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SCHEDULE
Minimum: 2 participants
Advance reservation required
Departure time: 12:00 pm
Return: 6:00 pm on the second day
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Maximum altitude: 5,016 m (16,457 ft)
Location: Sangay National Park, Baños de Agua Santa – Ecuador
Difficulty level: High – Only suitable for travelers with good physical condition, previous mountain experience, and preparation for high-altitude ascents.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: APPROACH TO THE REFUGE AND PREPARATION
Meeting at Turismo Ecuador 24
The expedition begins at the Turismo Ecuador 24 office, where our team will welcome the group, complete the registration process, and sign the responsibility forms.
A specialized mountain guide will provide a technical briefing covering:
- Route information.
- Weather conditions.
- Safety recommendations.
- Proper use of equipment.
Departure from Baños de Agua Santa
Departure by private 4x4 transportation towards the community of Pondoa (2,600 m / 8,530 ft), the starting point of the trek to Tungurahua Volcano.
During the drive, enjoy beautiful Andean landscapes, mountain forests, and panoramic views of the Baños valley.
Trekking to Tungurahua Refuge
Begin the hike towards the Tungurahua Refuge, following natural mountain trails for approximately 4 to 5 hours.
The route crosses through:
- Andean cloud forest.
- High-altitude vegetation.
- Transition zones towards the páramo ecosystem.
- Volcanic landscapes.
During the trek, you may observe:
- Native flora.
- Andean birds.
- Scenic viewpoints overlooking Baños valley.
Arrival at Tungurahua Refuge (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)
Upon arrival at the refuge, enjoy time to rest, hydrate, and continue the acclimatization process.
The guide will check all technical equipment and prepare the group for the nighttime summit attempt.
Dinner and Technical Briefing
After a warm dinner, the guide will explain:
- Summit route.
- Terrain conditions.
- Equipment usage.
- Safety procedures.
- Climbing strategy.
Early rest is required before starting the ascent during the early morning hours.
DAY 2: SUMMIT ASCENT AND RETURN TO BAÑOS
Start of the Tungurahua Summit Climb (5,016 m / 16,457 ft)
During the early morning, begin the ascent towards the summit of Tungurahua Volcano.
The climb takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, depending on weather conditions, altitude, and group pace.
The route includes different types of terrain:
- Volcanic rock.
- Volcanic sand.
- Steep slopes.
- High mountain trails.
Tungurahua Volcano Summit
Upon reaching the summit at 5,016 meters (16,457 ft), enjoy one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Ecuadorian Andes.
Depending on weather conditions, you may admire views of:
- Chimborazo Volcano.
- Altar Volcano.
- Sangay Volcano.
- Cotopaxi Volcano.
- Baños de Agua Santa Valley.
Enjoy time for photographs, a short rest, and celebrate reaching the summit.
Descent to Tungurahua Refuge
Begin the descent following the same route back to the refuge.
Upon arrival, enjoy a light breakfast and a short rest before continuing the descent.
Descent to Pondoa
Continue hiking approximately 2 to 3 hours until reaching the point where private transportation will be waiting.
Return to Baños de Agua Santa
Transfer back to the city center of Baños de Agua Santa.
End of the tour.
WHAT TO BRING
- Mountain backpack.
- Water bottle or reusable canteen.
- Energy drinks.
- Snacks and food supplies.
- Inner polar gloves.
- Warm clothing.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Trekking shoes.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Camera.
- Personal items.
- Two AAA batteries for headlamp.
RELATED TOURS
- Tungurahua Refuge Trek.
- Cotopaxi Volcano Climb.
- Chimborazo Volcano Expedition.
- Carihuairazo Summit.
- Ilinizas Climb.
- High Mountain Expeditions in Ecuador.
Experience the challenge of climbing one of Ecuador's most iconic volcanoes with Turismo Ecuador 24, specialists in trekking, adventure, and high-altitude expeditions.