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 take it up with a good acclimatization plan. 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. In this 9 day-package acclimatization is taken care of, further you'll get to know some of the highlights of the Ecuadorian Andean region, among them Quilotoa crater lake and the city of Riobamba.

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, 1 guide during the rest of the trip

- 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 + pad for huts and camps, boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list

- other entrance fees (eg. in the city for churches etc.)

- 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 1 

Start after breakfast, we drive to parking area and hike throught the beautiful andean grassland to the summit of PASOCHOA (4.200 m / 13,780 ft) - time to the summit depending on route about 2 - 4 hours. If your are in great shape we go for the 2 summits of Pasochoa. After a small rest on the summit we descend to our vehicle and continue to our accommodation.

tech. data: ↑↓ 900 m / 2950 ft | ↔ 11,3 km / 7 mi

catering: - / LB / -

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms incl. breakfast in Hotel Casa Sakiwa in Machachi

DAY 2

Start after breakfast and drive to the QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE, trek along the crater rim (5 - 6 hours), highest elevation (3.930 m / 12,894 ft). During the hike we admire the breathtaking blue of the lake and wonderful views of the surroundings.

tech. data: ↑↓ 650 m / 2130 ft | ↔ 11 km / 6.8 mi

catering: B / LB / D

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms incl. dinner and breakfast in Hostería Chukirawa in Quilotoa

DAY 3

Today we explore COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK, depending on how we feel and our fitness level, there are different options to visit. We can go for hikes in the surroundings, visit the museum, etc.

tech. data: easy day with moderate hiking activities

catering: B / LB / D

accommodation in dorm in Tambopaxi mountain lodge (3.720 m / 12,205 ft) including dinner & breakfast

DAY 4

Start after breakfast, drive to the parking area at Limpiopungo Lagoon in Cotopaxi National Park, where we start our climb. We hike towards the central summit of RUMIÑAHUI (4.722 m / 15,492 ft), the approximate time to the summit is 3 - 4 hours. After enjoying wonderful views of neighbouring Cotopaxi we descend to our vehicle and return to our accommodation.

tech. data day: ↑ 800 m / 2620 ft ↓ 800 m / 2620 ft | ↔ 12 km / 7.5 mi

catering: B / LB / D

accommodation in dorm in Tambopaxi mountain lodge (3.720 m / 12,205 ft) including dinner & breakfast

DAY 5 + 6

We enjoy a relaxing morning at Tambopaxi Lodge, before we drive 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 Quito. 

tech. data day 5: ↑ 220 m / 720 ft | → 0,8 km / 0.5 mi

tech. data day 6: ↑ 1060 m / 3480 ft ↓ 1280 m / 4200 ft | ↔ 7,5 km / 4.7 mi

catering day 5: B / L / D

catering day 6: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)

accommodation incl. breakfast in single / double / triple rooms in Hotel Bambu in Riobamba

DAY 7

The city of Riobamba (oldest planned city of Ecuador) is waiting for our visit today. We stroll through the streets of the typical Andean town, see its markets and other interesting sites. 

catering: B / L / D

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms in Chakana Mountain Lodge, including dinner & breakfast (4000 m / 13100 ft)

DAY 8 + 9

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 8: ↑ 500 m / 1640 ft | → 2,1 km / 1.3 mi

tech. data day 9: ↑ 1000 m / 3280 ft ↓ 1500 m / 4920 ft | ↔ 7,9 km / 4.9 mi

catering day 8: - / L / D

catering day 9: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)