Ecuador Climbing Expedition 9 Days Tour

We will leave from Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) early in the morning and drive southeast for about 2 hours through the Andean highlands until we get to the trailhead (10,827ft/3.300m). The hike leads through an amazing primary Andean Forest, great for bird watching. We will arrive on the summit (13,878ft/4.230m) and if the weather allows, we will be able to see the surrounding snow-capped mountains such as Antisana, Cayambe, Illinizas, Cotopaxi and even Chimborazo far away to the south on clear days. The round-trip will take us about 6 hours. Transfer to the Hotel in Machachi town, by late afternoon.

Meals included: N/A

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

Note: ­This is a flexible tour that can be booked on the dates that best suit your travel plans, as it does not operate exclusively as a group departure. When traveling on your own, some daily excursions may be private, while on other days you may share activities with other travelers. This blend of private and shared experiences adds variety to the itinerary, making each part of the journey authentic, dynamic, and truly unique.
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********************************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.

We start early in the morning and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the village of El Chaupi. We will continue driving up until we reach the trailhead (13,123ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part ofthe hike takes us up through low growing Andean grass. Then we will get onto a sandy section, which will see us scrambling further up and leads to Corazon summit (15,702ft/4.786m). We will have lunch during the hike, which will be about 8 hours. Return to Machachi by late afternoon.

Measls included: B

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

We will leave from Machachi in the morning and drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the village of El Chaupi. We will continue driving up until we get to “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795ft/3.900m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,583ft/4.750m). We will relax for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner will be served by late afternoon.

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

Measls included: B-D

Accomodation: Overnight at  Nuevos Horizontes Hut 1* (NOT AVAILABLE TO UPGRADES)

Our climbing day starts early in the morning. We will have a light breakfast, pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge an hour later. We will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between two peaks and then further on to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/5.126m). The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scramble. Once at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful surroundings. It will take us around 7 hours for the round trip. Finally we return to Machachi to overnight.

Measls included: B

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

We will leave from Machachi(10,170ft/3.100m) 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 Rivas Refuge (15,958ft/4.864m). In the afternoon we will go to the glacier for ice practices and training. We will learn some basic techniques, which include last but not least proper handling of the climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc). We will go back to the Refuge for dinner and rest.

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

Measls included: B-D

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

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 at  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 for overnight. 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: Overnight at Quito 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)

***** 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.