One day ascent to 5126-meter Illiniza North
Come up with all the energy to accomplish this wonderful goal in the Illiniza North. A full day trying to get to this volcano over 5000 meters.
Andes
+1 Day
Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec
High
Description
The Iliniza was an active volcano 5000 years ago. After a big eruption, two summits were formed and today they are known as South Illiniza and North Illiniza.
Iliniza North ascent can be done in only one day if physical training and acclimatization are OK. If not, it would be better to climb Illiniza North in two days and be well acclimatized before climbing to Cotopaxi.
To achieve the challenge of getting up to the summit of Illiniza North I recommend to be accompanied by a certified mountain guide. That’s why I am inviting you to this 1-day ascent to 5126-meter Illiniza North. Here you have a detailed program of the trip: Quito – La Virgen – Iliniza North.
From any part of Ecuador, I suggest getting to El Chaupi village (3300m high) one day before the beginning of the trip. It will help your body to get adapted to the height, making easier the climbing to the summit. In El Chaupi you will find many hostels and lodges to overnight.
The following morning, after breakfast at 7 am, we will be transferred to the Illiniza parking at 3.950 meters. From the virgin, we will walk about 2 or 3 hours until we get to Nuevos Horizontes Hut at 4.700 meters of height. In the hut, we can rest for a while, drink a coca tea and keep rock climbing to the summit for other 2-3 hours.
Once we reach to Illiniza North summit we can enjoy the magnificent viewpoints around this volcano. Depending on time and weather conditions we can stay there for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, we will descend to the virgin again where our transport will be waiting. Return to Quito.
What to bring with you:
Small backpack, hiking shoes (better if waterproof), thermal pants, waterproof pants, long sleeve thermal shirt, an extra long sleeve thermal shirt, one fleece or polar, a windbreaker jacket, gloves, a cap, a buff, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle and… A lot of energy!
Contact me to know more about prices and special prices for organized groups. You can ask me any doubt you have. I will be here, waiting to help you and give you the best mountain guiding service in this climb to Illiniza North.
I also lead expeditions to Chimborazo and Cotopaxi. Check them out!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
Equipment you will need to bring
Hiking shoes, thermal pants, waterproof pants, long sleeve thermal shirt, an extra long sleeve thermal shirt, one fleece or polar, a windbreaker jacket, gloves, a cap, a buff, sunscreen, sun glasses.
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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