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MINIMUN 2 PEOPLE
DAY 1
Arrival in Quito
Arrival at Quito International Airport in the evening.
Private transfer to the hotel in Quito.
Rest and preparation for the hiking program.
Altitude: Quito – 2,850 m
Overnight: Quito
DAY 2
Rucu Pichincha – Acclimatization Hike
After breakfast, we will take the cable car toward the slopes of Rucu Pichincha.
From the upper station, we will begin our hike toward the summit.
This will be our first high-altitude hike and an excellent opportunity to evaluate how your body responds to the altitude without immediately starting with a very demanding ascent.
Depending on weather and trail conditions, we can complete the full summit hike or shorten the route if necessary.
Approximate hiking distance: 8–12 km
Elevation: Up to approximately 4,700 m
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
Overnight: Quito
DAY 3
Cuicocha Lake – Otavalo Market
After breakfast, private transportation north toward Otavalo.
We will first visit Cuicocha Lake, a spectacular volcanic crater lake.
We will hike along part of the crater rim, enjoying panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Andes.
After the hike, we will continue to Otavalo to visit the famous Plaza de los Ponchos, one of Ecuador's largest and most renowned indigenous markets.
This will be a moderate hiking day, allowing continued acclimatization without excessive physical stress.
Approximate hiking distance: 8–12 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Overnight: Otavalo
DAY 4
Fuya Fuya – Mojanda Lakes
Early morning departure toward the Mojanda Lakes.
We will hike toward Fuya Fuya, one of the most beautiful high-altitude hikes in the area.
The route offers excellent views of Mojanda and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Because this is another high-altitude hike, we will maintain a controlled pace and adapt the route according to your physical response and weather conditions.
After the hike, return to the Otavalo/Quito area.
Approximate hiking distance: 10–14 km
Elevation: Around 4,200 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Overnight: Quito
DAY 5
Quilotoa Crater Lake
Private transfer south toward Quilotoa.
We will hike around part of the crater rim and descend toward the lake if conditions and your energy level allow.
The Quilotoa area offers spectacular scenery and is another excellent opportunity to continue adapting to Ecuadorian altitude.
We will keep this day moderate rather than making it an excessively demanding hike.
Approximate hiking distance: 8–12 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Overnight: Latacunga / Quilotoa area
DAY 6
Iliniza Norte – High-Altitude Preparation
Today we will attempt Iliniza Norte, depending on weather, mountain conditions, and your acclimatization.
Iliniza Norte is considerably more demanding than the previous hikes and provides valuable preparation for Cotopaxi.
A specialized mountain guide will accompany you.
We will evaluate the conditions before departure and throughout the climb. If conditions are not appropriate, we can replace this with a safer high-altitude hike.
After the activity, return to the hotel and rest.
Difficulty: Challenging / Mountaineering
Overnight: Cotopaxi / Machachi area
DAY 7
COTOPAXI VOLCANO – REFUGE
This will be the principal mountaineering day of the first part of the expedition.
Arrival at Cotopaxi National Park
Arrival at Cotopaxi National Park.
Drive to the parking area located at approximately 4,600 meters (15,091 ft) above sea level.
Acclimatization Hike to José Rivas Refuge
From here, we will begin the hike toward the refuge.
A 45–60-minute hike leads to the historic José Rivas Refuge (4,864 m), allowing your body to continue acclimatizing before the summit attempt.
Equipment Check
At the refuge, your certified mountain guide will inspect all technical equipment, including:
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Helmet
- Harness
- Headlamp
- Mountaineering boots
- Safety equipment
A complete explanation of glacier travel, climbing techniques, and safety procedures will follow.
Dinner & Rest
Enjoy an early dinner before resting for several hours in shared mountain hut accommodations prior to the midnight summit push.
Difficulty: High / Technical Mountaineering
Overnight: Cotopaxi Refuge
DAY 8
COTOPAXI VOLCANO – SUMMIT ATTEMPT
Wake-up
Wake up shortly after midnight for a light snack and final preparations.
Summit Ascent
Begin the ascent toward the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 m / 19,347 ft).
The climb takes approximately 6–7 hours across glaciers and snowfields using technical mountaineering equipment.
Throughout the climb, your certified mountain guide will monitor the pace, safety, hydration, and acclimatization of the group.
Reach the Summit
Standing atop one of the world's highest active volcanoes is an unforgettable achievement.
Weather permitting, enjoy panoramic sunrise views of:
- Antisana Volcano
- Iliniza North & South
- Cayambe Volcano
- Chimborazo Volcano
- Cotopaxi National Park
- Ecuador's famous Avenue of the Volcanoes
Celebrate your achievement and capture unforgettable photographs.
Descent
Descend safely following the same glacier route back to José Rivas Refuge under the supervision of your guide.
Breakfast
Enjoy a light breakfast, rest briefly, and collect your equipment.
Return Trip
Hike back to the parking area before returning by private transportation to Riobamba, depending on the itinerary.
Difficulty: High / Technical Mountaineering
Overnight: Riobamba
DAY 9
Riobamba- Day off
The remainder of the day will be dedicated to rest and recovery after the demanding Cotopaxi ascent. No strenuous activities will be scheduled.
This recovery day will also allow us to prepare for the following day's Chimborazo ascent, including checking the necessary equipment, reviewing the climbing plan with the mountain guide, and ensuring that you are sufficiently rested and ready for the next high-altitude challenge.
Overnight: Riobamba
DAY 10
CHIMBORAZO – REFUGE
Departure from Riobamba
Travel by private transportation to the Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve, crossing spectacular Andean landscapes.
Along the way, there will be an opportunity to observe the reserve's famous wild vicuñas.
Arrival at Carrel Refuge (4,850 m)
Upon arrival, enjoy a light lunch while continuing the acclimatization process.
Your guide will inspect all technical climbing equipment, including:
- Crampons
- Harness
- Helmet
- Ice axe
- Headlamp
- Mountaineering boots
- Safety equipment
Acclimatization Hike to Whymper Refuge (5,000 m)
A controlled acclimatization hike leads to the historic Whymper Refuge, allowing your body to gradually adapt to the altitude while enjoying spectacular glacier views.
Dinner & Rest
Return to Carrel Refuge or base camp, depending on the expedition logistics.
After an early dinner, your guide will conduct the final equipment inspection and explain the summit route before everyone rests for a few hours.
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
Overnight: Chimborazo Refuge
DAY 11
CHIMBORAZO – HIGH-ALTITUDE MOUNTAIN DAY
Around 1:00 AM, begin the ascent toward the summit of Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador's highest mountain and the closest point on Earth to the Sun due to the planet's equatorial bulge.
The climb follows glaciers and snowfields using technical mountaineering equipment.
The ascent typically requires 7–8 hours, depending on weather conditions, glacier conditions, and the group's pace.
Your certified guide will continuously monitor safety, hydration, and altitude adaptation.
Reach the Summit
Standing at 6,263 meters (20,548 ft) is an unforgettable achievement.
Celebrate your success while enjoying breathtaking sunrise views across Ecuador's Andean mountain range.
Time for photographs and a brief celebration before beginning the descent.
Descent
Descend safely following the same glacier route back to Carrel Refuge.
Enjoy a light breakfast and a short rest before returning.
Return to Baños de Agua Santa
Travel comfortably by private transportation back to Baños de Agua Santa.
Difficulty: High / Mountaineering
Overnight: Baños de Agua Santa
DAY 12
Baños – Waterfalls Route – Recovery Day
After the demanding Chimborazo climb, we will have a lighter day.
We will explore Baños de Agua Santa and the famous Waterfalls Route.
Visits may include:
- Agoyán Waterfall
- Manto de la Novia
- Pailón del Diablo
- Casa del Árbol – Swing at the End of the World
We can include short walks during the day, but the main objective will be recovery before the next high-altitude activities.
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Overnight: Baños
Transfer to Quito
Private transfer to Quito.
Difficulty: Moderate
Overnight: Quito
DAY 13
Quito – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time in Quito depending on the departure time.
Private transfer to Quito International Airport for your evening international flight.
End of the program.