Climbing High Adventure

The summits of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are clearly in our sights as we climb a variety of peaks designed as complete Ecuador climbing program. The first peaks are used to build up our acclimatization, we hike up to the active crater of Guagua Pichincha, on Pasochoa we have the chance to see Andean Condors, and Corazon stretches our stamina. By extending our acclimatization with 2 days on Iliniza before attacking the big ones, we give ourselves the best chance of success. Climb high maximizes the climbing experience in Ecuador summiting a variety of peaks and training for Cotopaxi and Chimborazo along the way.

Day 1 Pasochoa 4,200 meters/13,780 feet

We rise early for our 7am departure to Pasochoa an extinct volcano with a microclimate that supports a sub-tropical forest. Our journey takes us south of Quito to the Pasochoa Reserve a protected forest, administered by the Fundacion Natura. The forest is one of the last remaining stands of native Andes forest remaining in Ecuador. Our 3-hour hike takes us through the forest and to the crater rim. As we near the crater we have a good chance to see the Andean Condors which make Pasochoa their home in the crags of the mountain.Having completed our first summit we return to Quito for the night.

Day 2 Guagua Pichincha 4700 meters/15,421 feet

Our second summit is Pichincha an immense volcano standing over Quito with a long history of eruptions. The activity from the crater has increased over the past months, and Quito has been placed on alert awaiting the next big eruption. Pichincha is made up of three peaks, our climb is of Guagua ("baby" in Quichua) the active crater. Guagua Pichincha is our first peak over 4700 meters (15,000 feet) and an interesting lesson in the life of volcanoes. Our 4-hour hike provides a variety of scenery as we hike through green pastures and forest, to reach the stony summit. At the top we are rewarded by a spectacular view of Quito and the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the South. We return to Quito in the afternoon for the night.

Day 3 Corazon 4700 meters/15,421 feet

As we leave Quito in the morning we take our belongings with us, our next few days climbing the summits in the Cotopaxi province and Cotopaxi itself. The first of these summits is Corazon an ancient eroded and extinct volcano. Corazon "heart" in Spanish is named for the two gullies on the northwest slopes which when seen from a distance appear to join together roughly in the shape of a heart. Our 7-hour hike winds through paramo, passing directly beneath a pine forest. We cross various irrigation canals before following one fairly straight up to a rocky area at the saddle. Then we scramble through skree to the summit. We descend the mountain for Hosteria La Estacion located at the base where we spend the night.

Day 4 and 5 Iliniza North 5200 meters/17, 061 feet

This morning we have the chance to sleep-in. We depart for Iliniza around 9:30am and drive as far up Iliniza as far as the jeep can take us. Then we take our packs and hike up through the paramo to the refuge located in the saddle between the north and south peak. Our afternoon is spent exploring the area and we spend the night in the refuge. Though Iliniza North is not a snow peak it is worth taking a rope. The ground freezes at night and departures are usually later in the morning so that any vergales has had the chance to melt. In the morning we have a 4-hour climb from the refuge along sandy skree filled slopes to reach the summit. Having reached our 4th summit we are ready to begin our snow-peaks.

Day 6 Rest Day

Free day to rest and relax before our ascent of Cotopaxi.

Day 7 and 8 Cotopaxi 5897 meters/19,348 feet

One of the nicest volcanoes in Ecuador, Cotopaxi's symmetrical cone can often be seen from the capital and surrounding peaks. This active volcano is Ecuador's 2 nd highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Cotopaxi last erupted in 1877 and is now gassing. The area is blessed with the highest number of clear days in the Ecuadorian Andes making summit attempts possible year round.

We depart in the morning for Cotopaxi National Park. Visiting the museum near the park entrance. Our journey continues to the car park where we set out on foot for the refuge located at 3500 meters (15, 749 feet). In the afternoon our guide teaches how to use climbing equipment. We spend the afternoon resting and have an early dinner. Our 6-hour summit attempt begins with an alpine start at midnight so that we can be off the snow by 10am. We climb the northern route to the summit.  And reach the summit in the morning light and from this vantage point we can see all of Ecuador's major peaks. We return to Quito in the afternoon.

Day 9 Rest Day

Free day to rest and relax before our ascent of Chimborazo

Day 10 and 11 Chimborazo 6310 meters/20,703 feet

The highest mountain in the country and for many years thought to be the highest mountain in the world, Chimborazo remains the point on the earth's surface closest to the sun. Its peak is higher than any mountain in the Americas north of it Denali being some 75 meters (246 feet) lower. The mountain is snow capped, snow and ice climbing equipment and technique is required. Chimborazo has 5 summits the Whymper (or Ecuador) 6310 meters (20,703 feet) is the most frequently climbed.

We depart from our hotel drive down to Chimborazo arriving at approximately 2pm. Our afternoon is free to relax, acclimatize and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Ecuador. We begin climbing at midnight with the summit approximately 8 hours away. Returning to the refuge we spend the rest of the morning relaxing and then return to Quito in the afternoon.

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