Scheduled Trip Dates

Day 1: Arrive in Quito (2,800 m), the capital of Ecuador.

Day 2: Guided tour of Quito's old town. We will visit the historical colonial churches, monasteries and El Panecillo.Then we drive to Mitad del Mundo, the equatorial line monumento, and visit the museum to learn about Ecuador’s history and culture. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: We climb Fuya Fuya (4,205m), and enjoy the views down to the lagoon (Laguna Mochanda) as we ascend this mountain. At the summit we have wonderful views, and with good weather you will be able to see the glaciers on Cayambe (5790m).

Day 4: Climb Imbabura 4,621 m. We drive beyond Ibarra to the small community called "La Esperanza" to begin our climb. After 3 hours we will reach the summit, and have lunch while we enjoy the views of the countryside and the city of Ibarra below. 2 hour hike back to the car and drive back to Quito.

Day 5: We drive to the foot of the extinct volcano, Pasochoa (4,200 m). Here, with a little luck, we will be able to see condors flying overhead. The ascent of Pasochoa will take about 4 hours.

Day 6: We climb Pichincha, a volcano that rises 4,794 m above Quito. The views of the city below are magnificent!

Day 7: Drive to the base of Illiniza North (5,116 m), and spend the night in the hut.

Day 8: We summit Iliniza North (5,116 m). We begin our ascent around 6:00 in the morning. After the summit, we return to the hut for the evening.

Day 9: We drive to Cotopaxi - up to an altitude of about 4,600 m. Then begin a one hour hike to the Jose Ribas hut (4,800 m), where we will spend the night.

Day 10: We climb Cotopaxi (5,897 m). The climb to the summit will take about 5-7 hours to complete. Then we will be able to enjoy sunrise from the summit of the highest active volcano on earth. We will have a fantastic view into the crater of the volcano. Then we descend and drive to Baños.

Day 11: We enjoy a rest day in Baños, resting our muscles while soaking in the city's famous hotsprings. This day can also serve as a back up ascent of Cotopaxi, if inclement weather delays us.

Day 12: Drive to Chimborazo (6,310 m). We will spend the night in the Carell hut at 4,800m. After dinner (6:00) we have a last gear check and brief skill review.

Day 13: At 11:00 clock in the evening (of Day 12), we set off for the summit of Chimborazo, roughly an 8 hour climb. We will enjoy views from the, then begin our 5 hour descent. Return to Riobamba.

Day 14: We end the trip with a train ride on the legendary Nariz del Diablo (the Devil's Nose) from Riobamba to Alausi (a 5 hour trip). It is a breathtaking ride along a narrow canyon, where the train passes over a series of bridges, on a zigzag course to the valley floor. Then we return to Quito.

Day 15: Transfer to the airport for your return home.

Scheduled Trip Dates

Note:
Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, but unforeseen circumstances may require last minute changes. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to schedule alterations. Please be prepared to be flexible when necessary.