Imagine reaching the highest peak on the equator, summiting one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and culminating in the earth´s point closest to the sun – all in the same journey! You can achieve this by climbing Ecuador´s three highest summits: Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.
With a total length of 18 days, this is our longest expedition. In the high Andes it is essential to take enough time to acclimate, gradually increasing the elevation and activity level. We start with beautiful day hikes in the northern highlands, exploring crater lakes, rocky volcanoes and the magical Frailejones. We then head to Cayambe for an extensive Glacier Class.
The program includes several rest days with access to Ecuador´s best thermal pools – a great option to restore your energy level before hitting the next peak!
Quito
A very good physical strength and stamina are indispensable to summit these 3 peaks. Having a previous mountaineering experience on glaciers is a great plus, though not strictly necessary. The itinerary includes a full day glacier class before the first ascent, where you will practice the gear use and learn the basic climbing skills.
After each hike and ascent there will be time to rest and relax in comfortable and cozy lodges.
Meet & greet at Quito Airport and 1,5-hour transfer to Otavalo. Surrounded by the beautiful lakes and volcanoes of the northern highlands, this is the ideal starting point of our acclimatization program.
Night in hacienda (2573 m / 8441 ft)
Short drive to Cuicocha crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi volcano. The easy 4- to 5-hour circuit follows the rim of the crater, with many Andean wildflowers along the trail. There are spectacular views of the crystal-clear lake and its two tiny islands, created by volcanic domes.
Night in hacienda (2573 m / 8441 ft)
Transfer to Mojanda Lake (3700 m / 12139 ft), trailhead to Fuya Fuya volcano. The easy 3-hour ascent from the paramo grasslands up to the rocky summit, offers great views of Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Antisana. Descent and transfer to indigenous community near Imbabura volcano.
Night in indigenous community, private cabins (2890 m / 9481 ft)
Early transfer to Imbabura. This acclimatization climb takes about 5 hours ascent and 3 hours descent. Starting at 3300 m / 10826 ft we traverse native forest and paramo. Once above the tree line we continue on a rocky trail to the top. In the afternoon, 2-hour ride to a mountain lodge in El Angel, the northernmost reserve of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Night in lodge (3500 m / 11482 ft)
The 2 nights spent in the lodge at 3500 m / 11482 ft are a valuable step in our acclimatization process; sleeping at this altitude helps your body to get prepared for the ascents to higher elevations. Today, we take a 2- to 3-hour hike in the moorlands, with stunning Frailejones plants, millenarian Polylepis trees and scenic highland lakes. Afterwards, enjoy the lodge´s sauna and jacuzzi, and relax near the fireplace.
Night in lodge (3500 m / 11482 ft)
Free morning in the lodge. In the afternoon 3-hour transfer to the small town of Cayambe where we stay in a hacienda that dates back to the 16th century.
Night in hacienda (2800 m / 9186 ft)
Free morning in the hacienda. Our mountain guide will pick you up from the hacienda at noon. After lunch in the town of Cayambe, transfer to the Oleas Ruales refuge at 4650 m / 15255 ft.
After breakfast, hike to the glacier for an extensive glacier class. You will learn the principles of rope travel, walking safely with crampons, practicing hiking techniques for ascent and descent, using the ice axe, and basic self-arrest techniques. In the afternoon, the guide will give an introductory briefing and check out weather and snow conditions. After an early dinner, sleep for a few hours.
Night in refuge (4650 m / 15255 ft.)
Start ascent at midnight. We will hike on large snowfields with average slopes of 30 – 40 degrees, and traverse several large crevasses. Then we have to climb a steeper section (up to 45 degrees) with more crevasses and impressive seracs. From the summit you can admire the views of Antisana, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, and the Amazon region to the east. The descent takes about 3 hours. In the afternoon drive to Termas de Papallacta, for a relaxing soak in the thermal pools of this spa resort.
Night in spa resort (3250 m / 10662 ft.)
Free morning in the Termas, enjoy the hot water pools and the marvelous scenery. Afternoon 2,5- hour transfer to lodge in Cotopaxi National Park.
Night in lodge (3850 m / 12631 ft.)
At 11.00 a.m. depart from the lodge to the Cotopaxi parking lot at 4600 m / 15092 ft. After a 50-minute hike we arrive at the José Rivas refuge. Lunch and free afternoon to rest and prepare for the climb.
Night in refuge (4800 m / 15748 ft.)
Around midnight we start the ascent. The glacier slopes have an average steepness of 30 – 35 degrees. We will cross several crevasses and negotiate a few ice seracs before reaching Yanasacha (Black Rock) for the final challenging stretch, with a steepness of 35 – 40 degrees. Enjoy amazing views of the crater and the Volcano Avenue with other snowcapped peaks. Descent and transfer to Baños.
Night in hotel (1800 m / 5905 ft.)
Free day in Baños. Located at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano, this friendly town has several thermal pools to let your muscles recover from the previous climbs.
Night in hotel (1800 m / 5905 ft.)
Today we will head to the final objective of our expedition, Mt Chimborazo. After a 2-hour transfer arrive at the lodge right at the foot of Chimborazo. Optional hike to spot vicuñas and enjoy sunset on Ecuador´s biggest mountain.
Night in lodge (3850 m / 12631 ft.)
Short transfer from the lodge to the Carrel hut on Chimborazo (4800 m / 15748 ft) From here we start the 2- to 3-hour approach to the Stubel Basecamp. Our mountain guide will give a safety briefing with indications about the climbing route, expected weather and snow conditions. Sleep for several hours, and at midnight get ready to start the climb.
Night in high camp (5350 m / 17553 ft)
We start the ascent on the glaciated ridge. The slopes have an average steepness of 30 – 40 degrees, with some icy sections of 45 degrees. After about 5 hours we reach the Veintimillia Summit (6227 m / 20429 ft) With good snow conditions, sufficient time, and if you still have enough energy, you can continue for 1 more hour to the Whymper summit (6263 m / 20548 ft) precisely the farthest point from the center of the earth! The descent will take 3 – 4 hours. From the parking lot transfer to Riobamba.
Night in hotel (2800 m / 9186 ft)
This day can be used as spare day in case of bad weather. Around noon transfer to Quito.
Night in hotel (2800 m / 9186 ft)
Free time in Quito and transfer to the airport for your international departure
