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$3,495

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DETAILS

10 days in Ecuador
Grade: Beginner

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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OVERVIEW

Ecuador is a country of towering, ice-capped volcanoes, where glacial streams tumble through pristine cloud forest into the Amazon Basin far below. With relatively easy access to more than a dozen major volcanoes, Ecuador offers an excellent introduction to the world of high-altitude international mountaineering. Mountain Gurus’ Ecuador Volcanoes expedition takes you to the summits of Cayambe (18,997 ft) and Antisana (18,891 ft), Ecuador’s third and fourth tallest mountains. Cayambe, a majestic cone draped in snow and ice, rises above the culturally traditional city of Otavalo in the Cordillera Central of the Ecuadorian Andes. Antisana is located close to Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, but it is one of the least climbed and least commercialized of Ecuador’s major volcanoes. On Antisana, climbers ascend dramatic glaciers in a wild and spectacular atmosphere.

Climbers who want to experience more of what Ecuadorian mountaineering has to offer may extend this expedition with ascents of Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. At 19,341 feet, Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s second tallest peak. Due to its almost perfectly pyramidal shape, it is Ecuador’s most popular climbing objective. Chimborazo (20,702 ft) is the tallest mountain in Ecuador. Its position on the equatorial bulge makes its summit the farthest point on the earth’s surface from the center of the earth.

Cayambe and Antisana Climb • 10 Days

Our expedition begins with acclimatization ascents of two trekking peaks on the Ecuadorian highlands near Quito. We first trek up Pasochoa (13,776 ft), an extinct volcano with stunning views of Cotopaxi and a chance to see condors and wild horses. The next day we take a cable car to 13,000 feet on the valley rim high above Quito and hike to the summit of Rucu Pichincha at 15,696 feet.

From Quito, we drive north to Cayambe Coca National Park on the equator line where we move into our bunks at the Ruales Oleas Bergé mountain refuge. The next morning, we prepare for the mountaineering phase of our expedition by hiking to the toe of the Hermoso Glacier to train with ice axe and crampons. Our ascent of Volcan Cayambe begins with an alpine start. We rope up and climb 35-degree snow and ice slopes that steepen as we climb onto Cayambe’s huge summit dome. We enjoy our rest day at Papallacta Hot Springs.

Our expedition now turns its attention to Volcan Antisana. Antisana’s summit is slightly lower than Cayambe’s, but its remoteness presents unique challenges. It is not uncommon for ours to be the only expedition on the peak. We set camp on grassy highlands with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Before dawn, our guide leads us up a rocky moraine and onto Antisana’s deep glaciers, which are replenished by precipitation from the Amazon Basin just to the east. We may encounter a labyrinth of crevasses, especially during dry conditions. We ascend 20- to 30-degree slopes to a bench near the top of the glacier, then climb steeper slopes to Antisana’s expansive summit.

Related climbs and treks: Cotopaxi, Ecuador Highlands Trek

Cotopaxi or Chimborazo Climb • 3 Days

Before departing for home, consider making the most of your hard-earned acclimatization by extending your trip to climb Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. The famous Cotopaxi is a beautiful, cone-shaped volcano just south of Quito. At 19,347 feet, it is Ecuador’s second tallest peak. Chimborazo attracts climbers from around the world because its location on the planet’s equatorial bulge makes its summit the farthest point on earth’s surface from the earth’s center. At 20,702 feet / 6,300 meters, it is many climbers’ first 6,000-meter ascent.

Need help choosing a trip?
Read our Four-Legged Stool blog post for tips on finding the right adventure for you.

The Ecuador Volcanoes

If you have climbed in the Pacific Northwest, Mexico or elsewhere in North America and you are ready to expand your skills on a more challenging expedition, Mountain Gurus’ Ecuador Volcanoes is an excellent choice. Home to massive, 5,000- and 6,000-meter volcanoes, Ecuador is an ideal training ground for climbers who want to broaden their high-altitude experience and glacier mountaineering skills for larger objectives such as the Seven Summits and the peaks of Alaska and the Himalaya.

With its pristine nature preserves, luxurious hot springs and vibrant cities, Ecuador is also a logical next step for climbers who have already summited Mount Rainier, Mount Baker or other North American peaks and are simply seeking their next adventure. Because Ecuador is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are reversed, making it an ideal destination during the North American winter. Mountain Gurus recommends this expedition from December through March, when Ecuador’s driest weather brings safe climbing conditions and high summit success rates. Excellent climbing conditions also occur during dry weather in June.

Why choose Mountain Gurus for your Ecuador Volcanoes adventure?

At Mountain Gurus, we take pride in our ability to provide challenging and thrilling mountain adventures while maintaining a flawless safety record. Our climbers enjoy high summit success rates, but more importantly, they do so under the careful oversight of our expert guides. Our staff has decades of climbing experience in Ecuador. We know the terrain and the culture, and we know how to provide the very best client care during our journey together. Mountain Gurus adheres to Leave No Trace principles. We minimize the environmental impact of your adventure and ensure that the mountains remain pristine for the climbers who come after us.

Climb Highlights

  • Co-led by an American and Ecuadorian mountain guide
  • Ascents of Cayambe and Antisana
  • Optional ascents of Cotopaxi or Chimborazo
  • Papallacta Hot Springs
  • 2 nights hotels in Quito
  • 2 nights mountain refuges
  • Hikes of Pasochoa and Rucu Pichincha acclimatization peaks
  • Meals while climbing in the mountains
  • Land transportation
  • Friendly MG office staff will help you prepare for your adventure

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 • Arrive Quito
Day 2 • Pasochoa • 13,776 ft
Day 3 • Rucu Pichincha • 15,696 ft
Day 4 • Cayambe Refuge • 15,300 ft
Day 5 • Training Day on Cayambe
Day 6 • Summit Cayambe • 18,997 ft
Day 7 • Rest Day in Papallacta
Day 8 • Antisana Base Camp • 14,870 ft
Day 9 • Summit Antisana • 18,891 ft
Day 10 • Depart Quito

Cotopaxi Climb

Day 10 • Rest day in Quito
Day 11 • Cotopaxi Refuge • 15,750 ft
Day 12 • Summit Cotopaxi • 19,347 ft
Day 13 • Depart Quito

Chimborazo Climb

Day 10 • Rest day in Quito
Day 11 • Chimborazo High Camp
Day 12 • Summit Chimborazo • 20,702 ft
Day 13 • Depart Quito

“I went with Dennis Broadwell of Mountain Gurus on a climbing expedition in January 2016 with the goal of climbing Cayambe and other big Ecuadorean peaks – big goals that tested my resolve and conviction and which is a key element for me of a mountaineering trip, regardless of the summits achieved. Over two weeks, I was able to observe Dennis in action – climbing, organizing, keeping things in motion, entertaining his clients — and came away with a strong impression of his commitment, passion for people and mountains, good humor, and competency up high and also navigating the moment-by-moment details of our itinerary. Our travels throughout the country were punctuated with memorable moments and along the way I felt I was with a guide and a friend. Mountain Gurus hits the sweet spot in guide services – experienced locally and globally, but with the boutique size to ensure personalized and dedicated service that isn’t always available with larger outfits. Highly recommended.” ~ Ken K, January 2016

ITINERARY

Ecuador Volcanoes

Expedition begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador

Day 1 • Arrive Quito • 9,350 feet

Arrive Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador (UOI). Most flights arrive in Quito in the late evening. Our driver will be awaiting your arrival at the airport, and will take you to the hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel in Quito
Meals Included: None

Day 2 • Pasochoa • 13,780 feet

Today we trek up an extinct volcano in the Guayllabamba River Basin named Pasochoa (13,780 ft / 4,200 m). Our trail leads through Ecuador’s rolling high plains until we scramble onto a rocky promontory with steep, forested cliffs dropping away below us. On a clear day, we might see condors and wild horses, as well as the distant pyramids of Ecuador’s famous glaciated volcanoes. We eat lunch on the summit and then return to Quito.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 1,800 feet
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours roundtrip

Accommodations: Hotel in Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)

Day 3 • Rucu Pichincha • 15,696 feet

After breakfast we take a short drive through Quito to a cable car that carries us to 13,012 feet on the rim of the valley above the city. We enjoy our first views of three of the highest snow-capped Ecuadorian mountains – Cotopaxi, Antisana and Cayambe – as we summit Ruco Pichincha at 15,413 feet / 4,698 meters. We return to our hotel. This afternoon we are free to explore the city and organize gear before departing Quito the following morning.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 2,401 feet
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours roundtrip

Accommodations: Hotel in Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)

Day 4 • Drive to Cayambe Refuge • 15,250 feet

In the morning, we drive from Quito to the Ruales Oleas Bergé mountain hut at the base of Volcan Cayambe. The hut sits on the southern slopes of Cayambe with fantastic views of the Hermoso Glacier.

Accommodations: Mountainside Refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

Day 5 • Training Day on Cayambe • 15,250 feet

Today we review essential mountaineering techniques for our summit ascent. The lower glaciers on Cayambe offer an excellent classroom to practice cramponing, self-arrest and running belays. We prepare our gear for our ascent of the third highest mountain in Ecuador, then go to bed early for our alpine start.

Vertical ascent climbing: 1,000 feet
Climbing time: 4-5 hours

Accommodations: Mountainside Refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

Day 6 • Summit Day • Cayambe • 18,997 feet

To maximize our safety and efficiency, we wake before dawn when cooler temperatures create prime snow conditions. Cayambe’s normal route is not technically challenging, but it is physically demanding. We ascend low rocky ridges to the edge of a crevassed glacier. We rope up and climb directly to the mountain’s upper slopes. A final, challenging push takes us to Cayambe’s huge summit dome, where we’re rewarded with magnificent views. Clouds drift over the Amazon rainforest. Antisana, Cotopaxi and other mountains rise from the verdant Ecuadorian highlands. We descend our route to the hut and transfer to our hotel in Papallacta.

Vertical ascent climbing: 3,800 feet
Climbing time: 10-12 hours roundtrip

Accommodations: Hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport (not included) or near Papallacta if continuing to Antisana (included)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)

Because most international flights depart Quito slightly after midnight, guests departing after summiting Cayambe may prefer not to book a hotel on the final night of the program. Lodging after summiting Cayambe is not included for guests who are not continuing to Antisana.

*** Day 7 option to depart for home after climbing Cayambe ***

Day 7 • Papallacta Hot Springs or Depart Quito

Today we enjoy a rest day at Papallacta Hot Springs, one of Ecuador’s most beautiful natural thermal spas. Located in a high mountain valley at 11,800 feet, Papallacta offers private pools filled daily with fresh water from natural hot springs, as well as other amenities such as massages and a restaurant.

Accommodations: Hotel in Papallacta
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Day 8 • Drive to Antisana Base Camp • 14,870 feet

After breakfast, we drive to Antisana Base Camp at 13,405 feet in Ecuador’s remote highlands. Few people visit this area and, except for llamas and wild horses, we usually have Antisana all to ourselves. Our climbing staff and chef prepare our camp as we do an acclimatization hike up to advanced base camp at 14,870 ft. Group fitness may permit us to sleep at advanced base camp.

Vertical ascent climbing: 1,400 feet
Climbing time: 2-3 hours roundtrip from Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp

Accommodations: Tents in Antisana Base Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

Day 9 • Summit Day • Antisana • 18,891 feet

We rise before midnight. Our chef will have breakfast waiting. We rope up and wind through towers of glacial ice as we make our way up a series of short, steep steps, taking care to avoid the most heavily crevassed sections of Antisana’s challenging glaciers. As the sun rises, we approach the summit, surrounded by a spectacular panorama of more than a dozen of Ecuador’s famous volcanoes.

Vertical ascent climbing: 4,000 feet
Climbing time: 10-12 hours roundtrip

Accommodations: Hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport (not included) or in Quito if continuing to Cotopaxi or Chimborazo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)

Because most international flights depart Quito slightly after midnight, guests departing after summiting Antisana may prefer not to book a hotel on the final night of the program. Lodging after summitting Antisana is included only for guests who are continuing to Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.

*** Day 10 option to depart for home after climbing Antisana ***

Day 10 • Rest day or Depart Quito

Today we arrive back in Quito for another rest day before heading to Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. Spend the day exploring the museums and 16th century colonial architecture of Quito’s historic downtown. Or take a short taxi ride and visit Ciudad Mitad del Mundo the Equator line.

Accommodations: Hotel in Quito for guests continuing to Cotopaxi or Chimborazo
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Cotopaxi Climb

Or continue to Cotopaxi for a climb of Ecuador’s most famous mountain.

Day 11 • Drive to Cotopaxi Refuge • 15,744 feet

After breakfast, we drive south to Cotopaxi National Park. A 40-minute hike takes us to the Jose F. Rivas Refuge at 15,744 feet. We eat lunch and settle into our bunks. If time allows, we may take a short hike to the edge of the glacier.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 750 feet
Trekking Time: 1 hour

Accommodations: Jose F. Rivas Refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

Day 12 • Summit Day • Cotopaxi • 19,347 feet

Today we summit Cotopaxi! We leave the refuge around midnight for a six-hour climb. From the hut we ascend moderate glacier slopes, crossing snow bridges over crevasses as the mountain steepens. After navigating a heavily crevassed section of the glacier, we reach the final summit slope. With ice axes in hand, we climb a challenging section of 35- to 40-degree snow until suddenly we are stepping onto the crater rim of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. We enjoy spectacular views into Cotopaxi’s massive, two-tiered summit crater, which measures roughly 2,600 feet in diameter and is scattered with sulphur fumaroles. We descend and transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for late night departures.

Vertical Ascent Climbing: 3,603 feet
Climbing Time: 6-7 hours to summit, 3.5 hours descent to trailhead

Accommodations: Hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport (not included)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)

Because most international flights depart Quito slightly after midnight, guests departing after summiting Cotopaxi may prefer not to book a hotel on the final night of the program.

Day 13 • Depart Quito

Transport to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for flights home. Many flights depart Quito in the late evening.

Meals Included: None

Chimborazo Climb

Or continue to Chimborazo for a climb of Ecuador’s highest mountain.

Day 11 • Drive to Chimborazo • High Camp • 14,870 feet

We drive south towards Riobamba and Chimborazo, with the possibility of seeing Ecuador’s Big Ten volcanoes on the way. Chimborazo’s location along the equatorial bulge makes its summit the farthest point on the Earth’s surface from the Earth’s center. It rises dramatically above the surrounding highlands, a massive pyramid capped with ice and snow. We eat lunch at a local lodge. A short final drive takes us to the trailhead near Hermanos Carrel Refuge at 15,744 feet, where we shoulder our packs and begin a two-hour walk to our high camp at 17,400 feet just below the glacier. Porters will help carry group gear to high camp.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 1,500 feet
Trekking Time: 2 hours

Accommodations: Chimborazo High Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

*** We often overnight at Hermanos Carrel refuge instead of staying at high camp depending on group and snow conditions ***

Day 12 • Summit Day • Chimborazo • 20,702 feet

With a midnight alpine start, we follow a new climbing route to the west-northwest to avoid dangerous rockfall. We pass the base of a rock formation called El Castillo, or “The Castle,” at 18,044 feet, and then climb to Chimborazo’s false summit, Pico Veintimilla, at 20,433 feet. A half-hour walk across a saddle takes us to the top of the mountain at Whymper Summit. The ascent from High Camp normally takes six to seven hours. It ends at one of the best views in Ecuador. After returning to camp, we pack and descend to Riobamba for lunch. Return to Quito.

Vertical Ascent Climbing: 3,000 feet
Climbing Time: 9-12 hours roundtrip

Accommodations: Hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport (not included)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)

Because most international flights depart Quito slightly after midnight, guests departing after summiting Chimborazo may prefer not to book a hotel on the final night of the program.

Day 13 • Depart Quito

Transport to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for flights home. Many flights depart Quito in the late evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

DETAILS

Price

$3,495

Cotopaxi Climb: $1195
Chimborazo Climb: $1195

Rates are quoted based on double/twin sharing hotel accommodations while in Quito and Haciendas. Single room fees apply.

Deposit and Payments

  • A non-refundable deposit of $1000.00 per person secures your reservation.
  • The balance is due 120 days prior to the start date.
  • The balance can be paid by credit card with a surcharge of 3.0%, or Zelle payment network.
  • If your balance payment is not received 120 days before the start of your program, your reservation will be canceled, and all program fees forfeited.

Price Includes

  • Park fees
  • Scheduled land transportation in Ecuador
  • Hotels in Quito
  • Refuge and tented accommodations
  • Scheduled meals during the expedition
  • Professional mountain guide. Groups of 6 or more are accompanied by an American guide in addition to a fully certified local guide
  • All group equipment for the expedition (tents, stoves, group climbing gear)

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare and meals during travel
  • Non-scheduled airport transfers ($75)
  • Non-scheduled meals
  • Snack food during the expedition
  • Personal gear
  • Trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended)
  • Single room supplement (hotels only) $500
  • Medical and evacuation coverage
  • Early departure fees
  • Tips and gratuities

GEAR LIST

A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in the PreClimb information upon reservation.

Head and Face

  • Warm Hat: Wool/ synthetic, one that covers the ears.
  • Buff or Balaclava
  • Sun Hat or Baseball Cap
  • Glacier Glasses: Essential eye protection at altitude. Wrap around style or side shields. A category 4 lens is required.
  • Goggles: Dark lenses to help with snow and wind.
  • Sunscreen: SPF 30+
  • Lip Balm: SPF 30+
  • Climbing LED Headlamp: Bring one extra set of batteries.

Upper Body

  • Baselayer Tops: One synthetic long-sleeve shirt. Hoods for sun protection are strongly recommended.
  • Mid-layer Top: A synthetic or fleece top.
  • Softshell Jacket: This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket. Hoods are highly recommended.
  • Hardshell Jacket: A fully waterproof shell. GORE-TEX© or equivalent. Hoods are required.
  • Insulated Jacket: Heavy weight down. 700+ fill or higher required.

Handwear

  • Lightweight Gloves: One pair (WINDSTOPPER© is recommended)
  • Softshell Gloves: One pair. Leather palms offer durability and grip.
  • Heavyweight Gloves: Insulated glove or mitten with GORE-TEX© or waterproof outer.

Lower Body

  • Baselayer Bottom: One pair. Synthetic, no cotton.
  • Softshell Pants: One pair. Synthetic, stretchy, non-insulated.
  • Hardshell Pants: One pair of GORE-TEX© pants. Full-length side zips are required; you may need to take off your hardshell pants without removing your boots.
  • Gaiters: Full-sized waterproof gaiters that must fit snugly over your mountaineering boots.

Footwear

  • Mountaineering Boots: Full shank crampon compatible. Double plastic mountaineering boots or Heavy weight synthetic/ hybrid mountaineering boots are required.
  • Approach Shoes: Light hiking boots or sturdy trail running shoes.
  • Mediumweight Socks: Two pair of wool or synthetic socks.
  • Heavyweight Socks: Two pair of wool or synthetic socks for sleeping in and for summit day.

Note: Please read our Mountaineering Boot and Crampon guide for more information.

Sleeping

  • Sleeping Bag: Bring a warm bag (rated to 0ᵒ Fahrenheit).
  • Sleeping Pad: Bring either a full-length sleeping pad. Inflatable or closed cell foam.

Packing and Backpack

  • Backpack: One 65-75 liter pack for personal gear. Should have an effective waist belt, fit properly and provide good support while carrying 45-60 lbs.
  • Liner Bags: 1 large plastic contractor bag.
  • Duffel Bag: One large, waterproof PVC duffel bafor transporting gear.

Climbing Gear

  • Ice Axe: 55-75 cm mountaineering axe.
  • Crampons: 12-point steel with anti-balling plates.
  • Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
  • Alpine Harness: Lightweight alpine harness with adjustable leg loops.
  • Trekking Poles: Adjustable and collapsible with snow baskets.
  • Locking Carabiners: (2) Large pear-shaped, screw gate locking carabiners.
  • Non-Locking Carabiners: (2) Wire gate non-locking carabiners.
  • Nylon Slings(2) 60 cm nylon slings

Hydration

  • Water Bottles: Two, 1L wide-mouth plastic bottles. NALGENE©

Personal Health and First Aid

  • Snacks and drinks
  • Small personal first-aid kit and medications
  • Plastic bowl, insulated mug, and spoon
  • Toilet paper, blue bag or wag bag
  • Earplugs

TRAVEL & FITNESS

Travel

Program Location:
Begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador

Visa/Entry Information:
A valid passport is required for American citizens to enter Ecuador. American citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 30 days for tourism.

Health & Immunizations:
Immunizations are not required for entry into Ecuador.

Flight Travel Information:
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UOI), Quito, Ecuador

International Departures:
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in-country in the destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.

Meals and Food:
All meals are provided as per meal schedule. See itinerary.

Gear:
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your program will be sent to you in a pre-departure information packet upon booking. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.

Ecuador Volcanoes Fitness & Training

Climbing Grade: Beginner   

Our ascents will start at high-altitude huts and lodges allowing us to acclimatize and rest between summit days. Because we will be climbing at high altitudes, we recommend that climbers should be in good physical condition with previous climbing experience.

Prior to the expedition we recommend climbing a Cascade volcano to master the skills essential for reaching the summit.

Here’s a suggested progression of climbs before attempting the Ecuador Volcanoes:

  • Northwest Climb (Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Mount Shuksan)
  • Glacier Mountaineering Course
  • Mexico Volcanoes, Mount Elbrus

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Mountain Gurus

Since 2008, we have offered world-class Seven Summits expeditions, high-altitude climbs, and specialized treks around the globe from the Himalayas to the Andes, and from the heights of Africa to the rainforests of the Amazon Basin. We make safety our foremost priority. We employ some of the most talented guides in the industry, and we maintain low client-to-guide ratios to ensure that you enjoy the best possible experience. Our business is rooted in environmental and social stewardship. We also offer a wide selection of mountaineering courses and climbs in the Pacific Northwest through our partner company, Northwest Alpine Guides. To learn more about our services, history and philosophy, please visit: Why Choose Mountain Gurus.

Do I need prior mountaineering experience?

Prior mountaineering experience is not required. Anyone in strong physical condition is welcome to join our Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Your guides will teach ice axe, crampon and other essential glacier climbing skills before our ascent of Cayambe. To maximize your potential for an enjoyable and successful expedition, we recommend that you take our 3-Day Mount Baker Intro to Mountaineering Course before climbing in Ecuador.

What are the accommodations like?

You will share a double room with one other team member in our high-quality hotel in Quito and at Papallacta Hot Springs. We stay in communal mountain refuges on Cayambe and Cotopaxi. On Antisana and Chimborazo, we share top-quality mountaineering tents. Single hotel rooms are available by request, for an added fee.

When is the best season to climb?

Ecuador’s primary climbing season lasts from November through February. Excellent climbing conditions also occur during dry weather in June.

How much will my pack weigh on summit day?

Generally, pack weights will range between 20 and 25 pounds. On summit day, you will carry only your own gear, including personal climbing equipment, warm clothing layers, food and water.

What is the guide to climber ratio?

Local IFMGA certified guide’s lead our Ecuador Volcano’s expedition. We strive to maintain a 2:1 climber to guide ratio on summit day. Additional assistant guides or American guides will be present for larger groups.

INTERNATIONAL CLIMBS

Orizaba Express

Mexico Volcanoes

Cotopaxi

All Climbs