Illiniza North: 2-day challenge
A 2-day climbing to a hut in the middle of the two peaks that form Illiniza Volcano and the perfect view from its northern summit. What else?
Andes
+1 Days
Mar - May
Description
Illiniza is a Ecuadorian Volcano located in the southwestern face of Quito. It is considered as one of the best previous acclimatization peaks for higher ascents because of its low climbing difficulty despite of being at 5.200 meters.
Illiniza has two peaks, Illiniza North and Illiniza South, which are a result of a massive eruption that split the mountain 5000 years ago. Today, we are inviting you to this 2-day climbing adventure up to Illiniza North.
Although its surface is suitable for those who has no previous experience in mountaineering, it is necessary to know some climbing techniques in snowy seasons. Because of that, I want to help you to fulfill this challenge.
This amazing trip will start in Virgen Parking Lot where we will get by car. From there, we will walk for about 3 hours up to our hut Nuevos Horizontes in order to rest and get ready for the following summit day.
The second day will consist in the ascent to Illiniza North top across fantastic landscapes full of green lands and rocky paths. Once in the summit, a unforgeable viewpoint will shock yourself. Depending on the weather and sky conditions we will be able to see the most important volcanoes of the Ecuadorian Range.
The end of the trip is in El Chaupi again once we hike down for 3 hours.
If you are interested in this short but intense expedition across one of the most legendary stratro-volcanoes of all Ecuador, you just have to get in touch with me. I am sure you don’t want to miss this experience.
Extra details
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
– Personal accessories for the trip
– Other beverages and snacks
– Medical and travelling policy
THE PRICE INCLUDES
– Transfers
– Expert mountain guiding
-All the meals
– Night in the hut
– Mountain equipment
– Last day lunch in Chaupi
Spots of interest
DAY 1: HIKING TO NUEVOS HORIZONTES HUT
HIking up to Nuevos Horizontes Hut we can enjoy these fantastic landscapes.
DAY 2: SUMMIT DAY!
And here we are at 5.126 meters of height in Illiniza Noth Summit !
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Fernando
4.70
(22)
Mountain Leader
ASEGUIM Guide from Ecuador
Fernando Iza was born and raised in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador and knows the country’s peaks intimately. He is an official ASEGUIM mountain guide with more than 18 years of mountaineering experience climbing in all of Ecuador, as well as in South America, Switzerland, France, and the United States.
Fernando has worked for mountaineering companies in Ecuador, Europe and the United States from a young age. Now, he has set up his own basecamp at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge, right next to Iliniza Volcano, Rumiñahui Volcano, and the famous Cotopaxi Volcano. He has summited Cotopaxi more than 637 times and has summitted Chimborazo Volcano close to 200 times.
Fernando got his degree in Tourism Technology at Cenestur Institute, and in 2021 started studying Business administration with Cuosera.
He has completed important courses such as:
- Mountain Guides Course by ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides),
- Mountain Guides Evaluation by ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme) in October 2006. This event was organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador and ENSA of France
- Pre-course UIAGM, an event organized by ASEGUIM and ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme)
- Wilderness first aid courses
- Ecuadorian Red Cross courses
- He speaks fluent Spanish and English, as well as a little German, French, Hebrew and Kichua
The most spectacular guided tours that Fernando has done.
- Antisana South Peak Open new rout
- Alpamayo
- Matterhorn
- Denali
Languages
German | French | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM
What people are saying about Fernando
Jana
2.00
There were no briefings about the upcoming itineraries, I’d mostly find along the way, what’s the plan. He would make changes to his moods. He didn’t inform me in adavance about the specifics of each refugio/ lodge/ camp concerning the distance from car, electricity and would make fun/made snide comments “your choice” of the things I packed at the aftermath, but offered no guidance. I have read from others that he is very knowledgeable and explained a lot- that hasn’t been my experience, he surely is an apt mountaineer, but he wasn’t actively explaining or showing things, he was just always on his cellphone. He could be very short, abrasive and inpatient. At one time even another climber intervened “to save me”
Sebastien
5.00
Our guide Fernando was great to adapt the trip for our two little girls. A great experience it was fir us all. Thank you.
frederic
5.00
Fernando and Sergio are very good guides, not only very safe and motivating in the mountains, but very nice between the climbs. And i have learned a lot too about the culture in the country. Their hotel near Illniza is perfectly located, safe and you are received as if your were at home with Fernando's family. And they will take care of everything, so you just have to concentrate yourself on the climbs. Thank you!
Daniel
5.00
Thank you for putting this trip together for me at the last minute after my group canceled on me. Fernando was a great guide who knows the route up Cotopaxi very well. The meals and lodging were also great and well worth the price, in my opinion.
Lauren
5.00
Great experience. We did Rumiñawi, corázon, and Illiniza Norte as acclimatization hikes. All of them were beautiful. We attempted Cotopaxi but had a snow storm and heavy winds during the night of the summit and we were forced to turn around. The 3 initial climbs prepared us well for Cotopaxi and the altitude. There were some technical scrambling portions on corazon and Illiniza which were very cool. Overall would highly recommend!
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