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Group on the summit of Cotopaxi - Summits of Ecuador, Ecuador
Group on the summit of Cotopaxi  | Michael Buggy
Descent of Chimborazo volcano, the highest mountain from the earth's centre - Summits of Ecuador, Ecuador
Descent of Chimborazo volcano, the highest mountain from the earth's centre
Mt Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest mountain at 6310m - Summits of Ecuador, Ecuador
Mt Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest mountain at 6310m
Vast country side of Quito Cotopaxi - Summits of Ecuador, Ecuador
Vast country side of Quito Cotopaxi  | Marta Ticha
Breathtaking views descending the closest peak to space - Summits of Ecuador, Ecuador
Breathtaking views descending the closest peak to space
Cotopaxi Altitudes - Summits of Ecuador, Ecuador
Cotopaxi Altitudes  | Caroline Mongrain
Chimborazo Ecuador - Summits of Ecuador, Ecuador
Chimborazo Ecuador

Summits of Ecuador

Climb to the farthest point from the earth’s centre, Mt Chimborazo

Ecuador
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 6 reviews

16 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SOE
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 16 Days
Activities
  • 10 day mountaineering expedition
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 10 nights hotel
  • 4 nights mountain hut (multi-share)
  • 1 night homestay
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 12 Lunches
  • 15 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
8 / 10

Entry level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks

Technical Grading  

Basic

Carbon Footprint  

40kg of CO2-e PP per day

(603kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Climb Chimborazo (6310m), Ecuador's highest volcano and the farthest point from the Earth's centre
  • Climb Cotopaxi (5897m), one of the highest active volcanoes in the world
  • Climb Illiniza Norte (5125m), the northern of the two popular Illiniza peaks, and Ecuador's 8th highest mountain
  • Improve your mountaineering skills with hands-on glacier training
  • Undertake a fully supported expedition with expert mountain guides
  • Visit Quilotoa Lake
  • Discover the culture of Ecuador with market visits & Quito city tour
  • Stay overnight in the community of Pondoa for a true Ecuadorian experience

Overview

Ecuador's dramatic volcanic landscapes and rich Andean culture make it one of South America's outstanding mountaineering destinations. This expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Andes to climb three iconic peaks, Illiniza Norte (5,125m/16,814ft), Cotopaxi (5,897m/19,347ft) and the ultimate objective, Chimborazo (6,310m/20,702ft). These glaciated volcanoes provide an inspiring alpine environment with spectacular scenery shaped by powerful geological forces and surrounded by centuries of Indigenous tradition.

Led by highly experienced Ecuadorian mountain guides, this expedition is designed for experienced trekkers ready to take the next step into high altitude mountaineering. A carefully planned acclimatisation program is complemented by practical instruction in glacier travel, crampon techniques, ice axe use and rope skills, giving you the confidence to climb safely on snow and ice. Chimborazo is not only Ecuador's highest mountain but, due to the Earth's equatorial bulge, its summit is the point on Earth's surface farthest from the planet's centre.

Beyond the mountains, discover Ecuador's cultural treasures with visits to the famous Otavalo markets, the UNESCO World Heritage listed streets of Quito and the stunning emerald waters of Quilotoa Crater Lake. Combining expert guiding, progressive alpine instruction, spectacular volcanic scenery and authentic cultural experiences, this fully supported expedition is the perfect introduction to climbing your first 6,000 metre peak.

Itinerary

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You will be transferred from Quito Airport to your hotel. The afternoon is at your own leisure. A group briefing with our senior leader will be held from 7pm. Please ensure you are at the hotel at this time. A welcome dinner will be held afterwards. Overnight Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar. PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware that this itinerary is subject to change due to summit conditions and other variables. Your guide will update you on the confirmed itinerary at your first meeting.

Meals: D

Today we will explore Quito, taking in the colonial architecture of the Old City - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our city tour starts around 9am and we will visit the Panecillo, a small hill crowned with the statue of the Virgin of Quito or Virgin of Legarda, overlooking the colonial village of San Francisco de Quito, the Plaza de la Independencia, we will see the typical architecture of the colonial houses and the interesting names of the streets. We will go on to the Plaza Grande with the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. We stop at the Church of the Society of Jesus on the way to the Plaza de San Francisco and we will also see the monastery and the museum of religious art Fray Pedro Gocial located next to the church of San Francisco. After lunch we will find ourselves in the 'Middle of the World' and we have a chance to visit the Equator. There are two equator lines in Ecuador, the official line and the original line, which was pinpointed by Charles-Marie de La Condamie on an expedition in 1736 (before the invention of GPS). Both lines are only 200m apart. We can also visit the Ethnographic Museum or for those who are interested, there is the option of the Inti-Nan Museum, showing some physical laws related to gravity and its influence and the astronomical knowledge of the Aboriginal Pre-Inca and Inca groups. Overnight Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.

Meals: B,L

Today we will leave Quito, and drive north through beautiful Andean countryside to the famous market town of Otavalo. The markets here date from Pre-Incan times, when people came from jungle areas to trade their produce with those of the highlands. This is still the case today, as well as being many crafts and wares for tourists. It is considered by many to be one of the best markets for textiles and crafts in South America. In the afternoon we will undertake a 3-hour acclimatisation hike to Laguna Cuicocha - a crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. Overnight Hotel in Otavalo. 3 hours easy walking. Altitude 3200m - 3500m.

Meals: B,L

Today we will hike up Mt Fuya Fuya (4197m), with spectacular views of the Lagunas de Mojanda consisting of three pristine crater lakes, wide expanses of páramo grasslands, and achupallas (andean tall pineapples). At the summit on a clear day, it may even be possible to see the surrounding volcanoes of Imbabura and Cayambe. Overnight Hotel in Otavalo. 5 hours walking. Altitude 3700m - 4197m.

Meals: B,L

Climb up Volcan Imbabura (4580m). The land around Imbabura is extensively farmed with maize, sugarcane, and beans being the staple crops of the region. Cattle also graze on the high-altitude meadows above the tree line. In the afternoon, we will return to Quito. Overnight Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar. 8 hours walking. Altitude 3900m - 4580m.

Meals: B,L

A free day set aside to rest after the climb and explore the delightful capital of Ecuador. Depending on group interest, a trip can be made to the local hot springs, the cost of which will depend on the number of those interested. Overnight Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.

Meals: B

This morning we will depart Quito, travelling south on the Avenue of Volcanoes towards Mt Illinizas. This route offers great views of some of the highest volcano peaks in the world including Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Sangay and Altar. From the Illinizas parking area, we will commence a 3-hour hike up to the refuge (4600m) of Illinizas where we overnight. 3 hours walking with a full pack. Altitude 3900m to 4700m.

Meals: B,L,D

After an early wake-up call and breakfast, we will depart for our summit attempt of Illiniza North (5125m). You will only need to carry a small backpack with the gear required for the ascent. After returning to the refuge and a well earned rest, we will walk back to the car park with a full pack. From there, we will be transferred to a Hacienda near the Cotopaxi National Park. 5-6 hours walking in total, 2-3 hour walking with a full pack. Altitude 4700m to 5125m.

Meals: B,L

This morning we will be transferred to the Cotopaxi National Park. From the Cotopaxi parking area, it will be an hour hike up to the Jose Rivas refuge. After a short rest, a technical training session is scheduled for the remainder of the day. 1 hour walking with a full pack. Altitude 4500m to 4800m. Please note: In case that Cotopaxi is closed by the Ecuadorian Government due to volcanic activity, we will climb Cayambe mountain (5790m).

Meals: B,L,D

We will start our summit ascent of Mt Cotopaxi around midnight. You will only need to carry the gear and food you require for the climb and the rest of your luggage can be left at the refuge. It will take us approximately 5-7 hours to the summit, dependent on weather conditions. At the beginning the path is rocky until we reach the edge of the glacier. From this point on we will use our crampons and continue on the snow and part of the glacier until we reach the summit. The descent from the summit to the refuge takes around 3 to 4 hours. After our descent, we will be transferred to our hotel in Lasso. 8-12 hours walking in total, 1 hour walking with a full pack. Altitude 4800m to 5897m. Please note: In case that Cotopaxi is closed by the Ecuadorian Government due to volcanic activity, we will climb Cayambe mountain (5790m).

Meals: B,L

Today is a well-earned rest day. We will drive to Quilotoa Lake, where a leisurely walk awaits us. Following our ascent of Cotopaxi the previous day, we will collectively determine whether the group wishes to circumnavigate the volcano or descend to the serene lagoon. Along the rim of the crater, an array of viewpoints awaits, offering us captivating vistas that showcase the beauty of this region's unique landscape. In the afternoon we will also enjoy a guided visit to the nearby Quilotoa indigenous community. Overnight in Riobamba, Mansion Santa Isabella or similar.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast we transfer to Mt Chimborazo. We will drive to our refuge (4800m) where we spend the night. We rest for the remainder of the day and go to bed early to be ready for our summit ascent the next morning. Overnight refuge. Altitude 4800m.

Meals: B,L,D

Our climb to the highest mountain in Ecuador starts before midnight (approximately 11pm). The trek is rocky for the first hour. When we reach the glacier, we will put on our crampons and continue through cracks and steep slopes with strong winds until we reach the summit. The level of ascent ranges from moderate to demanding as some of the slopes are exremely steep. The summit crater area is vast and normally covered in its entirety either in soft snow or penitentes. The climb to the summit can take 6-9 hours and the descent back to the refuge about 4 hours. This is a very long day which includes some ice ramps, snow bridges and sections of icefall and it’s essential to have a very good fitness level. Depending on the time and weather, we either stay another night at the refuge or drive to Banos. 11-13 hours walking. Altitude 4800m to 6310m. PLEASE NOTE: The route we take on the summit day is dependent on the weather conditions on the day of the climb.

Meals: B,L,D

Extra summit day, or free time in Banos with the opportunity to learn about Ecuador's culture as we visit the community of Pondoa. Banos is a charming tourist site, famous for its hot springs, located at the entrance of the Amazon and on the edge of the Andes. The beauty of the place and the hospitality of its inhabitants make Banos a popular destination. Nestled in the middle of a green valley, the city offers lush vegetation and is surrounded by forests, waterfalls and on the slopes of the active volcano Tungurahua 5016m. We will visit the impressive waterfall Pailón del Diablo. We will cross over the Pastaza River in a Tarabita, which is the transport of the local population that lives near the river. If the weather permits, we will see the almost constant activity of the Tungurahua volcano from the viewpoint ‘The Tree House’ (La Casa del Arbol). Overnight homestay in the community of Pondoa.

Meals: B,L,D

Free morning in Banos. You can visit the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, enjoy the thermal pool or rent a bike and explore the surrounding (activities not included in the trip). In the early afternoon we will travel back to Quito which is a 3 hour drive. Overnight Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.

Meals: B

After breakfast you will be transferred to Quito Airport, where the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

3 scheduled departures between 2 Nov 2026 and 1 Nov 2027.

  • Departs 2 Nov 2026 – ends 17 Nov 2026 (16 days)
  • Departs 4 Jan 2027 – ends 19 Jan 2027 (16 days)
  • Departs 1 Nov 2027 – ends 16 Nov 2027 (16 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 15 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Bilingual mountain guide, either UIAGM or ASEGUIM certified (ratio of 1 guide to 2 climbers on Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, and 1 guide to 3 climbers on Illiniza)
  • Airport transfers in Quito (up to 3 days before the start and last day of the trip)
  • Private internal transportation
  • Mountain refuge accommodation
  • Climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, rope, and carabiners
  • Good quality accommodation
  • Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • International flights and departure taxes
  • Illinizas: Optional mule and muleteer service for transporting personal equipment to and from the refuge.
  • Chimborazo: Optional porter service for transporting personal equipment between the refuge and Base Camp, and an optional personal climbing guide.
  • Cotopaxi: Optional personal climbing guide.
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature - ie excess baggage costs, beverages, laundry and phone calls
  • Travel Insurance and Emergency evacuation charges (required)
  • Visas
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any and all costs associated with evacuation and/or early departure from the expedition

Reviews (6)

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What an amazing trip! World Expeditions never fail to deliver an amazing experience.

Laura Freeland|Altona Meadows, VIC Australia
31 Dec 2024
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The Summits of Ecuador trek is truly challenging. Ascending both Cotopaxi and Chimborazo requires crampons and an ice axe, and involves elements of mountaineering. I can confidently say that this was my most difficult trek to date, even considering the Snowmantrek in Bhutan. However, the organization was flawless, the mountain guides were experienced and friendly. Overall, it was a demanding but incredibly beautiful experience. Standing on the summit of Chimborazo, the closest point to space from Earth, was almost an otherworldly sensation. Unforgettable

Karmen Vovk|Ljubljana, Slovenia
4 Dec 2024
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The trip was excellent and the logistics ran like clockwork, well worth the effort to get fit for. Local guides were first class and a pleasure to spend time with.

J. Dutton|UK
1 Dec 2019
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Our trip leaders Miguel and Marco were fabulous and I would go anywhere with those two.

G. Hoyle|ID, USA
19 Dec 2018
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56 volcanoes, 11 still active. Fascinating country for trekking, with plenty of challenging summits. Also, ideal for getting acquainted with the Andine culture, tasty local food, open markets and unique craftsmanship (especially Otavalo). Quito most pleasant to walk and much to see. Enjoy!

L. Lapierre|Montreal, Canada
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M. Warner|Sydney, NSW
7 Mar 2017

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Why Book With Us

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • Climb the highest peaks of Ecuador, accompanied by our expert bilingual mountain guides, either UIAGM or ASEGUIM certified
  • Our guide to client ratio is 1:2 on Cotopaxi and Chimborazo and 1:3 on Illiniza
  • Climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness and a lot more included in our trip cost
  • Private internal transportation throughout the trip

Guaranteeing A Great Ecuador Trip

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