Climbing Cayambe volcano (5.790 m / 18,996 ft) is another highlight in Ecuador. It's the country's third highest mountain and the highest and only snow covered point on the Equator. The tour can include minor technical challenges and offers absolutely stunning and impressive surroundings with very active glaciers as well as breathtaking crevasses.  Definitely a trip of a lifetime - join us!

Technically the climb is 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 climb we recommend at least 4 days of preparation, including hikes in altitude and steadily increasing your sleeping altitude if possible. In this 6 day-package the acclimatization process is covered, try to stay a day or 2 in Quito before starting the climbing part with us.

Any questions? Reach out to our climbing experts on info@andeansummitadventure.com or +593968959533 (WhatsApp or call).

- see program / itinerary

- certified bi-lingual guide (ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 2 climbers on glaciated mountains, 1 guide  per 4 climbers during the rest of the trip

- transportation in private vehicle during the tour (from / to Quito)

- accommodation at refuge with dinner and breakfast

- park entrance fees & climbing permits

- meals as specified (lunch on day 1, snacks for the ascent)

- 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 1

APPROXIMATE TIMES (subject to change according to opening hours etc.):

Start at approx. 8 am, drive to the parking area at Quito's cable car (TeleferiQo), ride up to Cruz Loma (4000 m / 13120 ft) and at approx. 9 am start of the hike up to the summit of RUCU PICHINCHA (4.696 m / 15,407 ft).
During the hike we enjoy wonderful views of the avenue of the volcanos with its snow caped summits and also the impressive city of Quito. The hike to the summit takes about 3 hours and the descend 2 hours. Afterwards we head back to your accommodation. 

tech. data: ↑ ↓  770 m / 2520 ft |  ↔  10,3 km / 6.4 mi 

catering: - / LB / -

accommodation not included on day 1

DAY 2

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 2: ↑ 800 m / 2620 ft ↓ 800 m / 2620 ft | ↔ 12 km / 7.5 mi

catering day 2: - / LB / D

accommodation in single / double / triple room(s) with private bathroom in Tambopaxi or Mortiños Mountain Lodge (3.720 m / 12,205 ft) including dinner & breakfast

DAY 3

Start after breakfast, drive to the parking area at the trail head of SINCHOLAGUA (4.873 m / 16,138 ft), the approximate time to the summit is 3 - 4 hours (can vary according to the starting point and how fit you are). It's one of the more remote summits and includes a small rock climb at the summit section. After enjoying wonderful views of neighbouring Cotopaxi and Antisana we descend to our vehicle and return to our accommodation.

tech. data day 3: ↑ 1000 m / 3280 ft ↓ 1000 m / 3280 ft | ↔ 14.6 km / 9.1 mi

catering day 3: B / LB / D

accommodation in single / double / triple room(s) with private bathroom in Tambopaxi or Mortiños mountain lodge (3.720 m / 12,205 ft) including dinner & breakfast

DAY 4
On this well deserved rest day we leave Cotopaxi National Park and drive to Papallacta to enjoy the wonderful hot springs of Papallacta with amazing views of Antisana.

catering: B / - / -

accommodation in single / double / triple room in Papallacta Hot Springs with breakfast

DAY 5 + 6

After breakfast we drive to Cayambe city where we have lunch, and continue then to the check in of Cayambe National Park. Afterwards we drive to the parking lot at the Refugio Ruales Oleas Berge (4640 m / 15230 ft). 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 CAYAMBE (5.790 m / 18,996 ft), time to summit approx. 6 to 7 hours . After ideally enjoying a breathtaking sunrise at the summit we descend (approx. 3 hours to the refuge) and return to Quito. 

tech. data day 5: ↑↓ 0 m / 0 ft | ↔ 0,0 km / 0 mi

tech. data day 6: ↑↓ 1150 m / 3770 ft | ↔ 8,15 km / 5.1 mi

catering day 5: B / L / D

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