18 days

Duration

4/5

Difficulty

3 Peaks Bucket List Climbing Expedition in Ecuador

This climbing expedition in Ecuador is a dream tour for mountain climbers. Imagine reaching the highest peak on the equator, summiting one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and culminating this tour by reaching the earth´s point closest to the sun! You can achieve this dream by climbing Ecuador´s three highest summits: Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.

In the high Andes it is essential to take enough time to acclimate, gradually increasing the elevation and activity level. With a total length of 18 days, this is expedition tour provides you with the near perfect preparation for climbing the 3 highest mountains in Ecuador. We start with beautiful day hikes in the northern highlands, exploring crater lakes, rocky volcanoes and the magical Frailejones. We then head to Cayambe for an extensive Glacier Class.

Our travel itinerary balances active days with enough time to rest and acclimatize. After each hike and ascent there will be time to rest and relax in comfortable and cozy lodges. And we’ve even included a visit to the best thermal pools in Ecuador. Soaking your body in warm water, rich with minerals from Ecuador’s many volcanoes, what a great way to restore your energy levels before your next climb!

How to prepare for this climbing expedition in Ecuador?
A very good physical strength and stamina are indispensable to summit these 3 peaks. Having a previous mountaineering experience on glaciers is a great plus, though not strictly necessary. The itinerary includes a full day glacier class before the first ascent, where you will practice the gear use and learn the basic climbing skills.

Short itinerary, 3 Peaks Bucket List Climbing Expedition Ecuador:

Day 1: Quito – Otavalo (2573 m / 8441 ft)
Day 2: Otavalo – Cuicocha Lake (3246 m / 10650 ft) – Otavalo
Day 3: Otavalo – Mojanda Lake & Fuya Fuya (4200 m / 13779 ft) – Imbabura
Day 4: Imbabura – Imbabura Volcano (4610 m / 15124 ft) – El Angel
Day 5: Hiking in El Angel Ecological Reserve (4200 m / 13779 ft)
Day 6: El Angel – Cayambe (2800 m / 9186 ft)
Day 7: Cayambe – Cayambe Refuge (4650 m / 15255 ft)
Day 8: Glacier Class (5050 m / 16568 ft)
Day 9: Refuge – Cayambe Volcano Summit day (5790 m / 18996 ft) – Termas de Papallacta
Day 10: Papallacta – Cotopaxi National Park (3850 m / 12631 ft)
Day 11: Lodge – José Rivas Refuge (4800 m / 15748 ft)
Day 12: José Rivas refuge – Cotopaxi Summit day (5897 m / 19347 ft) – Baños
Day 13: Free day in Baños (1800 m ( 5905 ft)
Day 14: Baños – Chimborazo Reserve (3850 m / 12631 ft)
Day 15: Lodge – Chimborazo High Camp (5350 m. / 17.553)
Day 16: Stubel Basecamp – Chimborazo Summit (6263 m / 20548 ft) – Riobamba
Day 17: Spare day – Quito
Day 18: Departure from Ecuador

Climbing details:
Altitude range: 3246 – 6263 m / 10650 – 20548 ft
Average climbing time: 8 – 11 hours per ascent
Average gradient ascents: 30 – 45 degrees
Average temperatures: -0°/ 32° F (refuge) to -15° C/ 5° F (summits)
Highest summit: Chimborazo Summit (6263 m / 20548 ft)
Best climbing months in Ecuador: November – February, May – June

Extended itinerary 3 Peaks Bucket List Climbing Expedition in Ecuador:

Day 1: Quito - Otavalo (2573 m / 8441 ft)

After our meet & greet at Quito Airport we travel in around 1h30 min. to Otavalo. Surrounded by the beautiful lakes and volcanoes of the northern highlands, this is the ideal starting point of our acclimatization program.
Overnight in an hacienda (2573 m / 8441 ft).

Day 2: Otavalo - Cuicocha Lake (3246 m / 10650 ft) - Otavalo

Short drive to Cuicocha crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi volcano. The easy 4- to 5-hour hiking circuit follows the rim of the crater, with many Andean wildflowers along the trail. There are spectacular views of the crystal-clear lake and its two tiny islands, created by volcanic domes.
Overnight in an hacienda (2573 m / 8441 ft).

Day 3: Otavalo - Mojanda Lake & Fuya Fuya (4200 m / 13779 ft) - Imbabura

Transfer to Mojanda Lake (3700 m / 12139 ft), trailhead to Fuya Fuya volcano. The easy 3-hour ascent from the paramo grasslands up to the rocky summit, offers great views of Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Antisana. Descent and transfer to indigenous community near Imbabura volcano.
Overnight in a private cabin with in an indigenous community (2890 m / 9481 ft).

Day 4: Imbabura - Imbabura Volcano (4610 m / 15124 ft) – El Angel

Early transfer to the slopes of the Imbabura Volcano. Climbing this volcano takes about 5 hours ascending and 3 hours descending and is a good way to acclimatize. Starting at 3300 m / 10826 ft we traverse native forest and paramo. Once above the tree line we continue on a rocky trail to the top. After descending in the afternoon, we drive in two hours to a mountain lodge in El Angel. This is the northernmost reserve of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Overnight in a lodge in the El Angel Reserve (3500 m / 11482 ft).

Day 5: Hiking in El Angel Ecological Reserve (4200 m / 13779 ft)

The two nights spent in the lodge at 3500 m / 11482 ft are a valuable step in our acclimatization process; sleeping at this altitude helps your body to get prepared for the ascents to higher elevations. Today, we take a 2- to 3-hour hike in the moorlands, with stunning Frailejones plants, millenarian Polylepis trees and scenic highland lakes.Afterward our hike, you can enjoy the lodge´s sauna and jacuzzi, and relax near the fireplace.
Overnight in a lodge in the El Angel Reserve (3500 m / 11482 ft).

Day 6: El Angel - Cayambe (2800 m / 9186 ft)

On your free morning at the lodge in El Angel, you can sleep in, or explore the surrounding by yourself. In the afternoon we drive in 3 hours to the small town of Cayambe where we stay in a Colonial hacienda that dates back to the 16th century. Overnight in an hacienda (2800 m / 9186 ft).

Day 7: Cayambe - Cayambe Refuge (4650 m / 15255 ft)

Day 7: Cayambe – Cayambe Refuge (4650 m / 15255 ft)
On your free morning you can explore the small town of Cayambe. Around noon our mountain guide will pick you up from the hacienda. After lunch in the town of Cayambe we travel to the Oleas Ruales refuge at 4650 m / 15255 ft. on the slope of the Cayambe Volcano.
Overnight at the Oleas Ruales refuge.

Day 8: Glacier Class (5050 m / 16568 ft)

Climbing the Cayambe mountain in Ecuador

After breakfast, we hike to the glacier for an extensive glacier class. You will learn the principles of rope travel, walking safely with crampons, practicing hiking techniques for ascent and descent, using the ice axe, and basic self-arrest techniques. In the afternoon, our experienced mountain guide will give an introductory briefing and check out weather and snow conditions. After an early dinner you can sleep for a few hours.
Evening at the Oleas Ruales refuge (4650 m / 15255 ft.).

Day 9: Refuge - Cayambe Volcano Summit day (5790 m / 18996 ft) - Termas de Papallacta

We start our ascent of the Cayambe Volcano at midnight. We will hike on large snowfields with average slopes of 30 – 40 degrees, and traverse several large crevasses. Before reaching the summit, we also have to climb a steeper section (up to 45 degrees) with more crevasses and impressive seracs. From the summit of the Cayambe Volcano you can admire the views of Antisana, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo to the south-west, and the Amazon region to the east. Descending from the summit of the Cayambe Volcano to the refuge takes about 3 hours.In the afternoon we drive to Termas de Papallacta, for a relaxing soak in the thermal pools of this spa resort (the best thermal pools in Ecuador).
Overnight in spa resort (3250 m / 10662 ft.).

Day 10: Papallacta – Cotopaxi National Park (3850 m / 12631 ft)

In the morning you can continue to soak your body in the mineral rich warm pools of Papallacta. Some of them even have a splendid view over the Andean landscape.
In the afternoon it takes around 2h30 min. to travel to our lodge in the Cotopaxi National Park.
Overnight in a lodge (3850 m / 12631 ft.) in the Cotopaxi National Park.

Day 11: Lodge - José Rivas Refuge (4800 m / 15748 ft)

At 11:00 a.m. we depart from the lodge to the Cotopaxi parking lot at 4600 m / 15092 ft. altitude. From here it takes around 50 minutes to hike to the José Rivas refuge. Lunch and free afternoon to rest, acclimatize and prepare for the climbing to the summit of the Cotopaxi Volcano.
Evening in the José Rivas refuge (4800 m / 15748 ft.).

Day 12: José Rivas refuge - Cotopaxi Summit day (5897 m / 19347 ft) - Baños

Around midnight we start ascending the slopes of the Cotopaxi Volcano. The glacier slopes have an average steepness of 30 – 35 degrees. We will have to cross several crevasses and negotiate a few ice seracs before reaching Yanasacha (Black Rock). This is where our final challenge start, a stretch with a steepness of 35 to 40 degrees. When you reach the summit of the Cotopaxi Volcano, you will find out that the challenge was worth it. The summit provides amazing views of the Cotopaxi crater and the so called Volcano Avenue with other snowcapped peaks in the Ecuadorian Andes. After descending back to the refuge, or transfer will bring us to the tourist friendly town of Baños.
Overnight in a hotel (1800 m / 5905 ft.)

Day 13: Free day in Baños (1800 m ( 5905 ft)

Baños is located at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano and has several thermal pools to let your muscles recover from the previous climbs. While you are in Baños we recommend visiting Another touristic highlight, not far from Baños is the impressive Pailón del Diablo Waterfall. From a practical point of view, Baños is also a good place to have your laundry done.
Overnight in a hotel (1800 m / 5905 ft.)

Day 14: Baños – Chimborazo Reserve (3850 m / 12631 ft)

Pailon del Diablo waterfall tour Ecuador

Today we will head to the final objective of our expedition, Mt Chimborazo. After a two hour transfer we will arrive at a lodge inside the Chimborazo Reserve, right at the foot of the Volcano. In the afternoon you can hike in the surrounding of the lodge to spot vicuñas and enjoy sunset at Ecuador´s biggest mountain/ volcano.
Overnight in lodge (3850 m / 12631 ft.).

Day 15: Lodge - Chimborazo High Camp (5350 m. / 17.553)

It is only a short transfer from the lodge to the Carrel hut on Chimborazo (4800 m / 15748 ft) From here we start the 2- to 3 hour hike to the Stubel Basecamp. Staying at this location instead of at the lower Chimborazo Refuge increases your chances at reaching the summit of the Chimborazo Volcano. After setting up our camp, our experienced mountain guide will give a safety briefing with indications about the climbing route, expected weather and snow conditions. Then it is time for a light meal and to sleep for a few hours. At midnight we will get ready to start the climb.
Evening in high camp (5350 m / 17553 ft).

Day 16: Stubel Basecamp - Chimborazo Summit (6263 m / 20548 ft) - Riobamba

We start our ascent on the glaciated ridge. The slopes have an average steepness of 30 – 40 degrees, with some icy sections that are even 45 degrees. We should be able to reach the Veintimillia Summit (6227 m / 20429 ft) in about 5 hours of climbing. The views from this top are mind-blowing and most people who climb the Chimborazo will be gratefull if they reach this point. However, if you’re lucky, with good snow conditions, sufficient time, and if you still have enough energy, you can continue for 1 more hour to the Whymper summit (6263 m / 20548 ft). This summit is the highest point on earth, if you would measure from the center of the earth! Descending back to Basecamp will take 3 – 4 hours. After cleaning out the camp, we will hike to the parking lot of the Chimborazo refuge for our transfer back to Riobamba.
Overnight in hotel (2800 m / 9186 ft).

Day 17: Spare day – Quito

Day 17 is an extra day in our itinerary of this climbing expedition in Ecuador. We can use this day in case we have to delay one of our climbs, because of bad weather. If all went well, our transfer will bring you to Quito after lunch.
Overnight in hotel (2800 m / 9186 ft).

Day 18: Departure from Ecuador

Free time in Quito (optional to visit the Equator) and transfer to the airport for your international departure.

End of our services

The prices for this 3 Peaks Bucket List Climbing Expedition in Ecuador start from:
1 person (private tour): 4550 US$
Party of 2 – 5: 2990 US$ per person
Party of 6 – 8: 2400 US$ per person

This 3 Peaks Bucket List Climbing Expedition Ecuador is inclusive:
All private transfers according to the itinerary
Accommodation in hotels, lodges and refuges
Certified local guides for all acclimatization hikes (1 guide : max 4 clients)
ASEGUIM certified mountain guides for summit climbs (1 guide : max 2 clients)
Meals full board during hikes and climbs + breakfast in all hotels
First quality climbing equipment
Entrance permits National Parks and Reserves

Not included in this climbing expedition are:
International flights
Travel insurance (must cover glacier climbing)
Meals on travel and rest days
International banking fees
Tips (optional, when services was good)

Recommended to bring with:
When you book this expedition, we will provide you with an extensive packing list.