Climbing Chimborazo Volcano (6263 m / 20548 ft) - the world's highest mountain measured from the center of the earth - is definitely a challenging plan, therefore we recommend a good acclimatization schedule. Included in the itinerary, the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), which is another epic target for many mountaineers coming to Ecuador. This beauty is said to be the world's highest active volcano. The view into its huge crater is simply breathtaking. Definitely a trip of a lifetime - join us!
Technically the climbs are not very difficult, nevertheless good fitness is required and some previous glacier travel experience highly recommended.
Another very important point is proper acclimatization. To really enjoy the climbs we recommend at least 4 days of preparation, including hikes in altitude and steadily increasing your sleeping altitude if possible.
Any questions? Reach out to our climbing experts on info@andeansummitadventure.com or +593968959533 (WhatsApp or call).
- see program / itinerary
- certified bi-lingual guide (NATIONAL / ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 2 climbers on glaciated mountains
- transportation in private vehicle during the tour (from / to Quito)
- accommodation as per itinereray (or similar - depending on availability)
- park entrance fees & climbing permits
- meals as specified in the itinerary
- group equipment: ropes and other guiding gear
- catering (see program)
- personal technical equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, carabiners, screws, slings etc.)
- sleeping bag for huts, boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list
- insurances (please make sure that you have an insurance covering risks of mountain climbing)
- cost for program changes
- tips & any other expenses not explicitly mentioned
- 60 or more days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be refunded, minus handling & administrative charges (if any)
- 59 - 30 days prior to departure: 50% of the total amount paid will be forfeited
- 29 and less days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be forfeited
With full payment or partial payment of the tour the climber accepts the latest version of andean summit adventure's terms and conditions, which can be downloaded HERE.
DAY 01 + 02
After breakfast we drive to the South, have lunch on the way and enter Cotopaxi National Park, then we drive up to the parking lot and hike up to Cotopaxi refuge at 4.865 m / 15,960 ft (45 min). If required there will be a small glacier training in the afternoon (walking techniques), early dinner and rest at the refuge (dorm). Wake up around midnight, small snack and start of the hike to the summit of COTOPAXI (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), which takes approximately 6 - 8 h. After ideally enjoying a breathtaking sunrise at the summit we descend (approx. 3 hours to the refuge, 30 mins to the parking lot) and return to our accommodation.
tech. data day 1: ↑ 220 m / 720 ft | → 0,8 km / 0.5 mi
tech. data day 2: ↑ 1060 m / 3480 ft ↓ 1280 m / 4200 ft | ↔ 7,5 km / 4.7 mi
catering day 1: - / L / D
catering day 2: B / - / D (snacks for ascent will be provided)
accommodation incl. dinner and breakfast in Tambopaxi Lodge (dorm).
DAY 03
After a good rest we head South and pass the city of Riobamba (oldest planned city of Ecuador) where we will stop for lunch. Depending on our schedule we stroll through the streets of the typical Andean town, see its markets and other interesting sites or continue directly up to Chakana Mountain Lodge.
catering: B / L / D
accommodation in single / double / triple rooms in Chakana Mountain Lodge, including dinner & breakfast (4000 m / 13100 ft)
DAY 04 + 05
We head towards Chimborazo National Park, have lunch on the way. After check in at the gate we drive up to the parking lot at 4800 m / 15750 ft, and hike then up to the high camp at 5300 m / 17400 ft, where we spend the night in tents or domes. After an early dinner we try to rest, have breakfast around midnight and get prepared for a 6 - 8 hours ascent to CHIMBORAZO SUMMIT (6263 m / 20548 ft). Ideally after admiring a wonderful sunrise from the summit of Chimborazo we descend to high camp where we pick up our stuff, have a small snack and then continue downwards to our vehicles. Transportation back to Quito, end of services.
tech. data day 1: ↑ 500 m / 1640 ft | → 2,1 km / 1.3 mi
tech. data day 2: ↑ 1000 m / 3280 ft ↓ 1500 m / 4920 ft | ↔ 7,9 km / 4.9 mi
catering day 1: B / L / D
catering day 2: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)