Ecuadorian volcanoes 11-day mountaineering trip
Climb five imposing South American peaks, including Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, with Edgar, an IFMGA certified mountain guide.
Andes
11 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Description
One of the main tourist attractions of Ecuador is the “Avenue of the volcanoes”, which crosses the entire Ecuadorian Sierra. It has around 200 mountains, including more than 70 volcanoes, and covers over 300 kilometers.
On this tour we will climb of the five peaks on this scenic route, among them Chimborazo and Cotopaxi. It will be a challenging mountaineering experience during which you will enjoy the most incredible landscapes.
After a first day of tourism in Quito, the capital of the country, the volcano adventure will begin. The first summit we will reach will be the Pasochoa volcano (4,200 m), a real wildlife sanctuary.
During the rest of the itinerary, we will climb volcanoes Corazón (4,788 m) and Iliniza (5,248 m). The first one is famous for its needle shaped double summit. On Corazón, we can will see first-hand pre-Columbian military constructions, named “pucarás”.
The last few days will be the most exciting. We will have the honor of climbing Cotopaxi (5,897 m) and Chimborazo (6,268 m), the most important peaks in Ecuador.
Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. We will smell some sulfur gas emanations while hiking up. It is located in a protected National Park with an exotic fauna and flora.
The Chimborazo volcano is the highest mountain in Ecuador. Although it’s not the highest peak in the world, it is considered the furthest point from the center of the planet (because it’s located close to the Equator). From its summit, you will discover panoramic views of the entire Andes.
So, if you are up for this unique mountaineering adventure in the volcanoes of Ecuador, please contact me! I’m sure it will be a once in a lifetime experience for you!
And if you are looking for a shorter outing in the same area, you can check out my 2-day Cotopaxi Volcano ascent.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- Price includes: Land transfers / Accommodations in tourist class hotels (double room) and refuges / Breakfast in the hotels / All meals during the hikes and climbs Does not include: International flight tickets / Meals and drinks in hotels / Personal climbing equipment
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Quito
We can visit the Equator Line and the Intinan museum. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 2: Quito - Pasochoa – Machachi
We drive from Quito for about 2 hours through the base of Pasochoa Volcano (4,200 m). After a 6 hour hike through an amazing forest, we will reach the summit. Transfer to Machachi by late afternoon**.** Overnight in the hotel.
Day 3: Machachi - Corazón
We will drive to village “El Chaupi”. Eight hour hike towards Corazón Volcano’s summit (4,786 m). Return to Machachi by late afternoon.
Day 4: Machachi - Nuevos Horizontes Hut
We will leave from Quito village “El Chaupi”. Three hour hike to the “Nuevos Horizontes Hut” (4,750 m). Dinner at late afternoon.
Day 5: Hut - Illiniza Norte Summit - Machachi
We will get to the summit of Illiniza Norte (5,126 m) after 3 hours of easy climbing. Overnight in an old hacienda.
Day 6: Machachi - Cotopaxi Refuge
We’ll drive to Cotopaxi National Park and hike for one hour to José Ribas Refuge (4,800 m). Training at the glacier. Dinner and rest in the refuge.
Day 7: Refuge - Cotopaxi Summit - Quito
We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (5,897 m) of Cotopaxi Volcano. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours, and the return between 2 and 3 hours. Drive back to Quito. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 8: Rest day in Banios town
Rest day in the small town of Banios. Optional visit to Pastaza River Canyon. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 9: Banios - Chimborazo Refuge
Drive to Chimborazo`s reserve. Dinner and rest until 11 pm in the Hermanos Carrel Refuge.
Day 10: Refuge - Chimborazo Summit- Quito
Climbing to the top of Chimborazo (6,310 m) will take us from 8 to 10 hours. We will start at midnight to get to the top early in the morning. After some rest and pictures, we’ll go back to the refuge, where our transportation will be ready to take us back to Quito.
Day 11: Flight back home
Breakfast and transfer from the hotel to the Airport.
About the guide
-Edgar & Guides' team
4.7
(36)
Mountain 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 27 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, Germany and Nepal. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, Aconcagua in los Andes 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 & Guides' team
Daniel
Fabian was assigned as my guide from Lonely Summits. I enjoyed his guiding services. However, Lonely Summits communication was bad. They used Whatsapp and I did not feel comfortable 3 times when their responses prior to starting the trip were delayed days/week. This did not make me feel confident in the service I was getting into. During the trip I had to request a pickup time as the office forgot about me. The office staff did not speak English, just translated English via Whatsapp. Do not market to higher paying US customers if you do not speak English. Lonely Summits did not provide any suggestions for activities to do during my free time. There were none included in their price but they did not suggest any ideas. The original plan included mountaineering gear but they sent me a list of items to rent from them. A typical Bait and Switch tactic. If they cannot handle follow-through on what they promise each client, then stop offering trips with inclusions you do not provide.
Lukas
Trip started badly as we were informed that all meals would be provided, the guide told us no meals were included. The guide spoke very little English making communication difficult. The guide was very quick walking and often was out of sight of us. We asked him to slow down which he ignored and kept up a very quick pace. Not great. Felt very rushed and uncomfortable.
Carlos
It was really great working with Segundo Parra , very professional , easy going and a good leader to work with , it made the trip very fun , I would recommend him completely , and myself I think next year I would go with him to other mountains in Ecuador
Adam
Chris
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