Name: Climb Cotopaxi & Chimborazo with acclimatization
Location: Quito, Ecuador

andean summit adventure

Email address verified

40 reviews

Duration: 12 days

Group size: 3 - 15

Climb Cotopaxi & Chimborazo with acclimatization

Quito, Ecuador

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andean summit adventure

Email address verified

40 reviews

Duration: 12 days

Group size: 3 - 15

Climbing Chimborazo Volcano (6263 m / 20548 ft) - the world's highest mountain measured from the center of the earth - is definitely a challenging plan, therefore we take it up with a good acclimatization schedule. Included in the itinerary is the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), which is another epic target for many mountaineers coming to Ecuador. This beauty is said to be the world's highest active volcano. The view into its huge crater is simply breathtaking. As Cotopaxi is currently ACTIVE, we replace the climb with Cayambe volcano (5.790 m / 18,996 ft), another highlight in Ecuador. It's the country's third highest mountain and the highest and only snow covered point on the Equator. Definitely a trip of a lifetime - join us!

Technically the climbs are not very difficult, nevertheless good fitness is required and some previous glacier travel experience highly recommended.

Another very important point is proper acclimatization. To really enjoy the climbs we recommend at least 4 days of preparation, including hikes in altitude and steadily increasing your sleeping altitude if possible. In this 12 day-package acclimatization is taken care of, further you'll get to know some of the highlights of the Ecuadorian Andean region, among them Quilotoa crater lake and the city of Riobamba.

Any questions? Reach out to our climbing experts on info@andeansummitadventure.com or +593968959533 (WhatsApp or call).

For Rescue and Travel Insurance we recommend: Global Rescue.

- see program / itinerary

- certified bi-lingual guide (NATIONAL / ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 2 climbers on glaciated mountains, 1 guide during the rest of the trip

- transportation in private vehicle during the tour (from / to Quito)

- accommodation as per itinereray (or similar - depending on availability)

- park entrance fees & climbing permits

- meals as specified in the itinerary

- group equipment: ropes and other guiding gear

- catering (see program)

- personal technical equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, carabiners, screws, slings etc.)

- sleeping bag + pad for huts and camps, boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list

- other entrance fees (eg. in the city for churches etc.)

- insurances (please make sure that you have an insurance covering risks of mountain climbing, we recommend Global Rescue)

- cost for program changes

- tips & any other expenses not explicitly mentioned

- 60 or more days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be refunded, minus handling & administrative charges (if any)

- 59 - 30 days prior to departure: 50% of the total amount paid will be forfeited

- 29 and less days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be forfeited

With full payment or partial payment of the tour the climber accepts the latest version of andean summit adventure's terms and conditions, which can be downloaded HERE.

3 - 5 persons (price per person)

You are booking as a group of 3 - 5 people.

Please note that in case you select this option as an individual climber or for less than 3 people, your booking might be subject to cancellation, as we do not offer open groups.

$2,490

6 - 9 persons (price per person)

You are booking as a group of 6 - 9 people.

Please note that in case you select this option for less than 6 people, your booking might be subject to cancellation, as we do not offer open groups.

$2,290

10+ persons (price per person)

You are booking as a group of 10+ people.

Please note that in case you select this option for less than 10 people, your booking might be subject to cancellation, as we do not offer open groups.

$2,190

technical equipment (4 pieces)

$50

helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe (for Rumiñahui, Cotopaxi & Chimborazo)

sleeping bag

$30

for Cotopaxi & Chimborazo

porter Chimborazo high camp (up)

$70

20 kg / porter

porter Chimborazo high camp (down)

$70

20 kg / porter

single supplement

$450

limited availability - only upon prior confirmation.

Arrival in Quito
Arrival in Quito
transfer from the airport to your hotel
DAY 1
arrival at Quito airport, transfer to your hotel (Vieja Cúba or similar)

catering: - / - / -

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms incl. breakfast in Hotel Vieja Cúba (or similar).
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Quito's old town
Quito's old town
UNESCO world heritage is waiting for you
DAY 2
we explore the Middle of the World and Quito's old town: beautiful churches, squares and amazing views to get a feeling of what Ecuador is like.

catering: B / L / -

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms incl. breakfast in Hotel Vieja Cúba (or similar).
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Pasochoa climb
Pasochoa climb
hike through amazing Andean grass lands
DAY 3

Start after breakfast, we drive to parking area and hike throught the beautiful andean grassland to the summit of PASOCHOA (4.200 m / 13,780 ft) - time to the summit depending on route about 2 - 4 hours. If your are in great shape we go for the 2 summits of Pasochoa. After a small rest on the summit we descend to our vehicle and continue to our accommodation.

tech. data: ↑↓ 900 m / 2950 ft | ↔ 11,3 km / 7 mi

catering: B / LB / -

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms incl. breakfast in Hotel Casa Sakiwa in Machachi
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Quilotoa Crater Lake
Quilotoa Crater Lake
The best shades of blue in the Ecuadorian Andes
DAY 4

Start after breakfast and drive to the QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE, trek along the crater rim (5 - 6 hours), highest elevation (3.930 m / 12,894 ft). During the hike we admire the breathtaking blue of the lake and wonderful views of the surroundings.

tech. data: ↑↓ 650 m / 2130 ft | ↔ 11 km / 6.8 mi

catering: B / LB / D

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms incl. dinner and breakfast in Hostería Chukirawa in Quilotoa
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Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park
enjoying nature and short hikes
DAY 5

Today we explore COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK, depending on how we feel and our fitness level, there are different options to visit. We can go for hikes in the surroundings, visit the museum, etc.

tech. data: easy day with moderate hiking activities

catering: B / LB / D

accommodation in dorm in Tambopaxi mountain lodge (3.720 m / 12,205 ft) including dinner & breakfast
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Rumiñahui climb
Rumiñahui climb
wonderful acclimatization hike with great views of Cotopaxi
DAY 6

Start after breakfast, drive to the parking area at Limpiopungo Lagoon in Cotopaxi National Park, where we start our climb. We hike towards the central summit of RUMIÑAHUI (4.722 m / 15,492 ft), the approximate time to the summit is 3 - 4 hours. After enjoying wonderful views of neighbouring Cotopaxi we descend to our vehicle and return to our accommodation.

tech. data day: ↑ 800 m / 2620 ft ↓ 800 m / 2620 ft | ↔ 12 km / 7.5 mi

catering: B / LB / D

accommodation in dorm in Tambopaxi mountain lodge (3.720 m / 12,205 ft) including dinner & breakfast
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Cotopaxi Volcano
Cotopaxi Volcano
Ecuador's 2nd highest mountain
DAY 7 + 8

We enjoy a relaxing morning at Tambopaxi Lodge, before we drive to the parking lot and hike up to Cotopaxi refuge at 4.865 m / 15,960 ft (45 min). If required there will be a small glacier training in the afternoon (walking techniques), early dinner and rest at the refuge (dorm). Wake up around midnight, small snack and start of the hike to the summit of COTOPAXI (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), which takes approximately 6 - 8 h. After ideally enjoying a breathtaking sunrise at the summit we descend (approx. 3 hours to the refuge, 30 mins to the parking lot) => alternatively we climb CAYAMBE.

tech. data day 7: ↑ 220 m / 720 ft | → 0,8 km / 0.5 mi

tech. data day 8: ↑ 1060 m / 3480 ft ↓ 1280 m / 4200 ft | ↔ 7,5 km / 4.7 mi

catering day 7: B / L / D

catering day 8: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)

accommodation incl. breakfast in single / double / triple rooms in Hotel Bambu in Riobamba // or Casa Sakiwa while Cotopaxi is closed (Machachi).
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Riobamba City
Riobamba City
discovering a typical Andean town
DAY 9

The city of Riobamba (oldest planned city of Ecuador) is waiting for our visit today. We stroll through the streets of the typical Andean town, see its markets and other interesting sites.

catering: B / L / D

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms in Chakana Mountain Lodge, including dinner & breakfast (4000 m / 13100 ft)
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Chimborazo High Camp
Chimborazo High Camp
climbing the world's highest mountain
DAY 10 + 11
We head towards Chimborazo National Park, have lunch on the way. After check in at the gate we drive up to the parking lot at 4800 m / 15750 ft, and hike then up to the high camp at 5300 m / 17400 ft, where we spend the night in tents or domes. After an early dinner we try to rest, have breakfast around midnight and get prepared for a 6 - 8 hours ascent to CHIMBORAZO SUMMIT (6263 m / 20548 ft). Ideally after admiring a wonderful sunrise from the summit of Chimborazo we descend to high camp where we pick up our stuff, have a small snack and then continue downwards to our vehicles. Transportation back to Quito.

tech. data day 10: ↑ 500 m / 1640 ft | → 2,1 km / 1.3 mi
tech. data day 11: ↑ 1000 m / 3280 ft ↓ 1500 m / 4920 ft | ↔ 7,9 km / 4.9 mi

catering day 10: B / L / D
catering day 11: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms incl. breakfast in Hotel Vieja Cúba or similar.

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Departure
Departure
transfer from the hotel to the airport
DAY 12

It's time to say good bye Ecuador. We'll bring you to the airport and wish you all the best for your further adventures! End of services.

catering: B / - / -
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Arrival in Quito

transfer from the airport to your hotel

DAY 1
arrival at Quito airport, transfer to your hotel (Vieja Cúba or similar)

catering: - / - / -

accommodation in single / double / triple rooms incl. breakfast in Hotel Vieja Cúba (or similar).

andean summit adventure

40 reviews

welcome to andean summit adventure, specialists when it comes to mountaineering in Ecuador and beyond. our certified guides and international team are your best choice for making your trip a lifetime experience! let's go for some climbs - cheers! our mountaineering experts are happy to assist with personalized attention to work out awesome climbing plans for you and your family and friends or answer any questions you might have regarding our programs - reach out, we speak English, German and Spanish: info@andeansummitadventure.com

We had a delightful time: excellent support throughout, down-to-earth + good-hearted people and new friends, less traveled destinations, and fantastic cuisine. Andean Summit Adventures is highly recommended to book your Andean adventures with. Shoutout to Liz, Jaime, Sebastian, Juan Diego + the rest of the team. See you all again soon. THANK YOU.

By JT M for Otavalo, Peguche & Cotacachi on Oct 30, 2024

We would like to take a moment and give our Gratitude to Andean Summit Adventure. If there was a place to write 10 stars I would. It’s taken a week to write this review because I wanted to find the best words that I could to write a 5 star review. Paulina and I had been in touch with Elisabeth for over a year prior to our trip. She was very attentive and knowledgeable. She answered the million question we had for her as well. Elisabeth put us both at ease that we had chosen the best guiding service to take us to the summit of Chimborazo. At Andean Summit Adventure, they make you feel not like clients but family and people that you can call friends. We did the 8 day trip, this included climbing Ruco Pacincha 4,696m, Iliniza Norte 5,127m, Cotopaxi 5,897m and last but not least Chimborazo 6,270m. With Andean Summit Adventure safety and the well being of the people comes first before anything. This was an incredible touch that really made us feel that they cared and had our best interests in mind. After planning and training to climb Chimborazo for two years Andean Summit Adventure made this happen. With Elisabeth’s knowledge of all the mountains and great organizations she matched us up with Jaime our Guide. He is a top grade guide with lots of experience to help you succeed. I would not hesitate for a second to use them again to climb in Ecuador or other countries for that matter. Much regards, Project Chimborazo: The Climb to Inspire Kevin Mallia

By Kevin M for Climb Cayambe + Chimborazo Volcano with acclimatization in 8 days on Oct 08, 2024

Thanks so much to the guides who took so good care of us and brought most of us safe to the summit and back again! It was a tough hike and an amazing experience!

By Sebastian L for Climb Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19,347 ft) in 2 days on Aug 21, 2024

Andean Summit Adventure insists on providing only the best guides even if it means losing immediate profit. The company's high ratings prove this. My experience climbing Chimborazo with guide Jaime was one of the most valuable lessons in my life. He is not only an excellent mountain guide but also a good person. Every moment with him was enjoyable. Don't choose just any guide for a small difference in cost. It can determine whether you reach the summit or not. The experience of climbing Ecuador's highest peaks can bring great insights and a sense of accomplishment. Even choosing a tour company can be a significant decision in your life.

By SUNGWON Y for Climb Chimborazo Volcano (6.263 m / 20,549 ft) in 2 days on Aug 06, 2024

Embarking on a journey to Ecuador's majestic Chimborazo volcano with guide Romel Sandoval was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, Romel's expertise and passion for the region infused every step of the adventure, making it an unforgettable experience. Romel's intimate knowledge of the terrain, coupled with his deep respect for the environment, set the tone for a safe and immersive journey. Throughout the trek, Romel's storytelling brought the landscape to life, weaving tales of Chimborazo's geological significance and its cultural importance to the indigenous communities. I will highly recommend andean summit adventures as your guides.