbing experience and Edgar was very knowledgeable and instructive. He is a life long climber and he has tons of experience and passion climbing through out the world. He was pleasant and a very nice guy. Unfortunately, the weather was very bad while I was in Ecuador so Edgar came up with a great alternative climb to Cayambe, which was not in good condition due to storms. He knows the mountains like the back of his hand and can relay tons of information, which makes the trip that much more enjoyable. His 4x4 transport and climbing equipment were all top notch. He understood safety and made sure to avoid unnecessary risks. I will climb with Edgar again.
John Stansfield
5.00
January 2019
Edgar is an amazing guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable and encouraging. The combination makes you feel confident in the things that he teaches you and in your ability to reach the summit.
John Stansfield
5.00
January 2019
Edgar Parra is a great guide: thoroughly professional, safety conscious, always on time and with an engaging personality. He came highly recommended and I can only heap additional praise. He guided my son and I up Cotopaxi to a successful summit and made it a trip of a lifetime. In so far as putting my money where my mouth is, I plan to hire him in the future (2020) with my entire family for a trip to Machu Picchu. No better praise than a repeat customer.
Daniel Davidson
3.00
December 2018
I did not guide with Fredy, I was passed off to another guide (who was IFMGA certified and great), just fyi, if this is something that is important to you. Accommodations are basic but good. I would add only that Chimborazo is a VERY difficult mountain with a ~10% success rate, so you really need to know what you are getting into. Do NOT rush acclimatization. You may consider doing Cotopaxi and then after choosing either Cayambe (same level as Cotopaxi) or Chimborazo, depending on how you feel.
Aletherby
5.00
November 2018
Even though we turned around at 5900m due to avalanche danger I really enjoyed the climb and Segundo was a great guide - professional and friendly.
Heather Unger
5.00
November 2018
I am writing in regards to the tour my husband and I took to Chimborazo November 3-4,2018. We had a very great time and were lucky enough to make the hike to the summit. The guide who picked us up from Hotel San Francisco was very nice and on time as expected, his name was Jaun Carlos. Once we arrived for dinner Jaun Carlos introduced us to our guide who we’d be hiking with the next day, his name is Fausto. Both guides were professional and very helpful. Once we all made it to the summit our camera died and we were unable to take any photos. Thankfully Fausto had his phone available and was able to capture several pictures and a couple videos.
Sergiy
5.00
November 2018
All went perfect. Thanks!
Dsheard
5.00
September 2018
The hole day was a great experience. The drive up was beautiful and fun. The walk and views were amazing it was one of the best things I\'ve ever done. My guide Segundo was brilliant very knowledgeable and very caring making sure I was ok every step of the way. I would highly recommend this to anyone coming to Quito
Michael Langone
5.00
June 2018
A fantastic trip! Segundo was a wonderful guide and made the trip a lot of fun. Even during difficult weather and when things didn\'t go as expected, he kept a positive attitude and continued to motivate me when I was beginning to lose momentum. I would absolutely recommend this trip and Lonely Summits to anyone looking to visit the beautiful country of Ecuador - whether you\'re an experienced climber or not, the services provided by Lonely Summits are fantastic for any skill level or price point.
Angela deJong
5.00
January 2018
I have travelled for several years to climb and hike mountains all over the world. I\'ve had numerous guides, many of which were wonderful. However, I have to say, Edgar Parra has been the best climbing guide I\'ve ever had. He was extremely professional, on time, motivated, encouraging, explained everything and translated for me (due to my lack of Spanish), adjusted our schedule when we had bad weather to ensure we were safe and yet still has a good experience climbing, and has a passion for mountains and climbing like nobody I\'ve ever met before. I will most certainly come back to Ecudor specifically because of Edgar and his positive outlook on life and passion for mountain climbing. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to climb the mountains in Ecuador many of the other other countries he climbs in (Peru, Bolivia, and Russion to name a few more).
Andrew Eremenko
5.00
June 2017
Edgar Parra is an excellent mountain guide. He cares about clients very well. Everything went super smoothly. I enjoyed the trip a lot!
Group of 2 | USD 3418 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation
- Transportation from your hotel/airport (if in area) to the start of the trip and back
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
- Group porters (transport of tents, cooking equipment, etc. for the group)
- Mules and horses as needed with driver
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Not included:
- International flight tickets
- Climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, etc.)
- Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
- Insurance of any kind
- Tips
- Other non-specified expenses
Have any doubts? Talk directly with an Explore Share assistant.
The Concierge service is a great tool for when you still haven't decided what kind of Adventure you're looking for and you're open to suggestions
Outstanding job done by Edgar and Ivan who were professional and patient Recommend to all without a doubt