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SCHEDULE
Minimum: 2 participants
Advance reservation required
Departure: 9:00 AM
Return: 6:00 PM on Day 2
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Maximum Elevation
- Iliniza Norte: 5,126 m (16,818 ft) – Recommended for beginner mountaineers with good fitness.
- Iliniza Sur: 5,263 m (17,267 ft) – Technical glacier climb for experienced climbers only.
Location: Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, Ecuador.
Difficulty
- Iliniza Norte: Moderate to High.
- Iliniza Sur: High – Technical.
Requirements
- Excellent physical condition.
- North Peak requires previous high-altitude hiking experience.
- South Peak requires glacier climbing experience and proficiency with crampons and an ice axe.
- Prior acclimatization is strongly recommended.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – NUEVOS HORIZONTES REFUGE
Meet at Turismo Ecuador 24
Meet your certified mountain guide at the Turismo Ecuador 24 office for registration, equipment collection (one day before departure), and a complete expedition briefing.
Topics include:
- Equipment use.
- Mountain safety.
- Climbing itinerary.
- Weather conditions.
- Emergency procedures.
Departure from Baños de Agua Santa
Travel by private transportation to the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, crossing spectacular Andean landscapes.
Arrival at La Virgen Parking Area (3,950 m)
Begin a scenic 3 to 4-hour trek toward Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,700 m) through the beautiful Andean páramo.
Enjoy breathtaking views of both Iliniza North and Iliniza South peaks throughout the hike.
Arrival at the Refuge
Rest, hydrate, acclimatize, and prepare your equipment with your mountain guide.
Cena y Descanso
Después de una cena caliente, el guía realizará una charla técnica donde explicará:
- Ruta del ascenso.
- Estado del clima.
- Riesgos de montaña.
- Uso del equipo.
- Procedimientos de seguridad.
Descanso temprano para iniciar el ascenso durante la madrugada.
DAY 2 – SUMMIT DAY
Summit Ascent
Before sunrise, begin the climb toward your selected summit.
Iliniza North (5,126 m)
A challenging alpine hike that includes volcanic rock scrambling and exposed mountain terrain.
It is considered one of Ecuador's best introductory high-altitude climbs.
Iliniza South (5,263 m)
A technical glacier ascent requiring crampons, an ice axe, rope techniques, and previous mountaineering experience.
Your certified mountain guide will supervise the climb at all times.
Reach the Summit
Celebrate your achievement while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of:
- Cotopaxi Volcano
- Chimborazo Volcano
- Antisana Volcano
- Cayambe Volcano
- Pasochoa
- Corazón Volcano
- The Ecuadorian Andes
Time for photographs before beginning the descent.
Descent
Return to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge for a light meal and a short rest.
Continue descending to La Virgen Parking Area, where private transportation awaits for the return journey to Baños de Agua Santa.
End of services.
What to Bring
- Mountaineering backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Energy drinks
- Energy snacks
- Thermal clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Inner and outer gloves
- Warm hat
- Neck gaiter
- Trekking boots (crampon-compatible for Iliniza South)
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Personal items
- Two AAA batteries for your headlamp
Related Tours
- Cotopaxi Volcano Climb
- Chimborazo Volcano Climb
- Carihuairazo Expedition
- Cayambe Volcano Climb
- Antisana Expedition
- High-Altitude Trekking Adventures
Climb one of Ecuador's most iconic mountains with Turismo Ecuador 24, specialists in professional mountaineering expeditions led by certified mountain guides.