Ecuador COMPLETO

Central Andes + Main Glaciers Cotopaxi and Chimborazo

8 days / 7 nights

This program starts with light acclimatization, then more difficult mountains until the first highlight: Cotopaxi ending with another highlight, Chimborazo. Cotopaxi (5.897 m is the second highest mountain in Ecuador and of the most climbed. Chimborazo (6,268 m — 20,564 ft.) is the goal of many climbers who come to Ecuador. It is the highest mountain in the country and if measured from the center of the earth it’s the highest mountain in the world! The ascent of Chimborazo is not to be underestimated because a good acclimatization such as this program is required and is certainly the highlight of this trip.

Itinerary 8 days / 7 nights

Day 1. Rumiñahui 4600m

We head to Cotopaxi National Park. We start our tour at the edge of the stunning Limpiopungo lagoon at 3900m. Rumiñahui is a beautiful rocky mountain which its name means: face of rock: Rumi (piedra) Ñahui (cara). We hike to the summit and back in approx. 4-5h. We traverse beautiful moorlands and the last part to the summit is a fun rocky easy climb to Rumiñahui Central. The view is amazing to active Cotopaxi volcano, Sincholagua, Pasochoa and surrounding valleys. We return to our lodge to rest.

Accommodation: Lodge                Meals: box lunch, dinner

Day 2: Climbing Corazón 4781m

Pickup at hotel in Quito, then we will drive 1.5 hours to the Corazón Mountain which has a fantastic view to Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, Illinizas, Sincholagua, Pasochoa, Pichincha, Atacazo, etc. Our trekking tour starts at 4000mts (13’200feet) to the summit at 4781mts (15’777feet), it will take us around 3 hrs. We will drive to our lodge, have dinner and relax in the SPA as tomorrow we will have an early wake up.

Accommodation: Lodge                Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Day 3: Iliniza Norte 5116m

Today we have early breakfast and start our next trekking adventure. The journey takes us about 1h to the Virgin statue nearly at 4000m through a bumpy track. The hike to the hut will take us about 2hrs, from the cottage to the main summit of the Illiniza Norte another 2hrs and for the descent, we need about 2-3 hours until we reach our transfer. We come down to rest at our lodge.

Day 4: Mountain Refuge Cotopaxi

We head to the direction of Cotopaxi National Park. The road to Cotopaxi refuge by is unique. You often see wild animals such as horses, bulls, birds, rabbits and foxes. We drive almost 1h from 2900m to 4500m, where we leave our car. The last 300mts to the hut we make by foot. Before sunset we have dinner and try to sleep a few hours, at midnight our adventure will start. The unique and compelling Cotopaxi 5897m is waiting for us.

Accommodation: Mountain refuge          Meals: breakfast, light lunch, dinner

Day 5: Climbing Cotopaxi 5897m

The big day of the trip begins shortly after midnight at 4800m. 6-7 hours will be needed to get to the main summit of the World famous Cotopaxi (5897m). A complete alpine glacier hike, surrounded by beautiful mountains and the lights of the capital in the background. The goal of ascension is to reach the summit when the sun rises to enjoy the magnificent colors and views. We need 2-3 hours for the descent. We head to our next lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Day 6: Chimborazo trekking

We enjoy a tranquil breakfast and head south to the area of Chimborazo. Then we go for a wonderful recovery and acclimatization trekking. After this short walk we head to the lodge. Today we rest, the big challenge comes tomorrow!

Accommodation: Lodge                                Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Chimborazo, high camp at 5300m

After a light lunch we drive to Chimborazo. We walk about 2 hours to our high camp. Guests carry their personal belongings. Extra charge for high camp porterage is per way $50 per 20 pounds. High camp includes 4 season tents, 1 per each 2 guests. Here we will have early dinner and try to rest. A steep climb awaits us to the top of Ecuador!

Accommodation: high camp at 5300m    Meals: breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Day 8: Chimborazo 6310 m and back to Quito or extension

The ascent of Chimborazo normally takes 7-9 hours to the main summit and 4-3 1/2hr. for the descent. We will thus be on foot for over 10 hours, which will certainly be working our legs. The summit is huge and breathtakingly beautiful. If we are lucky we can see the Tungurahua, an active volcano that spits out ash clouds from time to time, but is not dangerous. After the descent we gather our belongings in high camp and head down to drive back to Quito .

Meals: breakfast, box lunch for ascent

Kindly note mountain refuges have shared rooms with cots. Shared bathrooms.

Rate applies for deposit or bank wire payment. Payment with Visa or MasterCard in our online system has 5% surcharge.

Included:

• Local certified English/Spanish-speaking mountain guide
• Accommodation mentioned above
• Private transportation
• Meals mentioned in program above
• Transportation, Accommodations, meals for all guides and driver

Not included:

• Airfare
• Soft and alcoholic beverages
• Extras and services not mentioned above
• Insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Glacier, climbing and extra trekking gear (we can assist with the rental)
• Taxes 12% VAT applies for Ecuadorians only
• Rate applies for deposit or bank wire payment. Payment with Visa or MasterCard in our online system has 5% surcharge.

Payment Policy: 

Full prepayment is required 30 days prior guests’ arrival to confirm services.

We accept payments through bank wire without surcharge. We accept only certified local bank Checks. We accept Visa or MasterCard in our secure online payment system.

Cancellation Policy: 

Cancellations must be notified at least 15 days prior to the date of guests’ arrival. If notification is received in less than 14 days prior arrival, no refund applies. Refund of the prepayment will be upon agency´s discretion and cancellation motive.

Security and health are a priority in our programs. If weather and mountain conditions are not safe/optimal or if guests are not in a good health condition, the guide and agency reserve the right to modify itineraries accordingly. Extra charges may apply.