Andes Ascents - Ecuador – South America

After a quiet breakfast at the hotel, we depart by 4x4 to the starting point of the ascent for about 3 to 4 hours until reaching the Nuevos Horizontes refuge at 4700 m. Once we arrive at the refuge, we will have lunch, prepare the equipment for the following day, have an early dinner, and rest to wake up early the next morning.

After hot drinks at the refuge, we depart at 3:00 am towards the summit of Iliniza Sur (5246 m), starting with a rocky section, followed by a 200-meter wall climb with an inclination of 50, 60, to 70 degrees. We immediately reach the summit to enjoy the views of the Andean landscapes and see the nearby Iliniza Norte peak (5125 m). After photos and videos, we descend to the refuge for lunch and continue down to the 'La Virgen' parking lot, where our transport awaits to take us back to the city of Quito and the hotel. The day's activity will take about 9 to 10 hours. DESCRIPTION: Iliniza has two summits that offer very different climbing experiences. Two hours southwest of Quito, the summit of (Iliniza Norte, 5125 m) presents a simpler ascent, mainly hiking and rock scrambling. It is often done as prior training for climbs like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, which are more demanding and higher mountains in the Ecuadorian Andes. With more glacier coverage, Iliniza Sur (5245 m) is a more technical ascent requiring physical training. The British alpinist Edward Whymper failed in two attempts in 1880 and did not reach the summit. The refuge at 4700 m allows access to either of the two peaks.

Free day in the city of Quito to rest; we can take the opportunity to tour the city and taste the gastronomy of Ecuador. Afternoon at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart by 4x4 for a one-and-a-half-hour trip northwest of the city of Quito to the refuge at 4600 m. Once we arrive at the refuge, we have lunch, organize equipment for the next day, and have the afternoon free to visit the surrounding area before dinner and rest.

After hot drinks at the refuge, we depart at 1:00 am towards the summit of Cayambe (5796 m), the third highest and most beautiful peak in the Ecuadorian Andes. Located right on the equator, during the ascent the temperature and latitude reach 0 simultaneously; therefore, the ascent to Cayambe is known for being demanding. Once we reach the summit, we enjoy the landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. After photos and videos, we descend to the refuge for lunch and return to the city of Quito and the hotel. The day's expedition takes approximately 8 to 9 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart by 4x4 heading south. after an hour and a half of travel we have lunch, then continue to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. After registering, we continue the journey with panoramic views until reaching the parking lot at 4,600 m. From here, we start walking for about 45 minutes to the José Rivas Refuge. After some hot infusions, we take the opportunity to enjoy the sunset landscape with a beautiful view of the Ecuadorian Andes, then we prepare the equipment to be ready for the following day's ascent.

After hot drinks, we leave the refuge around 12:00 am, starting the ascent for approximately 2 hours through rocky slopes until reaching the glacier. we continue ascending via the steepest 45-degree route; in about 3 hours, we reach the Yanasacha wall at 5,700 m. From there, in about 2 hours, we reach the summit. We will have an admirable view of the crater and to the south the impressive volcanoes, and ahead we see Chimborazo. After enjoying the panoramic views, we descend to the refuge for lunch and continue down to the parking area where our transport awaits to return to Quito and the hotel. The day's expedition takes about 10 to 11 hours.

We will have a free day in the city of Quito to rest, tour the city, taste the gastronomy, and continue learning about the traditions and customs of Ecuador. Afternoon at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart by transport heading south, passing through the cities of Latacunga and Ambato. Always following the famous route (Avenue of the Volcanoes) through a picturesque valley, we continue across a plateau on the slopes of Chimborazo; during the trip, we will see llamas, vicuñas, and alpacas. Next, we reach the Hermanos Carrel Hut refuge at 4800 m. after lunch, we continue climbing, this time walking for about 3 hours until reaching the high camp at 5300 m for dinner and an early rest for the sunrise ascent.

After some hot drinks at 12:00 am, we begin to ascend Chimborazo (6268 m). In approximately 8 hours, we reach the summit of Chimborazo; then at the summit, we will have time for photos and videos, enjoy the wonderful view of the Ecuadorian Andes, and then return to the refuge for lunch and descend to the Hermanos Carrel Hut where our transport awaits to return to the city of Quito and the hotel. The expedition time will take about 11 to 12 hours.