Climbing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo Express 5 Days Tour

We will leave from Quito in the morning and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here we will drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (14,764ft/4.500m). We get our gear ready and hike up for an hour to the José Ribas Refuge (15,958ft/4.864m). In the afternoon we will talk and learn some basic techniques, which includes last but not least proper handling of the climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc). We will have dinner at the Refuge and go to rest.

Please Note: At base camps or high camps accomodation consist of a sleeping mat or bed in a shared area.

Measls included: D

Accomodation: Overnight at  José Ribas Base Camp 1* (NOT AVAILABLE TO UPGRADES)

NOTE: Participants must demonstrate previous mountaineering experience by having successfully climbed at least three mountains before joining this expedition.

We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (19,347ft/5.897m) around 1 am after a light breakfast. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours. The first part is about an hour hike to the glacier, where we put the crampons on and start the glacier ascent. Once at the summit we will take our time for pictures of the crater and surroundings and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the refuge we will rest, pack our belongings, have something to eat, drink and go down to the parking lot, from where we return back to Machachi.

Measls included: B

Accomodation: Overnight at  Machachi 2* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)

Today we rest in the charming town Machachi; there is an optional tour to the Tesalia Water Springs. On Sundays we like to visit the local indigenous market (animals, fruit, handicraft, etc.). There are many other options for you to choose from, like horseback riding, cow milking or sampling of a local delicatessen, guinea pig. We will spend a restful night in a hotel in town.

Measls included: B

Accomodation: Overnight in Machachi 2* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)

We will drive from Machachi southern trough the Avenue of the Volcanoes for about 3 hours to the Chimborazo`s reserve until getting Hermanos Carrel refuge (15,744ft/4,800m) and then we will check all the needed camping and climbing equipment for the next 2 days. Once we have everything ready we will start hiking for about 3 hours to the High Camp (17,552ft/5.350m), once here, we will accommodate in our tents. In the afternoon we will prepare and double check all the gear for the climbing. We will get a light dinner and go to sleep.

Please note: At base camps or high camps accomodation consist of a sleeping mat or bed in a shared area.

Measls included: D

Accomodation: Overnight at High Camp 1* (NOT AVAILABLE TO UPGRADES)

Around 1:00 am, we will start our climb to the Ecuadorian highest mountain, Chimborazo, which will take us around 8 hours. We will get to the summit (20,702ft/6.310m) in the early hours. The summit is a perfect spot for resting and to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start our descending to the High Camp, which will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once in the High Camp, we will pack our belongings and then, we will still need to go down 2 hours to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to drive us down to Quito.

The drop-off will be at your hotel in Quito. Please let us know your hotel in advance.

Note that this service is only available for hotels located in the central area of Quito; if your hotel is outside this area, we will agree on a convenient drop-off point.­ END OF SERVICES 

Please note: If  you prefer to skip the night in Quito and require and airport drop-off instead, please inform us in advance. We can arrange this service for an additional USD 65.

Measls included: B

Accomodation: N/A

***** IMPORTANT *****

This program can also be arranged for solo travelers, simply let us know, and we’ll provide the rate for single participation.

If your group has 3, 5, or 7 travelers, we can offer different room arrangements, such as triple rooms, family rooms or double and single combinations, depending on your preference and availability. Please feel free to contact us, and we’ll gladly help you with all the details and pricing.