Cotopaxi and Cayambe 11-day mountaineering tour

Come with Jaime Vargas, a certified ASEGUIM mountain guide, on this 11-day mountaineering tour and climb the Cotopaxi and Cayambe peaks.

Andes

11 Days

Oct - Dec

High

Intermediate

Description

Join me on this 11-day mountaineering tour and reach the top of the second and third highest mountains of Ecuador: Cotopaxi and Cayambe.

I invite you to challenge yourself with the ascent of the essentials summits from Ecuador. Meanwhile, you will be able to enjoy an amazing and relaxing view. I will be happy to guide you through beautiful peaks, lakes and mountains on this 11-day mountaineering tour.

Cayambe is an active stratovolcano located in the north of Ecuador. With its 5790 meters, it is the third highest volcano in the country. The second highest one is Cotopaxi with 5897 meters above sea level. Cotopaxi is located in the south of Quito and it is one of the most important volcanoes in the world. Since last October Cotopaxi has been reopened for climbers.

Our meeting point will be in Quito. On the following days, we will reach the summit of Fuya Fuya (4263 meters), Imbabura (4609 meters), Cayambe (5790 meters) and Cotopaxi (5.897 meters). As you can see, during the tour we will be getting a bit higher on each challenge. Furthermore, we will visit the park called ‘Mitad del Mundo’, the Cuicocha Lagoon and different local markets.

Please find a more detailed itinerary below and keep in mind that it is important to have previous experience in mountaineering and a good fitness level.

So if you are ready to explore these fantastic mountains from the Ecuadorian Andes do not hesitate and contact me! It will be a pleasure to guide you through this incredible experience!

If you are interested in a different mountaineering tour in Ecuador, you can join me on this 13-day mountaineering trip from Quito to Chimborazo.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees

Price details

Pick up on the first day and drop off on the last day can be arranged according to your accommodation.
Included:
Lunch or lunch box.

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

Arrival in Quito and transfer to the hotel. In the evening we’ll meet up to introduce each other.

Day 2: Middle of the World

We leave Quito and visit the park “Mitad del Mundo” in the north of Quito. Further we’ll go to the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve and afterwards we’ll continue to Otavalo, where we’ll spend the night.

Day 3: Laguna Cuicocha

On this day, we’ll drive to Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and walk around the Cuicocha Lagoon (3450 m). This activity takes about 4 hours.

Day 4: Fuya Fuya

We’ll have breakfast and go up to the Laguna de Mojanda. Fuya Fuya (4263 m) is the next peak on our itinerary. The hike to the summit takes approximately 2 hours.

Day 5: Otavalo

We’ll spend a market day shopping and walking around Otavalo’s famous market.

Day 6: Imbabura

We’ll get higher on our last acclimatization peak: Imbabura (4609 m). We’ll reach the summit in about 6 to 7 hours.

Day 7: Refuge Ruales Oleas Berge

We’ll drive to Cayambe, up to the Ruales Oleas Berge Hut. We’ll hike up to the glacier for some glacier training in the afternoon. Early dinner and rest.

Day 8: Cayambe Summit

Early wake up and breakfast. We will ascend to Cayambe (5790 m) in about 6 to 7 hours. Descent to the hut and drive to our hotel.

Day 9: Local markets Pujili or Saquisili

Depending on the day, we can visit the local markets of Saquisili or Pujili.

Day 10: Refuge José Ribas

We’ll drive to the Cotopaxi National Park and hike up to the José Ribas Hut, which takes approximately 50 minutes. Early dinner and rest.

Day 11: Cotopaxi Summit

Early wake up and breakfast. Ascent to Cotopaxi (5897 m), which takes about 6 to 7 hours. Descent and return to Quito where the program ends.

Details

More info

Climbing equipment upon request.

Meeting point

Quito.

About the guide

Jaime

4.9

(46)

Mountain Guide

Certified IFMGA - ASEGUIM Mountain Guide, National guide, Rescue Team Member GRA & Lawyer.

As passionate mountaineer and with almost 20 years of guiding experience, I worked with clients from all over the world. Each tour is a unique experience and I will pleased to guide you to the marvellous summits of Ecuador and South America. My journeys have allowed me to guide and summit several mountains in Peru, like Alpamayo, Chopicalqui & Tocllaraju amongst others and to experience some mountain climbing in the Alps of Austria and Italy.

I’m based in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador’s famous piece of heaven, where we run together with my Austrian girlfriend a small tour operator and a consulting office.

Continuous improvement and keeping up with the State of the Art is our mission:in 2017, I completed the IFMGA certification and, recently, in 2018, I received the National guide certification from the ministry of Tourism.

President of Baños Trail Running Club, I run every week with my team. My achievement of 2018 : Finishing 1st of my category for the 100km Ruco Ultra Trail.

I’m looking forward to exploring our beautiful mountains together with you.

Languages

German | French | English

Certificates

ASEGUIM | IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about this trip

Samuel

Andean Summit Adventures provided an excellent experience from start to finish. From before I even booked, Elisabeth in the operations centre was able to answer all my questions and guide me on the best itinerary for my taste. Elisabeth was a great communicator and helped make the planning and booking phase very smooth and easy. I climbed with Jaime, an international mountain guide of the highest calibre. I have climbed with guides all over the world, including the famous Sherpa of Nepal, and Jaime is the best. He has a calming nature, speaks flawless English (for those of us who do not speak Spanish) and knows the mountains like they are his own backyard. On the mountain, Jaime’s patience is unrivalled. He is focused purely on getting his client to the summit safely. Jaime showed excellent technical abilities, while also remaining a kind and calm person. We were able to successfully summit four mountains (including Cayambe and Illiniza Sur) and at all times I felt completely safe with Jaime. Even better than feeling safe, I had a great time and enjoyed every moment in the mountains with Andean summit adventures. When I come back to South America for climbing, I will be returning as a client to this company. 10/10.