AAEC01 Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m) 2D/1N
Cotopaxi is identified as
one the highest active volcanoes in the world and its summit reaches the
altitude of 5897 m.
Day
1:
From Quito drive south to the Cotopaxi National Park. Our transport will take
us to the parking lot of Cotopaxi, from where a 1hour trek will take us to the
Rivas Hut located on the north western side of one the highest active volcanoes
in the world. In the afternoon practices on the closest glaciers. Overnight in the Hut (4800 m). (BL, D)
Day
2:
At midnight, and after a healthy breakfast start the climb to the summit of
Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m). After reach the summit
we'll enjoying magnificent
views of the impressive crater and the surrounding volcanoes. Return to
the refuge and the parking lot.
Transport back to Quito. (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard
AAEC02 Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m) 3D/2N
Day
1:
Driving south of Quito we'll reach the Cotopaxi National Park. Set up campsite at 1 Km
of the Limpiopungo Lagoon (3800m). In
the afternoon acclimatization trek towards the rim of the Rumiñahui
Volcano. Return to the campsite. (BL,
D)
Day
2: Our transport will take us to the parking
lot of the Cotopaxi Volcano, from there a 1 hour trek will take us to the José
Rivas Hut (4800 m). In the afternoon
practices on the closest glaciers.
Overnight in the Hut. (B, BL, D)
Day
3:
At midnight, and after a healthy breakfast start to climb the summit of
Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m). where
we 'll enjoy magnificent
views of the impressive crater and the volcanoes. Return to
the refuge and to the parking lot.
Transport back to Quito. (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard
AAEC03 Cayambe Volcano (5790 m) 2D/1N
The Cayambe (The Mountain
of the Sun) is a high volcano located on the eastern range and close to the
Amazon basin. An interesting fact is that this mountain is crossed by the
equatorial line so is considered as a sacred mountain (Apu) by the local indigenous people. The view to
the east from the top is spectacular.
Day 1: Early morning
drive north to the city of Cayambe, famous for it’s cheese and biscuit
factories. During
the journey we'll pass several times through areas of beautiful haciendas before
we arrive to the mountain camp
site (4750 m). Afternoon for leisure and gentle walks along the climb route.
Snow climbing practices. (BL, D)
Day 2: Wake up
shortly after midnight for a light breakfast. The climb begins at 02:00 am
along the southern slopes and normally takes 6-7 hours to the top (depending
on weather conditions). Return to the camp and drive back to Quito. (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard
AAEC04 Cayambe Volcano (5790 m) 3D/2N
Day 1: Early morning
drive north to the village of Cayambe, famous for it’s cheese and biscuit
factories. During the journey
we'll pass several
times through areas of beautiful haciendas before we arrive to the mountain camp
site (4750 m). (L, D)
Day 2:. Day for
acclimatization. Afternoon for leisure and gentle walks along the climb route.
Snow climbing practices and refuge accommodation (B, L,D)
Day 3: Wake up
shortly after midnight for a light breakfast. The climb begins at 02:00 am
along the southern slopes and normally it takes 6-7 hours to the top (depending
on weather conditions). Return to the
camp for a light lunch and return back to Quito. (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
overnight in tents, professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard
AAEC05 Chimborazo Volcano (6310 m) 2D/1N
Chimborazo is Ecuador’s
highest and largest mountain. For a long time it was considered as the world’s
highest mountain (but in fact it is due to the earth’s equatorial bulge, which
makes the peak of Chimborazo the farthest point from the centre of earth).
Climbing this spectacular mountain is physically demanding but the breathtaking
view is worth the effort.
Day
1:
Early departure from Riobamba (or Quito) by car, along the southern part of the
Pan-American Highway until we reach the slopes of Mount Chimborazo. After
approximately 5 hours the drive ends at the lower mountain hut (4800 m). This
is followed by a 45-minutes trek to the next and highest hut in Ecuador at 5000
m - the Whimper hut. Later on acclimatization walks to the glaciers. Afternoon
at leisure. Early dinner and sleep. Wake up at 11:00 p.m. for a light coffee or
tea. (BL, D)
Day
2:
The climb begins at midnight towards the moraines that lead to the “Castle”,
where the ice path begins to head up along the ridges of the western slopes.
The view is spectacular and unique from here. From the summit, if weather
permits, the Pacific Ocean can be seen.
The climb lasts an average of 8 - 9 hours to the top (depending on
weather and participants’ condition). (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard – very hard
AAEC06 Chimborazo Volcano (6310 m) 3D/2N
Day 1: Early
departure from Quito, by car, along the southern part of the Pan-American
Highway until we reach the slopes of Chimborazo. After approximately 5 hours
the drive ends at the lower mountain hut – the Carrel (4800 m). After lunch
acclimatization walk around the hills of the area. Rest of the afternoon is
spent at leisure. (BL, D)
Day 2: Trek to the
Whymper hut, at 5000m followed by a high altitude walk. Early dinner and sleep.
The same day, wake up at 23:00 p.m. for coffee & tea. (B, L, D)
Day 3: The climb
begins at midnight towards the moraines that lead up to the “Castle”, where the
ice path begins to head up along the ridges of the south-west slopes. The views
are spectacular and unique from here. From the summit, if weather permits, the
Pacific Ocean can be seen. The climb
lasts an average of 7-8 hours to the top (depending on weather conditions). (B,
BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard – very hard
AAEC07 South Illiniza
(5248 m) 2D/1N
The South Illiniza offers different climbing
experiences with different routes all of them demanding technical skills. This mountain offers a great opportunity for
a demanding exciting climb.
Day 1: Early
departure from Quito by car towards Machachi and then continue to the hacienda
“El Refugio” at 2800 m. Here the road
changes to a mud trail up to the Virgin Maid statue at 3300 m. This is followed
by a trek to the mountain hut through beautiful scenery, with contrasting
moorlands and sandy plateaux. Overnight in the hut (4200 m.) (BL, D)
Day 2: 02:00 am
wakeup and light breakfast. Rope up and
safety checks before beginning the trek towards the plateau at the base of the
two routes. The climb to the summit takes approximately 5 - 6 hours. Back to
the hut for refreshments and a light meal then trek down to the hacienda to
take our car back to Quito. (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
overnight at hut, professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard – very hard
AAEC08 South Illiniza
(5248 m) 3D/2N
With an extra day to
acclimatize and enjoy the magnificent surroundings of the Illiniza reserve.
Day 1: Early drive
from Quito to the hacienda El Refugio. The trek starts in wide-open areas of
the lower paramos, just beneath the foothills of the Illiniza. After about 4 hours of walking time, the
trek enters the “Enchanted Wood”
consisting of Polilepys trees. This is
an ideal location for the first camp at 3000 m. (BL, D)
Day 2: Gentle and
easy walk to the hut, which is located in the saddle of the North and South
peaks of Illiniza. The trek runs along the beautiful prairies and sand slopes
that reach the doors of the hut. Overnight in the hut. (B, BL, D)
Day 3: 02:00 am
wakeup followed by a light breakfast.
Rope up and safety checks before beginning the trek towards the plateau
at the base of the two routes. The trek to the summit takes approximately 5
hours. Afterwards, back to the hut for refreshments. Trek back down to the hacienda
to take the car back to Quito. (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
overnight at hut, professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard – very hard
AAEC09 North (5120 m)
& South Illiniza (5248) 3D/2N
Day 1: Early drive
from Quito to the hacienda El Refugio located at the foothills of the Illiniza
massif. Then, perhaps with the aid of the 4-wheel drive, we reach the 3800 m.
statue of the virgin maid; from here we will start walking with our personal
things and gear, starting along the Enchanted Woods of Polilepys trees. After
about 2 hours of walking time, the trek enters the sandy slope right beneath
the South peak and then it turns to the coll between the two peaks, where the
hut is located (4.600 m). (BL, D)
Day 2: We will enjoy
a good breakfast and start our first climb to the North peak right after the
first rays of sun. The route goes on a ridge leading west to a point under the
summit where we will turn right to climb to the top. We expect a time of 3-4
hours to reach the summit of North Illiniza (5120 m). Overnight in the hut. (B,
L, D)
Day 3: 02:00 a.m.
wakeup followed by a light but delicious breakfast. We go out of the hut at about 4:00 am and begin with a hike on
rocky terrain that takes us to the higher slopes of the western face of the
South peak. At this point we rope up and do safety checks before beginning the
relatively steep climb. The trek and climb to the summit takes approximately 5
hours. From the top of the South Illiniza (5248 m) we can see practically all
of the Ecuadorian peaks and enjoy the view of this magnificent landscapes.
Afterwards, back to the hut for refreshments. After a short rest and packing we
trek back to the hacienda to take our car back to Quito. (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
overnight at hut, professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard – very hard
For experienced climbers
Antisana is one of the most exciting and challenging mountains in Ecuador.
Nevertheless, non-technical climbers along the normal route that goes on the
south-western slopes can also climb it (of course accompanied by one of our
professional, experienced mountain guides).
Day 1: Private
transport from Quito to hacienda “El Hato” and then to the moraines nears the
campsite at 4200 m altitude. (BL, D)
Day 2: Today we will
make our first attempt on the summit (5752 M.), starting at approx. 3 am, so we
can use some of the daylight to find the last stretches to the summit. (B, BL,
D)
Day 3: Reserve day in
case of bad weather or other circumstances. (B, BL, D)
Day 4: Return to
Quito. (B, BL)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
complete camping gear, professional mountain guide, cook entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard – very hard
AAEC11 El Altar Volcano (5319 m) 6D/5N
El Altar is well known for its difficulty grade and
technical demands; nevertheless, we offer an exciting climb to its highest
peak, the Obispo Summit along its southeast face. The views from any of its
peaks are an unforgettable gift.
Day 1: We drive early
from Quito to Penipe and from there to the hacienda near the paramos in the
south-western side of the Altar. Trekking towards our first camp site on Negra
Paccha ridge. (BL, D)
Day 2: We have a steady trek towards the Italian
Campsite at the western edge of the glacier that leads us to the base of the
Obispo peak. Camp. (B, BL, D)
Day 3: From the
Italian Campsite, we cross to the south flanks beneath the Obispo peak to our
highest campsite right at the base of the peak. (B, BL, D)
Day 4: We start early
at approx. 4 am in order to have some light when we begin to deal with the
upper rocky and icy slopes below the summit. Return to the camp. (B, BL, D)
Day 5: Reserve day in
case of bad weather or other circumstances (B, BL, D)
Day 6: Return to
hacienda Releche and back to Quito. (B)
Included: Private transportation,
communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals, complete camping
equipment, professional mountain guides, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard – very hard
AAEC12 Sincholagua (4898 m) 2D/1N
Sincholagua is a rocky mountain located on the
eastern boundaries of the Cotopaxi National Park. This climb is on rock but
sometimes some ice or snow can be found near the summit.
Day 1: We
drive from Quito towards the Pita River at the foothills of Mount Sincholagua.
Camp at 3800 m. (BL, D)
Day 2:
Early wake up to start hiking towards the upper rocks of the mountain. The last
part of the summit is a rock climb of grade 3-4. Back to the camp and drive to
Quito late in the afternoon. (B, L)
Included: Private
transportation, communal climbing equipment (belays and rope), noted meals,
professional mountain guide, entrance fees.
Not included: personal
climbing equipment, other expenses, extras, tips.
Grading:
Easy – moderate – hard