Come to Ecuador with Pablo, an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, on a two-day trek to acclimatize to higher altitudes. Enjoy unbelievable views from the less frequented and rewarding destination of Sincholagua.
Not specified
2 Days
All year
Fit
Beginner
Climb towards the top of an extinct volcano in Ecuador! Take a guided tour of the incredible Sincholauga and discover the history of an incredible region in the heart of the Andes!
Just outside of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies Sincholagua (16,053 ft). An extinct volcano on the edge of the Cotopaxi National Park, it is relatively difficult to access, which has made it a unique place to visit. This means a quiet and charming hike that is guaranteed to please every level of trekker.
The peaks are now eroded chimneys, and much of the rock at the top is loose and rotten. The northwest route still has a trail that reaches just below the summit, and was even the same path taken by Edward Whymper more than 100 years ago.
Our climb will have unbelievable panoramas of the other volcanoes in the region, and you will have the chance to see some of the wildlife that visits the park, including falcons and eagles. The condor, often considered a symbol of the Andes, might even make an appearance.
The first day of our tour will feature a stop at the museum to learn about the history of Sincholagua, and to immerse ourselves in the nature and culture of the land. Horses, llamas, and birds are all active natives, so you will be sure to see some local fauna.
If you are planning a climb in the area, this is a great way to acclimatize to the environment. This hike is for all levels, though it does have some scrambling near the top of our trek. You should be in good physical shape to enjoy this program.
I absolutely love Cotopaxi and the Andes, and it is my pleasure to share some of my favorite places with you. I can ensure we have a safe and captivating tour, and above all else, make sure we have a wonderful time that you will remember forever.
We also have more demanding and technical routes if you were interested in a different ascent. Let me know what your goals are and we can customize a trip that fits your needs.
Book this trip up Sincholagua and discover one of the less-frequented gems of the Andes in Ecuador!
If you would like, we can also hike the Inca Trail! Or we can take a more ambitious seven-day program touring volcanoes!
- Guiding fee
This is the price to join one of my group tours.
The price includes the guiding fee.
We will drive to Cotopaxi National Park, where we will stop at the visitor´s center and hike around the Limpiopungo Plateau. You will have a chance to learn about Cotopaxi at the Mariscal Sucre Museum. We will close out the day by heading to the base of Sincholagua and preparing for the following day.
After an early breakfast, we will move through meadows and scenic pine groves. Our hike near the top will require some scrambling, and it should be a great hike all the way to the top. We will have a satisfying lunch and you can look out at the incredible mountainside below.
More info
Meeting point
Mountain Guide
UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide from Ecuador.
I fell in love with the mountains at a young age while climbing Ecuador’s volcanoes with my father. I guided in the Andes for 8 years and have been guiding for the past four years in the Northwest United States. In 1997 I expanded his adventure skills by taking on rock climbing. I represented Chimborazo province three times as the Ecuadorian National Rock Climbing Champion.
I completed his UIAGM certification with the Bolivian Mountain & Trekking Guide Association, accredited by the National School of Ski and Alpinism of Chamonix (ENSA), and completed Advanced Alpine and Rock Guides Courses with American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).
I usually spend some months every year in Ecuador (from October to January, but it varies every year). The rest of the year I am based and guide in Europe.
Languages
English
Certificates
ASEGUIM
Kumari
5.00
I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!
Niklas
5.00
I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.
Greg
5.00
I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.
Colin
5.00
Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!
Lesley
4.00
Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.
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