Our climbing tours to the mountains and
volcanoes of Ecuador

| Rucu Pichincha | Pasochoa | Rumiñahui | Corazón |  Imbabura | Cotacachi |
| Cotopaxi | Chimborazo | Cayambe | Antisana | Iliniza Norte | Iliniza Sur |

Hikes, acclimatization ascents and high mountain climbs in Ecuador
Ecuador offers many interesting mountains below 5000 meters. Most of these peaks can be climbed within one day, for those which are farer away from Quito you should calculate two days. For some of the climbs you may need high altitude equipment, depending on the season you're climbing, but in general it is sufficient to wear warm clothes and hiking shoes. All of these medium altitude climbs are comparatively easy and enable everybody to enjoy the unique landscape and mountains of the andean highlands of Ecuador.
High altitude mountains we consider the peaks over 5000 meters. To climb these mountains one should be well acclimatized and in very good phisical condition. All but Iliniza North summit require glacier gear and high altitude equipment. An overnight stay in a mountain refuge or in a camp is necessary. By participating in one of our tours, you can gain from a well-prepared itinerary, which combines professional acclimating with the most important destinations of Ecuador, including city tours, visits of the indigenous markets, ascents of mountains and trekkings, accompanied by a very good service. In our programs we always try to offer a wide image of the country, furthermore you will be accompanied all the time by our experienced and certified Mountain Guides ASEGUIM and/or IFMGA. All in all an unforgettable experience. Our prices include high-altitude equipment, transport, especially trained certified guides, refuges and food on the mountain.

Rucu Pichincha (4737 m)
Being very close to Quito, Pichincha can be climbed in one day. During all the climb you have a splendid view on the capital.

El Corazón (4788 m)
South of Quito you find this extinct volcano, that derives its name from the shape of the northwestern flank, which, seen from the distance, resembles a heart.

Rumiñahui (S 4696m, Central 4631m, N 4712 m)
Situated in the Cotopaxi National Park you can enjoy nice views on the protected area, including the Cotopaxi itself of course.

Cotacachi (4966 m)
You can combine the ascent of this mountain with a visit of the famous Laguna de Cuicocha.

Imbabura (4650 m)
In the north of   the country, near Otavalo and the San Pablo Lake you find this extinct volcano, which is subject of a lot of indigenous legends.

Pasachoa (4200 m)
The extinct and eroded volcano retains the distinction to be situated in one of the last regions, where you can find the typical Polilepis trees of the Ecuatorian highlands. With some luck you might even see one of the few remainig majestic Condors flying in the summit and crater area of Pasochoa.

 

High Altitude Summits and Mountains

Antizana (5704 m)
This massive, glaciated volcano can be found southeast of Quito, a bit hidden, because well away from any main road. Steep slopes and a lot of crevasses complicate the ascent and make it a mountain for climbers with experience. During the trip of 2 days we'll be lodging in tents, which will provide you with a special experience.

Carihuayrazo (5020 m)
Carihuayrazo is often chosen as an acclimatization climb. Being snow-capped, it offers good possibilities to practice the use of glacier equipment. But there is more about this mountain: It's situated about 140 kilometers south of Quito and climbing this mountain, you can admire its bigger brother, the Chimborazo, which can be found a bit further in the south. Since there is no refuge we'll spend the night before the ascent in tents.

Cayambe (5790m)
This volcano, located 65 kilometers northeast of Quito is composed of several peaks, with the highest being situated in the center of the mountain. It retains the distinction to be the highest point on earth where the equator line passes. (exactly at a height of   4530 m near the south flank)
The still active volcano is notorious for the high amount of crevasses. To reach the summit a guide with a lot of experience is necessary.
Our tour of 2 days leads us to the refuge at 4600 m and the next day to the summit.

Cotopaxi (5897m)
The still active volcano Cotopaxi (indigenous: neck of the moon) is the most popular mountain in South America and is situated in the homonymous national park.
The mountain is characterized by quite stable weather conditions, which makes it accessible all year round.
The summit is famous for it's perfect cone shape, from where you have a fabulous view on the crater, with its diameter of 800 m. The climb is considered to be technical, because of the ice equipment needed, and because of its significant height. Normally you can do the tour in two days, but you also have the possibility to spend one more day in the national park to get used to altitude. In all cases you'll be stuck by this impressive glacier

Illiniza Norte (5116 m)
The northern peak is rocky without permanent snow. It's an easy climb with some scramble - passages, the last meters may be a bit difficult, due to loose rocks. It can be climbed within 2 days and as mentioned above is very suitable to get used to altitude. Throughout the trip we pass a night at the refuge at a height of 4650 m in order to start the climb at the break of dawn

Illiniza Sur (5263 m)
Illiniza Sur surely belongs to the most difficult climbs in Ecuador, especially, when there is a lack of snowfall. Again ice equipment and experiences in glaciers are needed because of   the existence of crevasses and some steep slopes. (up to 70°)
Starting-point is, like for the northern peak, the Nuevo Horizontes refuge. From there it takes you about 4 hours to reach the summit, from where you have a spectacular view on Cotopaxi.

| Rucu Pichincha | Pasochoa | Rumiñahui | Corazón |  Imbabura | Cotacachi |
| Cotopaxi | Chimborazo | Cayambe | Antisana | Iliniza Norte | Iliniza Sur |