2-day climbing trip to Cayambe, Ecuadorian Andes
Join Rafael, an ASEGUIM certified mountain guide, on this 2-day climb to the summit of Cayambe, the third highest volcano in Ecuador.
Andes
2 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Description
Come and see the world from the 5790-meter summit of Cayambe on this 2-day trip in Ecuador.
The starting point of our trip will be Quito. On day 1, we’ll leave in the morning and drive from Quito to the town of Cayambe. We’ll have lunch and then drive to the parking lot, from where we’ll start our hike to the Ruales Oleas Berge refuge (4,600 m). We’ll have a short talk about some climbing techniques before having dinner.
The following day, we’ll take the normal route and reach the summit after 6 to 7 hours of climbing. From the top of the Cayambe volcano, we’ll enjoy the most amazing panoramic view of the mountain range. Finally, we’ll return to the hut and drive back to Quito.
Remember that it is important for this trip to have some prior mountaineering experience and a good physical condition.
Would you like to live an incredible climbing adventure in Cayambe? Send your request now! It will be my pleasure to guide you on this fantastic volcano.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- Not included: Personal equipment, personal expenses, personal insurance, tips, and beverages.
Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Cayambe
Our trip begins in Quito. On day 1, we’ll drive to Cayambe, have lunch, and then hike from the parking lot to the Ruales Oleas Berge refuge (4,600 m). After a brief talk on climbing techniques, we’ll have dinner.
Day 2: Summiting Cayambe
The next day, we’ll ascend Cayambe via the normal route, reaching the summit in 6-7 hours to enjoy stunning panoramic views before descending and driving back to Quito.
Details
More info
What to bring: backpack, warm and rain clothes, trek shoes, 2 to 3 pair of socks, hat or cap, gloves, flashlight, sunglasses, sunblock and camera.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You do not need extensive mountaineering experience, but it is essential to have good physical fitness and to be active. Climbing Cayambe involves high altitude (over 5,000 meters), so acclimatization is necessary. Prior experience in hiking or similar activities is recommended.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
You can climb Cayambe year-round, as Ecuador does not have extreme weather conditions. However, it is best to avoid the rainy season from April to June and in October.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
The guide-to-client ratio is usually 1:2, which allows for personalized attention and safety during the climb.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
Regular cardio and strength training will help build the endurance needed for the climb. Hiking at high altitudes is also an excellent way to acclimatize and prepare. Staying active and maintaining a good level of fitness is essential for a successful ascent.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
For insurance, you can review the options proposed by Explore-Share's partner. They offer rescue and travel coverages. More information is available here: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/.
Can I join a group?
The tour is generally offered as a private trip, but you can ask if there are any existing groups you can join to reduce costs.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
You will need to bring climbing boots (rigid to fit crampons), warm clothing, a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, and under gloves. I will provide technical equipment such as harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, and mittens free of charge. If you have skiing clothes, they are suitable for the climb as well.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
Accommodation during the trip will be in mountain refuges or camps. Meals are typically included while on the mountain. However, for meals outside the climbing days, you will need to arrange them yourself.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
In case of bad weather, we may need to adjust the itinerary to ensure safety. This could include delaying the ascent or choosing a different route. Safety is always the top priority.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Rafael
4.8
(31)
Mountain Guide
Rafael was born in Quito and grew up in the Andean Region. Since childhood he Ioved hiking and climbing the mountains.
In the 80 ' He participated in expeditions in Peru, Bolivia South America. In the Alps and Pyrenees and also in the Pamir Pick Communism of 7500mts.
In the 90 ' He was the founder of the School of Guides ASEGUIM, President for 7 years of the Guides Association and promoted and formed the mountain rescue group GRA.
He graduated as Mountain Guide and Guides Instructor at the ENSA in Chamonix–France.
Since 2000 he have been advising, training and participating in 16 expeditions around the world: Alaska, Aconcagua, Alps, Pyrenees, Cordillera Blanca. He has also trained and counseled Ecuadorian climbers who managed to make the 14 eight thousands without auxiliary oxygen, the 7 highest peaks of the world and Big Walls. Since 2001 he started his Adventure Tour Company which operates successfully up to the present under the name of CLIM BIKE HIKE.
Since 2010 he has been training and participating in the project EVEREST without auxiliary oxygen in one day. He has climbed the EVEREST 2 times, and he has reached the summits of: Manaslu, Shisha Pangma, Aconcagua 7 times, Denali 5 times and the summits of the Alpes Materhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Agille. Vert, Zugs Pitze among others.
During his 27 years of experience as a professional mountain guide Rafael has guided more than five hundred times to Cotopaxi volcano and more than one hundred times to Chimborazo, sharing with clients the culture and wonderful mountains of Ecuador.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM
What people are saying about this trip
Capucine
Very experimented guides and a very unique experience
Jesse
Rafael was an amazing guide — extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to climb in Ecuador!
Peter
What a trip and what an adventure. Our guide, Rafael M, did an amazing job on our climbs. They were perfect logistically and his guiding skills are excellent. The original plan was an attempt at Cayambe, but due to the civil unrest occurring in Ecuador at the time, he totally re-adjusted our plan and itinerary and gave us the opportunity to stay in Cotopaxi National Park and climb Cotopaxi. The trip went off without a hitch, even with the last minute changes he had to make. The climb itself was excellent and Rafael showed many skills including pacing, navigating, and an overall focus on safety. We had rough conditions on Cotopaxi, but I felt safe and at ease with Rafael as our guide. I would highly recommend him to others looking at an attempt at an Ecuadorian volcano or other peaks in South America.
Kaleb
This was an excellent climb and Rafael is a very professional and experienced guide.
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