Overview
Iconic Summits
Climb Cayambe (18,996 ft) and Cotopaxi (19,347 ft), two of Ecuador's most renowned glaciated volcanoes in the heart of the Andes.
Acclimatization Treks
Prepare for high-altitude success with scenic hikes on Rucu Pichincha and nearby peaks before heading to base camps.
Glacier Travel & Technical Skills
Learn or refresh mountaineering techniques including crampon use, rope team movement, self-arrest, and crevasse navigation.
Comfort, Culture & Support
Enjoy cozy mountain lodges and refugios, expert guide leadership, and time to soak in Ecuador's stunning scenery and local culture.
Optional Chimborazo Add-On
Contact us to extend your expedition to summit Chimborazo (20,549 ft), Ecuador's highest peak and the farthest point from Earth's center—closer to the sun than any other place on the planet.
details
Everything you need to know before you go
If you need to rent crampons, ice axe, harness, or helmet, you can let us know when you book!
Included
All lodging during the itinerary, including lodging in Quito
All meals while on the mountains
Group camping and climbing equipment
All permits
In-country transportation
Guiding fees
NOT Included
Flights to/from Quito
Additional nights in hotels outside of the itinerary dates
Visas
Visas
Dinners in Quito
Immunizations required for travel to Ecuador
Tips for guides or local porters
Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
Hospitalization or evacuation costs
Excess baggage charges
The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Skyline Mountain Guides or its agents are not included.
Preparation
Fitness
techincal
Altitude
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Quito & Team Meeting
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (9,350 ft). Your guide will meet you for a private transfer to our hotel in the historic Old Town. After settling in, we'll gather for an evening team meeting, thorough gear check, and trip briefing. This is your chance to ask questions, meet your teammates, and review the exciting days ahead. We'll discuss the acclimatization strategy, safety protocols, and what to expect on each peak.
DAY 2
Quito City Tour & Acclimatization Hike
Start the morning exploring Quito's stunning UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, we'll drive to Pasochoa Ecological Reserve for our first acclimatization hike to around 13,800 ft. This moderate trek through cloud forest and páramo helps your body begin adjusting to altitude while offering beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. Return to Quito for dinner and rest.
DAY 3
Iliniza Norte Acclimatization Climb
Drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. Trek through páramo vegetation to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge at 15,419 ft. After settling in and resting, we'll make an afternoon or next-morning attempt on Iliniza Norte (16,818 ft), an excellent acclimatization peak featuring exposed ridge scrambling and fantastic views of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. This climb provides valuable experience with moderate scrambling at altitude. Descend and transfer to accommodations in El Chaupi or continue north toward Cayambe.
DAY 4
Travel to Cayambe Region & Rest
Transfer north to the charming town of Otavalo or nearby accommodations in the Cayambe region. This is a lighter day allowing recovery from Iliniza Norte while gradually moving toward our first major objective. Explore the town, visit local markets, or simply rest at the lodge. Enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian dinner and prepare mentally for the Cayambe climb ahead.
DAY 5
Cayambe Glacier Skills & High Camp
Drive to Cayambe National Park and approach the impressive Ruales-Oleas-Bergé Refuge at 15,092 ft, one of the finest mountain huts in Ecuador. Once settled, your guides will lead a comprehensive glacier skills session covering crampon technique, ice axe use, roped glacier travel, and crevasse rescue. This hands-on training prepares you for summit day while allowing further acclimatization. After an early dinner, rest up for the midnight start.
DAY 6
Cayambe Summit Day
Alpine start around 1:00 AM with a light breakfast before heading onto the glacier. The route follows spectacular terrain to reach the summit at 18,996 ft—the only place on Earth where glaciers straddle the equator. Navigation around bergschrunds and crevasses keeps the climb engaging throughout the 6-7 hour ascent. Summit views span from the Amazon basin to the Pacific coastal ranges. After celebrating on top and capturing photos, descend back to the refuge in 2-3 hours, then drive to comfortable accommodations at lower elevation for recovery.
DAY 7
Rest & Cultural Day in Otavalo
A well-deserved rest day exploring the vibrant indigenous market town of Otavalo, famous for its textiles, crafts, and colorful culture. Wander through the Plaza de Ponchos, visit local artisan workshops, or take an optional visit to nearby Cuicocha Crater Lake. This lower elevation day allows your body to recover while you experience authentic Ecuadorian culture and pick up souvenirs. Reflect on your Cayambe success and prepare mentally for Cotopaxi.
DAY 8
Travel to Cotopaxi & Afternoon at Lodge
Drive south through dramatic Andean scenery to Cotopaxi National Park. We'll stay at a comfortable mountain lodge like Tambopaxi with stunning views of the perfectly conical volcano. The afternoon is yours to rest, review equipment, hydrate, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Your guides will provide a briefing for our Cotopaxi summit push. Early dinner followed by sleep in preparation for tomorrow's climb of Ecuador's most iconic peak.
DAY 9
Cotopaxi Summit Day
Midnight departure for the highest active volcano in the world. A short vehicle ride brings us to the José Ribas Refuge at 15,953 ft where we begin climbing. The first hour follows scree slopes before transitioning to glacier travel. We'll ascend 30-40 degree snow slopes toward the dramatic rock face of Yanasacha, reaching the summit crater at 19,347 ft around sunrise. The smoking crater and 360-degree views encompassing the entire Avenue of the Volcanoes make this one of the world's most spectacular summits. Descend back to the refuge, then continue down to the resort town of Baños (5,900 ft) at the edge of the Amazon jungle for a celebratory dinner and well-earned rest.
DAY 10
Rest Day in Baños
Recovery day in the charming thermal spa town of Baños. The low elevation helps your body fully recuperate after two major summits. Options include soaking in natural hot springs, visiting spectacular waterfalls cascading from the Andes into the Amazon basin, mountain biking the scenic Waterfall Route, or simply relaxing with good food and company. This rest is essential before tackling Chimborazo for those continuing on the extension.
DAY 11
Rest Day in Baños & Optional Activities
Another rest and recovery day in Baños to ensure full recuperation. Continue enjoying the hot springs, explore more waterfalls, visit the Casa del Árbol swing at the end of the world, or take a guided jungle tour. For those not extending to Chimborazo, this is a relaxed day before returning to Quito tomorrow. For those continuing the extension, use this time to fully recover—Chimborazo demands your best.
DAY 12
Departure Day OR CHIMBORAZO EXTENSION: Travel to Chimborazo Base
For those completing the Cayambe-Cotopaxi program: enjoy a leisurely morning in Baños before driving back to Quito. Afternoon available for souvenir shopping or relaxing before evening airport transfers. Safe travels! For Chimborazo Extension: drive from Baños through Riobamba to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. Check in at the beautiful Estrella del Chimborazo lodge (13,000 ft) or similar accommodations near the base of Ecuador's highest peak. Afternoon briefing on the Chimborazo climb, gear organization, and route overview. Early dinner and rest.
DAY 13
CHIMBORAZO EXTENSION: Acclimatization & High Camp
Drive deeper into the Chimborazo Reserve to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge at 15,748 ft. From here, hike 2-3 hours to high camp at approximately 17,400 ft where we'll set up our tents. This strategic camp position shortens summit day considerably and allows for better acclimatization. Afternoon spent organizing gear, hydrating, and resting in the stunning high-altitude environment. Your guides will review the route, timeline, and what to expect on summit day. Early dinner and sleep before the midnight start.
DAY 14
CHIMBORAZO EXTENSION: Summit Day
Midnight start for the 8-9 hour push to Ecuador's highest summit at 20,549 ft. This is a long, demanding climb through varied glacier terrain and steep snow slopes. The reward is standing on the farthest point from Earth's center—over 2,000 meters farther than Everest's summit due to the equatorial bulge. After summit photos and taking in the vast panorama of the Andes, descend back to high camp where we'll rest briefly before continuing down to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge. Drive to comfortable accommodations at lower elevation for recovery and celebration.
DAY 15
CHIMBORAZO EXTENSION: Buffer Day & Return to Quito
This day serves as a weather buffer for the Chimborazo summit attempt. If conditions prevented us from summiting on Day 14, we have this opportunity for another attempt. If we've already summited successfully, enjoy a leisurely morning before the scenic drive back to Quito. Arrive in the capital by afternoon with time to clean up, explore the Old Town, and do any last-minute souvenir shopping. Final team celebration dinner reflecting on your incredible Triple Crown achievement.
DAY 16
CHIMBORAZO EXTENSION: Departure Day
Airport transfers available throughout the day for your departure flight. If you have a later flight, optional morning activities include visiting Quito's museums, the Mitad del Mundo monument at the equator, or relaxing at the hotel. Safe travels, and congratulations on completing one of the world's premier volcano climbing expeditions!
FAQ's
FAQ's
Gear List
Gear List
Gear required to bring up on the mountain given the conditions may vary trip to trip. Your guide will help you decide what gear to bring or leave behind during the gear-check. If you need to rent crampons, ice axe, harness, or helmet, you can let us know when you book!
