COTOPAXI EXPRESS TOUR WITH CHIMBORAZO OPTION

For the mountain enthusiast short of time we have developed this 6 (or 9) day program in which you should summit Iliniza North and Cotopaxi whilst taking in some smaller peaks to help with the acclimatization process.

Day 1: Quito

Arrive in Ecuador and transfer to your accommodation, followed by a city tour and then a briefing of the program, hotel overnight.

Day 2: Guagua Pichincha 4.784 mts

Due to its altitude, location and refuge Pichincha has become a popular place to acclimatize before attempting any of Ecuador's high snow-capped peaks. After breakfast we depart on a short drive from Quito that will take us to the slopes of Guagua Pichincha. The summit can be reached in approximately 4 hours on a steady hill climb. Having just arrived in Quito at 2800m, this slow trek will provide the first stepping stone for high peak acclimatization. The views of Quito from the summit are spectacular. Return to Quito in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Iliniza North 5.116mts

This mountain is one of the best in Ecuador for acclimatization. It adds an important 300 plus metres in altitude to Guagua Pichincha and is the lowest of the 5000m peaks in Ecuador; many consider it a must before attempting Cotopaxi.

Early departure by car towards "Los Chillos valley" heading south going through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to "Chaupi", a small town. We continue to La Virgin and from there we will hike for around 3 hours up to the refuge, lunch. Dinner and overnight at the refuge.

Day 4:
Very early breakfast, followed by a hike to the top of Iliniza North following the normal route and the principal ridge. Usually this summit has very little snow and it is easy to reach without crampons, just good sturdy walking boots. Hiking is approx 3 hours up, then we descend to the refuge and on to La Virgen. Return to Quito.

Day 5: Cotopaxi 5.897mts

Cotopaxi National Park is a protected area within Cotopaxi province that goes from an altitude of 3.200 up to almost 6.000mts. Cotopaxi, the provinces centerpiece, is the highest active volcano in the world and due to its near perfect conical shape, it is one of the worlds most widely recognized volcanoes, and certainly Ecuador's most famous.

Technically it is not a difficult mountain to climb, but due to its height, just under 6000m it is a must that climbers are well acclimatized, as this is the biggest hurdle in reaching this beautiful summit. Of course mental and physical preparations are required, as is some basic training with ice climbing gear. From the summit Cotopaxi offers some spectacular views, not least other snow-capped peaks north, south, east and west, but also the Amazon basin, stretching out into Peru.

After breakfast we depart from Quito to the parking area below the refuge. The hike up to the refuge takes about 45 minutes. Lunch. Glacier ice briefing and technique practice, return to refuge, dinner and sleep.

Day 6:
We get up around midnight, breakfast and then depart for the summit following the normal north route. This should take around 6 to 7 hours of climbing and with good weather, as the sunrises we should be treated with some exceptional views. Once we summit we head down to the refuge and after a rest on to the parking lot.


NOTE: There is now the option to either return to Quito or to take the extended package and conquer Ecuador's highest mountain, Chimborazo.


The program follows the same format for days 1 to 6, then on day 6, after climbing Cotopaxi, climbers will overnight in Baños.

Day 7:
Today is a well-earned rest day, when after breakfast we will have a gentle stroll around peaceful Baños, and have time to enjoy the hot thermal baths. The afternoon is free for your own activities. Overnight in Baños.

Day 8:
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes and climbing to the summit will take you to the further point from the center of the earth. This is a challenging climb for even the most experienced mountaineer; it is a technically easy to moderate but the long approach to reach the peak will certainly test your physical limits. Proper acclimatization is a must as is good physical condition.

We will depart from Baños heading to the Pan-American Highway at Ambato city. A further 60km south we turn southeast towards the Carrel Refuge at 4800m. From here, a short trek takes us to the second refuge, the Whimper Hut at 5000m. Dinner and sleep.

Day 9: Chimborazo 6.310mts
We depart for the summit at midnight after a very early breakfast. We will follow the standard route to the top that will take an estimated 8 to 10 hours to reach the summit. This will be a grand achievement for any climber, nd the spectacular views are all the better for the physical challenge. We return to the refuge over about 3 hours, rest and then transfer to Quito.

We climb every mountain in Ecuador as well as other peaks around the continent; we organize expeditions to: Peru, Bolivia and Argentina (Aconcagua) amongst other destinations. For more information about our international or national expeditions please fell free to contact us at: info@bikeclimbecuador.com

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