Consists of an acclimatization ascent up Rucu Pichincha near Quito, aconditioning climb up Illiniza North, a climb up the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi and finally the ascent up the majestic Chimborazo.

Technical mountaineering equipment
Full camping equipment
Lodging
Food
Transportation

Days 1 and 2: Quito. We will visit the city´s main monuments. We also visit the Equator Monument, located 30 km. North of Quito. This visit includes the Ethnographic Museum of Ecuador.

Day 3: Pichincha Volcano. We will drive to Cruz Loma at 3,800 m., where we will have a fantastic view of Quito. From here we will begin the ascent to the peak of Ruco Pichincha at 4,794 m. This takes about four hours of relatively easy climbing and will allow our group to acclimatize.

Day 4: Ilinizas. This is an old volcano which is very eroded by glaciers with two peaks of rock and ice jutting to 5,263 meters. We will drive to an old Hacienda and continue on foot to the base camp located in the middle of a forest at 3,800 meters. Overnight in tents.

Day 5: Ilinizas. We will depart at 4 am for the northern peak of 5,116 meters. It is a relatively easy climb. Approximately 100 meters. from the summit, we will finish the ascent using cords fixed previously by our guides. We will return through the sand pits to the base, and from there to the camp. The climbing time is approximately six hours.

Day 6: Cotopaxi. We will descend on foot to the Hacienda from where we will drive to Cotopaxi National Park. A camp will be set at 3,800 meters within the National Park on the foothills of Cotopaxi. Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Cotopaxi. Morning dedicated to preparing equipment for the climb up Cotopaxi. After lunch, climbers will rest in preparation for climb. At 10:00pm we will travel to the refuge, located at 4,800 meters. We start to ascend along the ash covered slopes and continue along the glaciers, climbing slowly on the Northern slope.

Day 8: Cotopaxi. The sun will rise as we reach the summit in the early hours of the morning after eight hours of climbing. Our return to the shelter will take 4 hours, from where we will return by vehicle to the camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 9: Chimborazo. We will drive south through incredible scenery to our base camp, at the southern foot of Chimborazo at 4,000 meters. Here llamas and alpacas graze in a beautiful valley.

Day 10: Chimborazo. Free morning, followed by rest and preparation for climb. After an early dinner we will ascend to the Whymper hut, located at 5,000 meters on the western slope of mountain. The climb will start at around midnight.

Day 11: Chimborazo. Day of ascension to the summit at 6,310 meters. 8 to 10 hours of climbing. The return to the hut will take 4 hours and from there we will return to the base camp. Overnight at the camp.

Day 12: Riobamba. Visit the city and its surroundings or possible visit to an Indian market depending on the day of the week. Typical lunch at Marco Cruz's house.

Day 13: Devil´s Nose Train Ride. Departing from Riobamba, trip in the old train to Zibambe, passing through the famous "Devil's Nose". Drive back to Riobamba.

Day 14: Baños. Excursion to the city of Baños, gateway of the Amazon rainforest. Walking and sightseeing in the area. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Quito. Drive back to Quito. Free afternoon for sightseeing or shopping in the city. Farewell dinner. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 16: Adios! Transfer to Airport to catch your flight back.

16

16