5-Day Hike and Climb of Ecuador´s Highest Volcanoes

Join IFMGA-certified guide Edgar on an unforgettable 5-day Ecuadorian journey to two of the most unbelievable volcanoes in the world.

Andes

5 Days

Jan, Jul, Aug, Dec

High

Intermediate

Description

Come take on Ecuador’s two highest summits on this unforgettable 5-day trip! At 5,896 meters, the Cotopaxi climb will give you breathtaking views of one of the country’s most active volcanoes. It is home to one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world. You will then ascend the highest Ecuadorian mountain, Chimborazo, at 6,267 meters. It is the furthest point from the center of the Earth, and was long believe to be the highest mountain in the world.

Our adventure begins in Quito as we travel south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Once at the Cotopaxi National Park, we will hike and practice climbing techniques to prepare you for the summit.

Resting in Machachi in between the two summits offers many optional activities for you to enjoy, such as a tour to the Tesalia Water Spring, visiting the local market, and even cow milking.

Ascending Chimborazo starts from Hermanos Carrel Refuge. After an eight to ten hour climb, the summit will provide us with remarkable views of the surrounding Andean scenery. After the descent, you head back to the refuge, and transportation will take you back to Quito.

We will spend a couple nights in hotels, and a couple nights at the refuges. Meals and personal expenses will not be included at the hotels. You should be in good physical condition to take on this adventure. Be prepared for extensive hiking, climbing, and mountaineering.

Be prepared with appropriate clothing for mountaineering. This includes personal mountain gear, warm clothes, and sun protection.

Book this trip now so you can tell your friends you climbed to the furthest point away from Earth´s center! I guarantee this will be one of the best experiences of your life!

You can also check out other incredible trips with me, like a mountaineering tour of Ecuadorian volcanoes or a shorter experience ascending South Iliniza!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Transportation start and back
Permit and entrance fees
Mountain guide expenses

Price details

Price includes fees and permit registration, accommodation, professional service, and technical mountain equipment.
Price does not include personal insurance, personal expenses, personal mountaineering gear, flights, and tips. Please plan accordingly.

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Jose Ribas Refuge

We will leave Quito and travel south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Upon arrival, we will hike to Jose Ribas Refuge to practice technique. We will eat dinner and rest.

Day 2: Summit Cotopaxi

We will wake up at midnight, eat a light breakfast, and head for the summit at 1:00am. After an hour hike to the glacier, we will begin the ascent. Once at the top, we will have ample time to take photographs of the beautiful scenery. After a two to three hour descent, we will head back to the refuge and drive to Machachi for a night in a hotel.

Day 3: Rest Day in Machachi

We will spend this day over a variety of optional activities. You have the chance to take a tour to the Tesalia Water Springs, try your hand at cow milking, go horseback riding, or sample a local deli, to name a few. We will spend another night in a hotel.

Day 4: Arrive at Hermanos Carrel Refuge

We will continue traveling south from Machachi for three and a half hours to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge. Late in the evening (11:00pm), we will start preparing for the ascent.

Day 5: Summit Chimborazo

Leaving at midnight, we begin an eight to ten hour trek to the top, which starts with an hour hike to the glacier. When we reach the summit, we will have an incredible view of the surrounding Andes, with plenty of opportunities to take pictures. The descent down to the refuge will take three to four hours, and we will then pack up and return to Quito.

About the guide

-Edgar & Guides' team

4.8

(32)

Mountain Guide

UIAGM/IFMGA-ASEGUIM Mountain Guide from Ecuador.

I am a mountain guide, but also a passionate traveler, climber in rock and ice, and photographer. I spend my free time and holidays exploring new destinations, discovering new mountains and cultures.

I have more than 27 years of experience climbing mountains and volcanoes not only in Ecuador, but also in other South American countries such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, and in the Alps in Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Nepal. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, Aconcagua in los Andes and Mt. McKinley in Alaska. This experiences prepared me to lead expeditions in challenging routes all around the world.

I studied 6 years of Tourism in the University, and followed ASEGUIM courses to become a mountain guide. I’ve also been evaluated by ENSA, and completed first aid courses in the Ecuadorian Red Cross.

I like guiding people from all around the world, and help them discover and enjoy the mountains, while reaching their objectives. I speak Spanish, English, German, Italian, and a bit of Russian.

Languages

Russian | Italian | German | English

Certificates

ASEGUIM | UIAGM

Request more information

What people are saying about -Edgar & Guides' team

Adam

Great service and guide! Highly recommend!

Paul

Unable to complete this trip so review is not relevant

Paul

Unfortunately we were unable to complete any of the climbs due to political unrest in Ecuador. However the guide service took very good care of us make sure we were safe drove us everywhere and make sure we got to the airport safely. If we were to repeat a trip to Ecuador we would definitely use these guides again

michelle

End-to-end this was very well organized with good communication. The guide was very knowledgeable and took the climb seriously. He was also easy to talk to, spoke good English and went out of his way to tell me about climbing in the region, the volcanoes and anything else I was I interested in.

John

Edgar is an amazing guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable and encouraging. The combination makes you feel confident in the things that he teaches you and in your ability to reach the summit.