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The Andes in Ecuador offer a variety of climbing unequaled in any
other country in the world. The comparatively short distance between
the mountains means that an expedition can attack a range of different
peaks in only a few weeks.
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.¾ 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. Known as "Capac Urcu"
in Quichua for sublime mountain it was renamed "Altar" by the Spanish
due to it's majesty. Hiking up to the crater is a spectacular walk
including Andes forests, waterfalls and Collanes Valley. The stunning
view from the crater include Chimborazo in the background. The normal
routes are from the outside.¾ The best weather is from December
to May but it is often rainy.
Top 
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.¾
Poor access can make just getting to base camp a challenge.¾ The
best weather is from December to January.
Cayambe, 5790 meters/18,997 feet
The only place on the equator that has snow is on the southwestern
flanks of this extinct volcano. The heavy crevassing and frequent
movements in the glacier make this climb a challenge.¾ This peak
was first climbed by the Wymper expedition of 1880, and is much
less frequently climbed than any of the other major peaks in Ecuador's
Andes.
For more information on Cayambe check-out Safari's Adventures:
Cayambe Acclimatization
Hike
Cayambe Volcano
Day Adventure
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.¾ The standard
routes are the Veintimilla and Wymper routes from the refuge on
the western side of the mountains.¾ Only 4 expeditions have reached
all 5 summits the third was a group of guides from Safari.¾ The
best weather is from June to January.
For detailed Chimborazo information check
out 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.¾ Today the standard route is from the north.¾ Cotopaxi's
best weather is in December and January there is also very good
weather from July to September.¾ Conditions are fine for climbing
this peak year round.
Safari Offers the following Adventures
to Cotopaxi:
Climbing Cotopaxi
Climbing High (features Ecuador's snow
peaks including Cotopaxi)
Cotopaxi Hiking
Cotopaxi Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding in Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi Volcano
Day Adventure
For detailed Cotopaxi information check
out Safari's Guide to Cotopaxi
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.¾ The peak was first climbed
by Jean and Luis Carrol in 1880. ¾ The best weather can be found
from June to January.
Safari also offers an Acclimatization
Hike on Iliniza North
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.¾ To reach the volcano you first have to hike for 3 days.¾
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.¾ The best weather is from December
to April. |
Climbing School