Highlights
Climb Chimborazo (6310m), Ecuador's highest volcano and the farthest point from the Earth's centre
Climb Cotopaxi (5897m), one of the highest active volcanoes in the world
Climb Illiniza Norte (5125m), the northern of the two popular Illiniza peaks, and Ecuador's 8th highest mountain
Improve your mountaineering skills with hands-on glacier training
Undertake a fully supported expedition with expert mountain guides
Visit Quilotoa Lake
Discover the culture of Ecuador with market visits & Quito city tour
Stay overnight in the community of Pondoa for a true Ecuadorian experience
Visit Quilotoa Lake
Discover the culture of Ecuador with market visits & Quito city tour
Stay overnight in the community of Pondoa for a true Ecuadorian experience
Itinerary
Ecuador’s snowcapped giants await on the Summits of Ecuador climbing adventure, a 16-day high-altitude expedition starting and ending in Quito. Tailored for experienced adventurers seeking their first 6,000m summit, this strenuous tour includes ascents of Illiniza Norte (5,125m), Cotopaxi (5,897m), and the ultimate challenge—Chimborazo (6,310m), the closest point on Earth to the sun. Led by expert Ecuadorian guides, the itinerary balances acclimatization climbs, glacier movement instruction, and time exploring Quito and the vibrant Otavalo markets. Alongside breathtaking Andean vistas, the journey delves into local culture, from colonial architecture to Andean traditions. The core USP is the seamless integration of robust mountaineering with authentic cultural immersion, ensuring participants not only achieve personal climbing milestones but also gain profound insight into Ecuador’s heritage. This is the definitive trip for trekkers ready to step up to major alpine challenges in South America.
day 1Join Quito (2850m)
You will be transferred from Quito Airport to your hotel. The afternoon is at your own leisure. A group briefing with our senior leader will be held from 7pm. Please ensure you are at the hotel at this time. A welcome dinner will be held afterwards.
Overnight Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware that this itinerary is subject to change due to summit conditions and other variables. Your guide will update you on the confirmed itinerary at your first meeting.
day 2Quito city tour and Equatorial Monument
day 3Drive to the Northern Province of Imbabura, visit Otavalo market, and afternoon acclimatisation walk to Laguna Cuicocha
day 4Ascend Fuya Fuya (4197m)
day 5Climb Imbabura (4580m), and return to Quito
day 6Day at leisure in Quito
day 7To Mt Illinizas, via Avenue of Volcanoes
day 8Climb Illinizia Norte (5125m)
day 9To Cotopaxi National Park and technical training
day 10Climb Mt Cotopaxi (5897m)
day 11Quilotoa Lake, transfer to Riobamba
day 12To Mt Chimborazo (4800m)
day 13Climb Mt Chimborazo (6310m)
day 14Contingency day, local community experience
day 15In Banos (1820m). Return to Quito (2850m)
day 16In Quito, trip concludes
What's Included
Customer Reviews
What an amazing trip! World Expeditions never fail to deliver an amazing experience.
The Summits of Ecuador trek is truly challenging. Ascending both Cotopaxi and Chimborazo requires crampons and an ice axe, and involves elements of mountaineering. I can confidently say that this was my most difficult trek to date, even considering the Snowmantrek in Bhutan. However, the organization was flawless, the mountain guides were experienced and friendly. Overall, it was a demanding but incredibly beautiful experience. Standing on the summit of Chimborazo, the closest point to space from Earth, was almost an otherworldly sensation. Unforgettable
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