Climbing The Mountains of Ecuador

(Imbabura, Cayambe, North Illiniza, Cotopaxi Volcano, Chimborazo)

"Ecuador"

Ecuador's mountains are one of its greatest attractions and outrageously easy access makes Ecuador a fantastic place to get some high altitude climbing experience. There are 10 mountains over 5000 metres high, of which nine have glaciers, with routes ranging from easy snow-plods to hard and technical routes. Enjoy the marvels of ice and snow climbing on five beautiful mountains in the middle of the world: Imbabura (4600 m), Cayambe (5780 m0, )North Illiniza (5116 m), Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m), Tungurahua (5016 m) and Chimborazo (6310 m). Acclimatise while climbing the Imbabura in the Northern Highlands. Experience the rock scramble to the top of the Illiniza Norte, the only one of the big 10 that does not have a glacier. Climb the world's highest active volcano, the Cotopaxi and look down into its crater from the rim. Conquer Ecuador's highest peak, the giant Chimborazo, long considered the highest mountain on Earth. Each of these mountains is beautiful, but above all exotic. Fight tropical vegetation, stroll up a glacier and look down the crater of a live volcano on the same climb!

The Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Quito. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit to the old town and the equator monument. At evening, welcome drink with slide show.

Day 2:
Transport to Otavalo town. Visit Cuicocha Lake and enjoy a nice trek (4-5 hours) around it . Hotel in Otavalo.(B).

Day 3:
Imbabura Volcano. Early morning departure from Otavalo towards Ibarra continuing afterwards to the foothills of Imbabura. The trek/climb will take approximately 5 to 6 hours weather permitting we will enjoy great views of the Ecuadorian Andes. Return to Otavalo. Hotel. (B,L)

Day 4:
Morning drive towards the upper hills of the Cayambe volcano. Overnight in the refuge. (B,L,D).

Day 5:
At 3 a.m. awake up to prepare ourselves for the climb to the summit of Cayambe Volcano. The adventure will take about 6-7 hours of steady climb in snowfields. Return to the refuge and drive back to Quito. Hotel. (B,L).

Day 6:
ILLINIZA. Drive towards Machachi. From here we turn to El Refugio Hacienda. A 2 hour trek will take us to our camp at the foothills of Illiniza peaks. Camp. (B, BL, D).

Day 7:
Wake early to climb the normal route of North Illiniza (5116 m.), a beautiful rocky mountain. Climbing time approx. 5-6 h. Return to the camp and trek down to meet our vehicle. Transport to Machachi. Accommodation in an attractive local hacienda. (B, BL).

Day 8:
Resting day in Hacienda La Estacion. (B).

Day 9:
COTOPAXI. Drive up to Cotopaxi National Park. Camp in Limpiopungo valley at 3800 m. In the afternoon short acclimatization trek. (B, BL, D).

Day 10:
After breakfast, drive up to the parking place from where a short trek will take us to the refuge at 4800 m. Ice climbing practice on the closest glacier. (B, BL, D).

Day 11:
Awake early to climb to the summit of Cotopaxi. After 7-8 hours we can expect to arrive at the summit from where we can enjoy a view of the impressive crater. Back to the refuge and drive down to Riobamba. Hotel (B, L).

Day 12:
Rest day in Riobamba. (B).

Day 13:
CHIMBORAZO. After lunch drive towards the southern slopes of Chimborazo, with our camp at 4000 m. (B, D).

Day 14:
Drive up to the first refuge of Chimborazo. A short trek will take us up to the E. Whymper refuge at 5000 m. Relaxing afternoon. (B, L, D).

Day 15:
Wake at midnight. Climb following the ridge on the left side of Thyelmann glacier. We expect to arrive at the top after 7-8 hours. Return to the refuge and meet our vehicle, which will take us back to Quito. Hotel. (B, L).

Day 16:
Transfer to the airport (or program extension). (B).

General Information

Rated: Strenuous

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4
USD	$ 2665	$ 2168	$ 1976
EUR	€ 2212	€ 1799	€ 1640
GBP	£ 1492	£ 1214	£ 1106

(*) Price last updated on 05 January 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request

Included:
Private transportation, professional mountain guide, double accommodation in comfortable hotels and tents, all camping gear, noted meals during the excursion, communal climbing gear (ropes, belays) cook, helper, entrance fees.

Not included:
Personal expenses, meals not mentioned, personal equipment, tips, and beverages.

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