Chimborazo Prince Challenge

Make your way or get a private transfer to Hosteria Papagayo Cotopaxi.

Drive up to Pasochoa early in the morning. The extinct volcano of Pasochoa (4,199m) is one of the best places to see the famous Andean Condor. The climb offers spectacular views of the mighty Cotopaxi and surrounding volcanoes, and inside the crater, you can see the last remnants of the primary Andean forest. This is a perfect first hike for those who are new to high altitudes or for those who are beginning an acclimatization program.

Drive up to El Corazon, an extinct volcano in the Illinizas Ecological Reserve situated south of Quito. Today’s hike offers spectacular views of the mighty Cotopaxi, fertile farmlands, the cloud forest and surrounding volcanoes. In Spanish el Corazón means the heart. The mountain was named due to its shape as viewed from the western side. Climbing Corazon is perfect for a first approach to altitude.

A truly stunning climb, the Illinizas is the perfect final preparation for Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. Get ready for a steep climb through magnificent landscape followed by an exhilarating scramble to the summit. For the more adventurous only!

The day commences with a hearty breakfast before making our way to the starting point – The Virgin, at a height of 4,000 m. The locals worship the mountain and the earth gods at the location.

The climb up Illiniza Norte will take 4-5 hours, and the descent another 2 hours. During the climb you will enjoy varied views of snow-capped mountains, the rainforest and beautiful green lagoons. Temperatures will be around 5 degrees Celsius, and for the last part of the climb, we will be using ropes and harnesses.

Today is your rest day at Hostería PapaGayo.

You can choose optional activities such as hiking, a visit to the eco roses farm (Monday to Friday), biking or horse riding.

Please check at hotel reception to join any of the activities.

Note: Bikes are included for 5-star programs

The climb to the summit of Cotopaxi is one of the most famous and exciting climbs on the continent. It is the highest active volcano in the world at a height of 5,897m. The climb to the summit occurs during the night. This gives us the opportunity to watch the sunrise from the summit with unsurpassed views of Quito to the north and Chimborazo and Tungurahua to the south. From the top you also have a magnificent view of the snow-capped crater where it is possible to see steam emissions.

The ascent departs from the parking lot at 4,500 m or from the Jose Rivas refuge at 4,800 m (depending where you chose to spend the night: Tambopaxi or Refuge) and climbs through a mixture of volcanic sand, snow and glacier to the summit. The climb, although not classified as technical, requires the use of professional guides and specialized glacier hiking equipment. The ascent takes between six-to-eight hours while the descent requires two hours.

You can choose to spend your night in either of two locations: at Tambopaxi Hosteria (3,800 m) or Refuge Jose Rivas (4,800 m).

Back from the Cotopaxi summit, we will drive to Hosteria Papagayo. There you will leave the climbing equipment and have a nice lunch to celebrate your experience. (Lunch included in the 5-star package)

Today is your rest day at Hostería PapaGayo.

You can choose optional activities such as hiking, a visit to the eco roses farm (Monday to Friday), biking or horse riding.

Please check at hotel reception to join any of the activities.

Note: Bikes are included for 5-star programs

At 6,310 metres, Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. Begin your climb at midnight for your final summit of the trip, which takes approximately 12 hours. The day includes a training session, dinner and a night stay at the Refuge (4,850 m). This challenging climb offers the opportunity for climbers to break 6,000 m.

(In case of weather or eruptions, we will climb Antisana instead, which is of similar difficulty).

Back from the Chimborazo summit, we will drive to Hostería PapaGayo. There you will leave the climbing equipment and have a nice lunch to celebrate your success. (Lunch included in the 5-star package.)