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Climb the highest peaks in Ecuador, 18-day Mountaineering expedition from Quito

Climb the highest peaks in Ecuador, 18-day Mountaineering expedition from Quito

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.

Private

Andes

18 Days

Jan, Jun, Jul, Dec

Fit

Advanced


Highlights

  • 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.

Description

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.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

- Group porters

- Mules and horses

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

Price details

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


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Quito

Pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Quito.

Day 2: Pasochoa - Machachi

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)

Day 3: Corazon Summit - Machachi

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).

Day 4: Machachi - Nuevos Horizontes Hut

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).

Day 5: Illiniza Sur Summit - Machachi

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).

Day 6: Machachi – Oleas Ruales Refuge

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).

Day 7: Cayambe Summit - Otavalo

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).

Day 8: Rest day in Otavalo

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).

Day 9: Otavalo - Antisana Camp

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).

Day 10: Antisana Summit – Papallacta Hot Springs

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).

Day 11: Rest day at Papallacta hot springs

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).

Day 12: Papallacta - Cotopaxi Refuge

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).

Day 13: Cotopaxi Summit - Machachi

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).

Day 14: Machachi – Carrel Refuge

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).

Day 15: Carrel Refuge - Chimborazo High Camp

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).

Day 16: Chimborazo Summit - Baños

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).

Day 17: Extra day for Chimborazo or Rest day in Baños - Quito

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).

Day 18: End of the program

Transfer to the airport and flight back home.

 

Details

Meeting point

Quito, Ecuador.

Equipment you will need to bring

Helmet

Ice axe

Harness

Crampons


About the guide

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.

Languages

Russian | Italian | German | English

Certificates

ASEGUIM | UIAGM


What people are saying about -Edgar Parra

Sarah ONeill

5.00

March, 2023

The only reason I give 4 to trip rating is that the first hike at Quilotoa was disappointing. The lake was definitely worth seeing but only going down and back up was not great. We would’ve much preferred hiking at least part way along the crater edge. Even if we only had enough time for there and back.

Manuel Perez

5.00

January, 2023

I highly recommend Edgar and Segundo Parra as your guides in Ecuador. Experienced and goal oriented service coupled with a safety first approach that will adapt to all levels of mountaineering.

Oded Guttman

5.00

January, 2023

The organization of the tour was flawless and every detail was taken care of. We engaged with Edgar through out previous months and he was very responsive and professional. Edgar had a minor injury prior to our trip so his brother, Segundo, was our guide. Segundo did a terrific job, he is very experienced and led us through the climbs with a lot of professionalism and knowledge. We really benefited from his abundant experience and we had a lot of fun.

Carolien Vreeken

3.00

September, 2022

Edgar did not host this trip but Ivan (at least this is what i understood) did. The reason I am not adding more starts is mostly because the guide did not speak English very well what made it a long and rather silent day. The weather did not cooperate which pf course is something out.of the guides control. But rain made it harder to descend and the guide did not pay enough attention to me. Therefore I ended up in the mud above my ankles and the last part of the hike he was more then a 100 meters ahead of me and did not look back once. He tried to make it work, especially with the driving but overall it definitely could be better

Mark Oveson

5.00

January, 2022

This review is a bit misleading, because we didn't climb Antisana and we didn't climb with Edgar. We had originally intended to climb this peak, but we changed to Cotopaxi after a few discussions. Also, Edgar got sick a few days before our climb, so we climbed with a different guide (Franklin). But we were extremely happy with both the mountain and the guide.

Justin Johns

5.00

January, 2022

Highly recommend!

Matthew Fleischman

5.00

December, 2021

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Tatsiana Shakhmuts

5.00

November, 2021

Great trip

Johannes Nothdurft

5.00

September, 2021

Edgar was great. I could talk with him over all questions (equipment, acclimatization, ...) before the tour easy via WhatsApp. I always feel good and save with him in the mountains. His motto „lonely summits“ was completely fulfilled.

Umesh Katdare

5.00

December, 2020

Outstanding job done by Edgar and Ivan who were professional and patient Recommend to all without a doubt

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.

Rachel La Fein

4.00

July, 2019

Edgar was a fantastic guide! We could not hope for better. Kind, courteous, interesting, interested in us and CLEARLY AN EXPERT with safety always at the forefront. We would choose to do any expedition with Edgar. The acclimatizing process was a bit unclear. I think we would have chosen to spend more days in preparation had that been suggested. We recommend asking very directly how many days are suggested for acclimatizing. That being said, there was NO DOUBT Edgar had our best interest at heart and as already stated, we would love to do more mountaineering with him again. He is the consummate guide and a wonderful human being. Lonely Summits provided any gear we needed and it was all comfortable and in good condition. If you’re looking for a well-structured trip with a highly skilled and knowledgeable guide, look no further!


 

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