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Ecuadorian volcanoes 11-day mountaineering trip
Climb five imposing South American peaks, including Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, with Edgar, an IFMGA certified mountain guide.
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.
Accommodation Tourist Class Hotels in the city. Refuges in the mountains. |
Meeting point Quito, Ecuador. |
Photos
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Quito
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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
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Breakfast and transfer from the hotel to the Airport. |
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.
For booking assistance
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
Prices per person
Group of 1 | USD 2671 each |
Group of 2 | USD 1702 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
• 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
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
What people are saying about Edgar Parra
Benoit Feyen
5.00
February 2020
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!
The traveller did not leave a comment.