Day 1 - 2: Quito
   We will start and finish our trip in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. It is a beautiful city nestled into the foothills of the Andes at an elevation of just over 9,000 ft. Quito is an interesting city with lots of fascinating markets and history to explore. On the day that you arrive we will move to the hotel and check personal equipment. There will also be an overview of the trip itinerary. We will spend the second day as an acclimatization day in the city arranging for any last details. We’ll spend our nights at a hotel in Quito

Day 3 - 4: Guagua Pichincha
   Located above Quito at an elevation of 15,000 ft., Guagua Pichincha offers spectacular views of Quito and surrounding peaks, and provides for a great acclimatization opportunity. We'll stage for our ascent in the town of Loa, at a quaint mountain hostel.

Day 4: Illiniza Norte
   Travel south to the Illnizas. We’ll camp at about 14,000ft in a beautiful alpine meadow.

Day 5: Ascend to Illiniza Hut
   We’ll camp outside the hut, as it gives everyone a good chance for a sound night sleep.

Day 6: Illiniza Norte (16, 818 ft)
   We will climb and descend Illiniza Norte. This mountain has some exciting rock scrambling and is good practice for our climbing team as we prepare for higher peaks.

Day 7: Cayambe
   Travel to Cayambe.

Day 8: Skills and Technique training at Cayambe
   Skills and techniques review and instruction will include ice axe and crampon use, anchors, and belaying. We will stay in the refugio at the base of Cayambe.

Day 9: Cayambe
   Summit Climb 18,996 ft.

Day 10: Rest Day
   A much deserved rest day in the avenue of the volcanoes

Day 11: Cotopaxi Base Camp (15,200 ft)
   We will make the drive to base camp and spend the remainder of the day sorting equipment and acclimatizing.

Day 11 - 12: Cotopaxi Summit Climb(19,348 ft)
   We will continue with technical skills training as we prepare for our summit climb. We will begin the climb at approx 1:00 A.M. Summit day on Cotopaxi is generally eight to ten hours. There is fantastic climbing and great views. We will use the skills that we have practiced during the previous days. The climbing is interesting and involves route finding through crevasses and ice falls. Our pre-dawn start puts us high on the mountain as the sun comes up. Don’t forget your cameras. We’ll utilize the refugio at the base of Cotopaxi.

Day 13: Chimborazo Base Camp(~15,500 ft)
   We will spend the day driving to the Chimborazo Base Camp. It is a beautiful drive with lots wild Vicunas, a relative of the llama. We will stay in the hut at the base of Chimborazo.

Day 14 - 15: Chimborazo Climb(20,703 ft)
   This is a more challenging climb than Cotopaxi. From the hut we will spend one or, two days climbing the route depending on the current conditions. We have scheduled an extra day in to allow for weather, or, the ability to move to a high camp for summit day. The climbing on Chimborazo can be steep and demanding, although not generally technical. We will approach the climb as a team with your group assuming as much responsibility for decision-making as possible. There are more incredible views from the summit.

Day 16: Return to Quito
   Lodging in hotel in Quito

Day 17: Flight Home


This itinerary is designed to provide individuals with a positive high altitude experience. It allows time for weather and acclimatization days. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to give us a call at 1.800.766.3396.