Altar, 5319 meters/17,452 feet

It doesn't matter where you view it from this ancient and probably extinct volcano is the most impressive in Ecuador's Andes. Because it is infrequently visited it is ideal for scientific experiments of all kinds. The fifth highest mountain in Ecuador involves much technical climbing. There are nine summits which form the highest points of the crater of this ancient volcano.

Antisana, 5704 meters/18,715 feet

Due to its position on the edge of the Andes above the Amazon Basin, this rarely climbed peak offers a technical challenge due to its many crevasses and bad weather. Good route finding skills are required. Poor access can make just getting to base camp a challenge. The best weather is from December to January.

Chimborazo, 6310 meters/20,703 feet

Located 150 km (93 miles) south/southwest of Quito, this is the highest peak in Ecuador and the point on the Earth's surface closest to the sun due to the Earth's equatorial bulge. There are five summits, the Wymper 6310 meters, Veintimilla 6267 meters, Northern 6200 meters, Polytechnic 5500 meters and Nicolas Martinez 5500 meters. The standard routes are the Veintimilla and Wymper routes from the refuge on the western side of the mountains. Only 4 expeditions have reached all 5 summits the third was a group of guides from Safari. The best weather is from June to January.
for more information read our Chimborazo Guide

Cotopaxi, 5897 meters/19,348 feet

One of the world's most perfectly shaped volcanoes, and the second highest peak in Ecuador. It last erupted in 1877 and it is now gassing. From the summit, all of the other major peaks of Ecuador can be seen. Cotopaxi is one of our most popular climbs. The first accent was made by Wilhelm Reiss and Angel Escobar in 1872 on a southwestern face route. Today the standard route is from the north. Cotopaxi's best weather is in December and January there is also very good weather from July to September. Conditions are fine for climbing this peak year round. for more information read our Cotopaxi Guide

Iliniza, South, 5263 meters/17,268 feet

A technical snow climb to challenge even the most experienced climber with steep snow slopes and creasing and the reward at the summit is the most spectacular view across the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi less than 30 kilometers away. The peak was first climbed by Jean and Luis Carrol in 1880. The best weather can be found from June to January.

Sangay, 5230 meters/17,160 feet

The most photographed of Ecuador's peaks and the most active volcano in the world with activity every 10 minutes or so. To reach the volcano you first have to hike for 3 days. The climbing itself is pretty straight forward but because of the ever-present risk of an eruption this is the most dangerous peak in Ecuador and helmets are required. The best weather is from December to April.

Acclimatization

To qualify for the course all applicants must be good health, and reasonably fit. It is necessary to become acclimatized before attending the course and we suggest the following peaks:

The course includes use of the climbing equipment, instruction, guiding and course notes, all food and accommodation on the mountain and transport from Quito.