Climb Iliniza, Cayambe and Chimborazo in 8 days, Ecuador

Starting around 8 am, we’ll drive to the parking area at Quito's cable car, TeleferiQo, and take a ride up to Cruz Loma (4,000 m / 13,120 ft). Around 9 am, we’ll begin our hike toward the summit of Rucu Pichincha (4,696 m / 15,407 ft). As we hike, we’ll see incredible views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, with its snow-capped peaks, along with sweeping views of the city of Quito. The ascent to the summit takes about 3 hours, and the descent will take approximately 2 hours. Afterward, we’ll return to your accommodation.

tech. data: ↑ ↓  770 m / 2520 ft |  ↔  10,3 km / 6.4 mi 

catering: - / LB / D

accommodation in Ilinizas Lodge in El Chaupi (3.600 m / 11.800 ft) in single / double / triple rooms with dinner and breakfast included

We’ll start early and drive to the parking area in the Los Ilinizas Natural Reserve (3,970 m / 13,020 ft), where we’ll begin our hike up to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (2–3 hours) at an elevation of 4,730 m / 15,520 ft for a brief break. From there, we’ll continue our ascent to Iliniza Norte (5,126 m / 16,818 ft), a 2- to 3-hour climb featuring enjoyable rock-scrambling sections up to the summit. Afterward, we’ll descend via the direct route back to the parking area and head back to our accommodation.

tech. data: ↑↓ 1150 m / 3770 ft | ↔ 11,3 km / 7 mi

catering: B / LB / D

accommodation in Ilinizas Lodge in El Chaupi (3.600 m / 11.800 ft) in single / double / triple rooms with dinner and breakfast included

After breakfast, we’ll head to Quilotoa Crater Lake and begin a trek along the crater rim, which takes about 5 to 6 hours and reaches a maximum altitude of 3,930 m (12,894 ft). Along the way, we’ll take in the stunning blue of the lake and the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Another option is to visit the lagoon or explore the village and nearby viewpoints, depending on your preferences.

OR: Cotopaxi National Park with Limpiopungo Lagoon & hike up to the refuge

tech. data: ↑↓ 650 m / 2130 ft | ↔ 11 km / 6.8 mi

catering: B / LB / D

accommodation in Ilinizas Lodge in El Chaupi (3.600 m / 11.800 ft) in single / double / triple rooms with dinner and breakfast included

We’ll begin our day with breakfast before driving to the city of Cayambe, where we’ll stop for lunch. From there, we’ll continue up to the Ruales Oleas Berge Refuge (4,640 m / 15,230 ft). In the afternoon, we can do a short glacier training session if needed or explore the surroundings. After an early dinner, we’ll try to get some rest. Around midnight, we’ll wake up, have breakfast, and begin our ascent to Cayambe (5,790 m / 18,996 ft), which takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to reach the summit. Along the way, we’ll enjoy views of crevasses and breathtaking landscapes, then descend back to the refuge and drive to our accommodation in Machachi.

tech. data day 4: ↑↓ 0 m / 0 ft | ↔ 0,0 km / 0 mitech. data day 5: ↑↓ 1150 m / 3770 ft | ↔ 8,15 km / 5.1 mi 

catering day 4: B / LB / Dcatering day 5: B / - / - (snacks for the ascent will be provided)

accommodation in double room in Casa Sakiwa or similar with breakfast

We’ll head south, passing through the city of Riobamba, Ecuador’s oldest planned city, where we’ll stop for lunch. If time permits, we’ll explore the streets of this traditional Andean town, visit its markets, and see some notable sites. Alternatively, we may proceed directly to Chakana Mountain Lodge.

catering: B / L / D

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms in Chakana Mountain Lodge, including dinner & breakfast (4000 m / 13100 ft)

We’ll make our way to Chimborazo National Park, stopping for lunch along the route. After checking in at the park gate, we’ll drive to the parking area at 4,800 m (15,750 ft) and then hike up to the high camp at 5,300 m (17,400 ft), where we’ll spend the night in tents or domes. Following an early dinner, we’ll rest and have breakfast around midnight to prepare for a 6-8 hour ascent to Chimborazo’s summit (6,263 m / 20,548 ft). We’ll reach the summit at sunrise, take in the views, and then descend to the high camp, collect our belongings, have a quick snack, and continue down to our vehicles. We’ll then return to Quito.

tech. data day 7: ↑ 500 m / 1640 ft | → 2,1 km / 1.3 mi

tech. data day 8: ↑ 1000 m / 3280 ft ↓ 1500 m / 4920 ft | ↔ 7,9 km / 4.9 mi

catering day 7: B / L / D

catering day 8: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)

accommodation not included on day 8