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
Andes
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.
Accommodation We will set up camp at the base of Sincholagua. |
More info There is a minimum of two (2) people required for the program to take place. |
Meeting point Contact me upon booking and we will establish a meeting location. |
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.
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