11 Day Ecuador Volcanoes Climb Rucu Pichincha, Iliniza Norte & Cotopaxi (19,347 ft)

11 Day Ecuador Volcanoes Climb Rucu Pichincha, Iliniza Norte & Cotopaxi (19,347 ft)

A great introduction into high-altitude international climbing, the Ecuador volcanoes climbs offers some of the best volcano climbing in the world inlcuding Chimborazo, the highest volcano in the world. On the Chimborazo and Cotopaxi climbs you also have the opportunity to experience the rich Ecuadorian culture while gaining high altitude mountaineering climbing experience.

Join us on one of our favorite South American climbing expeditions. Climbing the Ecuador volcanoes with a highly experienced, English speaking mountain guide is a perfect high altitude climbing trip for those who just want an introduction of high altitude climbing or for those with even larger mountains in mind. Large glaciers and big views await.Itinerary Highlights
Day 1 Arrive in Quito (9500 ft) and overnight at a modern 4-star hotel the near the Historical Center.
Day 2 We will explore Quito while acclimating, including a tour of the Historical Center, a sprawling historic district featuring over 100 Spanish colonial & neoclassical buildings.
Day 3 Today we take a gondola ride up to Pichincha high above the city and climb Rucu Pinchincha (4,698 metres (15,413 ft). Overnight again in Quito.
Day 4 We leave Quito in the morning and drive 1.5 hours to Mateospaxi, our mountain lodge which will be home base between climbs. We have a private rooms with private showers and our belongings can stay in the rooms on days where we will be climbing.
Day 5 Today we will head up into Illinizas Ecological Reserve, located in the north of Latacunga, Cotopaxi, Ecuador. We will hike 2-3 hours upwards to reach the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge located at 4,700 m (15,416 ft) at the northern flanks of Illiniza Sur. It is considered the smallest high altitude refuge in the Ecuadorian Andes. Strategically built right on the saddle between Illiniza Sur and Illiniza Norte. Here we will sleep the night.
Day 6 Today is summit day of Illiniza Norte and will be an exciting day. We will begin early, climb to the summit 5,126 m (16,818 ft) which will take 3-4 hours, then return down to the hut for breakfast and continue back down to relax at Mateospaxi.
Day 7 Rest day at Mateospaxi where you can spend the day relaxing or chose to go to El Boliche National Recreation Area for some easy hiking or visit Latacunga to explore and taste some local foods, such as chugchucaras, empanadas, plantains, and tostado (a type of toasted corn).
Day 8 Today we head into the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park and we'll continue driving to the parking area at 4.600mt (15091ft) and park below the Jose Ribas Refuge. A short hike will take us to Jose Ribas Refuge where we will have dinner and a briefing about basic high altitue and glacier climbing techniques outside the refuge. Then dinner and an early sleep before our midnight summit push on Cotopaxi.
Day 9 At 11pm we will wake up, have a light breakfast and coffee and prepare for our midnight ascent to the summit of Cotopaxi 5897m (19,347ft/) The climb will take us between 6 to 8 hours and once at the summit we’ll take our time for pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head back down to the refuge, which will take us 2 to 3 hours. Once at the refuge we will pack our belongings, have a hot breakfast and go down to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to take us back to Mateospaxi.
Day 10 A well deserved rest day. After breakfast we will drive to the Laguna Quilotoa, a blue-green volcanic crater lake, which sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. From there, we can hike down to the lagoon (2 hours), walk to the nearby viewpoints, or visit the local community.
Day 11 Travel back to Quito for late afternoon or evening flights home.

Journey

Do you want to live an unforgettable 11 day alpine adventure in South America? Then come to Quito, Ecuador, for a guided ascent with acclimatization to Cotopaxi!

Cotopaxi 5,897m), an active stratovolcano in the Andes, is the second highest peak in Ecuador. It is located in the Latacunga canton, about 50km south of Quito. First summited in 1872, this mountain is very popular: it receives up to 100 climbers every weekend.

For this mountaineering tour, we will meet in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. We begin our acclimating in the capitol city of Quito 2850mt (9500 ft) and after a day of exploring the old town, we climb Rucu 4,698 meters (15,413 ft), one of the summits of the Pichincha volcano. We continue to acclimate by climbing Iliniza Norte 5,245m (17,208ft) and finally, after a rest day we’ll be ready for the final ascent to the summit of Cotopaxi!

Please note that this tour requires a good fitness level. In addition, basic mountaineering experience is preferable. Of course, we will be there to help and guide you!

We go with small group sizes, no more than six total, for more personal attention and flexibility.

Inclusions

  • Private ground transportation throughout Ecuador Permits and entree fees
  • Breakfast while staying in hotels or the Mountain lodge
  • Breakfast and Dinner while staying at the Refuge's on the mountains.
  • Lodging in 3-4 star hotels in Quito
  • Mountain lodge outside of the Quito on rest days
  • Dorm-style accomodations while staying in mountain Refuge's

Included Gear:

  • Ice Axe
  • Crampons
  • Air mask for Cotopaxi

Exclusions

  • International Travel
  • Transfer to and from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to Quito hotel
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Lunch and Dinners while staying in Quito or the Mountain lodge
  • Lunch/ snacks on the mountain

Gear Excluded:

  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Mountain boots
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag

* Personal gear available to rent on request

    Pricing

    Starting at $3,150 per person.

     

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    FAQ

    What fitness level is required for your treks?

    Our treks vary in difficulty from moderate to challenging. We recommend a good level of fitness for all our treks, as they involve walking for several hours a day, often in hilly or mountainous terrain. Prior hiking or trekking experience is advantageous but not essential for our moderate treks.

    What can I expect in terms of accommodation during the treks?

    Accommodations range from comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and tea houses on the trek. We ensure cleanliness, comfort, and the best local hospitality. In urban areas or starting points like Kathmandu, we typically use hotels that are of a 3-star standard or higher.

    How do you ensure safety during the treks?

    Safety is our utmost priority. All our treks are led by experienced and first-aid trained guides. We carry essential medical supplies, and our guides are well-versed in emergency procedures. We also ensure all participants are properly acclimatized to high altitudes.

    How do I book a trek, and what's the payment process?

    You can book a trek by filling out the inquiry form on our website or by contacting us directly via email or phone. A deposit is required to secure your spot, with the balance due before the trek begins. We accept various payment methods, including credit cards, Zelle, Venmo and bank transfers.

    What is your cancellation policy?

    We offer a full refund for cancellations made more than 60 days before the trek start date. For cancellations made 30 to 59 days before the trek, we refund 50% of the total cost. Cancellations made less than 30 days before the trek start date are non-refundable.

    What should I pack for a trek?

    We provide all participants with a detailed packing list that includes clothing, gear, and personal items tailored to the specific trek and season. Generally, you should prepare for a range of weather conditions and bring layers, a good quality sleeping bag, hiking boots, a backpack, and personal medication.

    Do I need travel insurance?

    Yes, we require all participants to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip cancellation. Please ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking if applicable. We can help recommend you a few options.

    What food and water are provided on the treks?

    We provide three meals a day, including local and international cuisine, prepared in the tea houses we will be lodging in. Bottled water, can be easily purchased throughout the trek, or we can recommend purifying pills to purchase.

    Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences?

    Yes, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences. Please inform us in advance, and we will make the necessary arrangements.

    What should I expect after completing the trek?

    After completing your trek, we typically arrange a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey. This is also a great time to share feedback and reflections with your group and guides. We can assist with post-trek accommodations and extensions if you wish to explore more.

    How does Altitude Aces contribute to local communities?

    We are committed to responsible tourism and support local communities by hiring local staff, using local services, and promoting sustainable practices. A portion of our profits goes directly to community projects in the regions we explore.

    Ready for a journey that challenges your body and transforms your spirit? Contact us to reserve your spot on this life-affirming trek!

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