ECUADOR
DURATION: 12 DAYS
LOCATION: ANDES TYPE: TREKKING & MOUNTAINEERING
Andean Expedition: Conquer Ecuador’s Peaks
Destination: Ecuador
Duration: 12 days
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
�� Season: Year-round
Price: From $ 1980 to 3280
An Adventure for Everyone
No prior mountaineering or altitude experience? No problem! This expedition is designed for those looking to take their first steps in high-altitude climbing. While technical skills aren’t required, good physical fitness is essential to handle long days on rugged terrain.
At Cotopaxi Travel, we provide expert guidance and training programs to help you prepare, ensuring you get the most out of this incredible experience.
Who Can Join?
If you’ve ever dreamed of summiting Ecuador’s stunning peaks, this is your chance. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your mountaineering skills, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Why Climb in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers a year-round climbing season with some of the most accessible 5,000m and 6,000m peaks in the world. Its compact geography allows climbers to reach stunning high-altitude objectives just a few hours from Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage city with an international airport.
Our expert guides, based in Quito, have climbed these peaks countless times, ensuring a safe and wellplanned expedition. Unlike traditional high-altitude climbs requiring weeks in tents, this expedition balances comfortable lodge stays with the adventure of high-altitude camp life, making it the perfect introduction to mountaineering in the Andes.
Route Overview
We climbthe normalroutesonallthreeof Ecuador’s iconic peaks, ensuring a safe and rewarding ascent:
• Ilinizas Norte (5,126 m/ 16,818 ft) – We ascend via the normal route on the ridge route.
• Cotopaxi (5,897 m / 19,347 ft) – Our climb follows the northern route, leading to one of the world’s most perfectly shaped volcanic summits.
• Chimborazo (6,268 m / 20,564 ft) – We take the west ridge via the “Castillo” route, the most established and successful path to Ecuador’s highest point.
These routes offer the best balance of safety, acclimatization, and breathtaking views, making for an unforgettable mountaineering experience.
About Cotopaxi Travel
We are a community of passionate climbers committed to helping you achieve your mountaineering dreams. With expert guidance and top-tier logistics, we ensure a safe, rewarding, and unforgettable experience on Ecuador’s most iconic peaks.
Local Experts, Global Experience
Cotopaxi Travel Company is a local Ecuadorian guiding company specializing in high-altitude expeditions. Led by Fernando Iza, who has climbed in the Swiss and French Alps, the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, and the USA, we offer expertly planned adventures with seamless logistics and top-tier guidance.
All our guides are ASEGUIM and UIAGM/IFMGA certified, ensuring professionalism, safety, and the highest technical standards on every climb.
History of Cotopaxi Travel
Founded in 2016 by expert mountaineer Fernando Iza, Cotopaxi Travel Company is a locally owned guiding service dedicated to delivering world-class climbing experiences in Ecuador. With 20 years of climbing experience, Fernando has explored some of the world’s most renowned mountain ranges, including the Swiss and French Alps, the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, and the USA. He brought this international expertise back to Ecuador to create a company that blends local knowledge with global mountaineering standards.
About Cotopaxi Travel Company
LOCAL EXPERTISE, TRUSTED PARTNERS
Founder Fernando Iza
Born in Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador, Fernando Iza is an ASEGUIMcertified mountain guide with extensive experience in high-altitude climbing. He has summited Cotopaxi over 637 times and Chimborazo nearly 200 times, working for mountaineering companies in Ecuador, Europe, and the USA before establishing his own basecamp at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
With a degree in Tourism Technology and specialized training from ASEGUIM, ENSA (France), and UIAGM, Fernando is highly qualified in mountain safety, technical guiding, and wilderness first aid. Fluent in Spanish and English, he also speaks German, French, Hebrew, and Kichwa.
His most remarkable guided expeditions include the first ascent of a new route on Antisana South Peak, Alpamayo (Peru), Matterhorn (Switzerland), and Denali (USA).
Partner Teresa Chinchuña
Travel & Logistics Organizer | Head Chef
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Teresa is a skilled travel and logistics organizer with a strong background in business management, having studied at UTPL. However, her true passion lies in the culinary arts, where she has excelled as a head chef since December 2016.
With a deep love for Ecuadorian cuisine and international flavors, Teresa brings creativity and expertise to every meal she prepares. Whether coordinating seamless travel logistics or crafting delicious dishes, she ensures that every adventure with Cotopaxi Travel Company is both well-organized and unforgettable.
At Cotopaxi Travel Company, we prioritize working with local experts and trusted logistics partners in every region we operate. Our partnerships are built on years of collaboration, ensuring high-quality, reliable services that enhance our expeditions.
From transportation and lodging to permits and supplies, our regional partners are the backbone of our operations, helping us deliver seamless, safe, and successful adventures. By supporting local businesses and indigenous communities, we strengthen Ecuador’s mountaineering network while providing our clients with authentic and unforgettable experiences.
Cotopaxi Travel Advantage
Cotopaxi Travel’s Expeditions offer a smarter, safer, and faster way to conquer Ecuador’s iconic peaks.
Mastering the Mountains
At Cotopaxi Travel, we believe in empowering climbers with the skills and knowledge needed for high-altitude success. Our mountaineering tours provide hands-ontraining,whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced climber refining your techniques
Expert Guides, Local Knowledge
At Cotopaxi Travel, all our guides are ASEGUIM and UIAGM-certified professionals with years of experience leading high-altitude expeditions. Founder Fernando Iza, with over 20 years of climbing experience, has summited Cotopaxi more than 637 times and Chimborazo nearly 200 times.
Our team is made up of seasoned Ecuadorian mountaineers, deeply connected to the Andes and its climbing culture. With their expertise and local knowledge, they ensure a safe, successful, and unforgettable adventure in some of the world's most stunning mountain landscapes.
Cotopaxi Travel Advantage
Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
Acclimatization at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
Expeditions with Cotopaxi Travel start at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge, offering cozy accommodations, hearty meals, and the perfect basecamp near Ecuador’s top peaks. While some climbs require high-altitude camps, our lodge provides a comfortable retreat before andafter your ascent
At Cotopaxi Travel, our local expertise and strong partnerships allow us to adapt itineraries based on weather, climbing conditions, and cultural experiences like hot springs and local markets.
We also offer gear rentals at our Lodge, including harnesses, helmets, crampons, and ice axes. While we have a limited selection of boots for rent, we highly recommend bringing your own for comfort and future adventures beyond Ecuador.
With 20+ years of expertise, Cotopaxi Travel has perfected acclimatization and mountaineering in the Andes. Led by Fernando Iza, our team ensures safety, success, and unforgettable summits on Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and beyond.Climbwithconfidence—adventureawaits!
Cotopaxi Travel Team
Cotopaxi Travel Team – More Than Guides, True Mountain Explorers!
Cotopaxi Travel Guides – Your Expert Mountaineering Team
Our ASEGUIM/IFMGA-certified and aspiring guides are seasoned professionals Cotopaxi Travel Logistics Team – Your Adventure, Seamlessly Plannedwith extensive experience climbing Ecuador’s highest peaks. More than just mountaineers, they are passionate cultural ambassadors, eager to share the beauty of the Andes and Ecuadorian heritage. Whether tackling Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, or Ilinizas, you’ll be guided by experts who prioritize safety, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Join us and reach new heights with confidence!
Local Logistics Team – Your Adventure, Seamlessly Planned
Our expert logistics team ensures every expedition runs smoothly, handling transportation, gear, accommodations, and permits so you can focus on the climb. From 4x4 transfers to remote lodges to meticulously planned itineraries, we take care of every detail. With local expertise and a passion for adventure, we guarantee a safe, efficient, and worry-free experience. With Cotopaxi Travel, you're in the best hands
Cotopaxi Travel – Join Our Passionate Team
We seek adventurers with a passion for the mountains and a drive to learn the skills needed to climb safely and confidently at high altitudes. If you have the determination and love for adventure, you’re already on your way to becoming part of our team!
Journey Overview + Itinerary
Our journey begins in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital, where your guide will be waiting to welcome you. After a comfortable transfer to your hotel, you'll have time to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. The next morning, over a fresh Ecuadorian breakfast, the team will meet for the first time, setting the tone for an unforgettable expedition.
Cotopaxi Summit Attempt (5,897m / 19,347 ft)
From Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge, we head to Cotopaxi National Park, home to the world’s highest active volcano. Before attempting the summit, we’ll complete a glacier training session, ensuring every climber is comfortable using crampons, ice axes, and rope systems.
Before heading into the high mountains, we spend a day exploringQuito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking viewpoints. This first day serves as our initial acclimatization, helping our bodies adjust before we begin ascending into the Avenue of Volcanoes.
At midnight, we begin our Cotopaxi summit push, climbing under the starlit sky. The route takes us through glacier fields and steep snow slopes, leading to one of the most spectacular summits in the world. Standing at the top, you’ll witness the sunrise illuminating the Andes, an unforgettable sight that marks a major achievement in your mountaineering journey.
Acclimatization at Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge (3,300m / 10,827 ft)
After leaving Quito, we make our way to Iliniza’s Mountain Lodge, our base camp for acclimatization. Nestled in the Andean foothills, this cozy mountain retreat offers stunning views, fresh mountain air, and direct access to the best acclimatization hikes. The peaceful surroundings and comfortable accommodations make it the ideal place to prepare for the challenges ahead.
/ 20,549 ft)
After celebrating our Cotopaxi success, we continue our adventure toward Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak and the farthest point from the Earth's center. We spend a night at high camp, preparing for the most challenging climbof the expedition. The summit day is a grueling yet rewarding 8-10 hour climb through steep glacial terrain, leading to the highest summit in Ecuador.
This expedition is not just about climbing it's about pushing your limits, embracing the adventure, and experiencingthe raw beauty ofthe Andes. Joinus and conquer Ecuador’s two most legendary peaks with the best team and the best base camp!
Chimborazo Summit Attempt (6,263m
Map Of Ecuador and Cotopaxi Travel
Cotopaxi Travel Team – More Than Guides, True Mountain Explorers!
General Map of the Travel Route
Map Overview
Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Quito – Acclimatization Begins
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, where your Trip Advisor will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital. Take the rest of the day to relax and start acclimating to the altitude.
Day 2: Acclimatization - Hike to Saquihua Hill
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you from Quito to Iliniza Mountain Lodge (3300 m. 10,827Ft.), a cozy retreat surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. The scenic 1.2-hour drive passes through rural villages and rolling highlands, setting the tone for your adventure. In the afternoon, your first acclimatization hike begins. The trail to Saquihua Hill is a gentle yet rewarding trek, helping your body adjust to the altitude
Details
Day 3: Hike to El Corazón Volcano
From El Chaupi village, we will start early in the morning after breakfast at 7:00 am. We will drive up to the trailhead (13,120ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part of the hike takes us up through the small Andean grass. Then we will get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to Corazón summit. The hike is about 4-6 hours long. Return to the Lodge.
Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito
Meals: -/-/-
Distance: 40 km from the airport
Duration: 45 - minutes transfer
Details
Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,795 feet)
Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge
https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/ Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance: 4 km (round trip)
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Details
Altitude: 4,788 meters (15,708 feet)
Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge
https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/ Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance: 10 km (round trip)
Duration: 4-6 hour (including summit time)
Day 4: Hike to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Our adventure starts in the morning at 10:00 am. We´ll drive to La Virgen parking lot (3,900m), the starting point of our trek. From here, we embark on a 3-hour hike through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, ascending to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge. The air thins as we gain altitude, and the beauty of the Andean highlands surrounds us with every step.
Day 5: Iliniza Norte Summit
Our climbing day starts at 5 am. We will have a light breakfast, pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge an hour later. We will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/ 5.126 m). The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scrambling. Once at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful surroundings
Day 6: Quilotoa Lake - Relaxing Day
We’ll leave from El Chaupi in the morning and drive to Quilotoa Lagoon. During the tour, we will stop at an Indian hut and visit the Tigua community to observe their leather crafts. The tour will take about 4 hours, then we’ll arrive at the viewpoint to admire the crater and lagoon. We will descend along a varying road for about an hour to the bottom of the lagoon, where we can take photos and rest. After lunch, we’ll return to El Chaupi after a 3-hour drive.
Details
Altitude: 4,700 meters (15,420 feet)
Accommodation: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 2-3 hour
Details
Altitude: 5,126 meters (16,818 feet)
Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/ Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 4-6 hour (including summit time)
Day 7: Hike to Cotopaxi refuge
From El Chaupi will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here we will drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4.500m/14,763 ft) then we’ll hike up for around an hour to the Jose Ribas Refuge. Then we will have dinner and rest until midnight. At this point we will pack our belongings and get ready to make our final ascent.
Details
Altitude: 3,914 meters (12.841 feet)
Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/ Meals: Breakfast/-/Dinner
Distance: 108 km Transfer
Duration: 2 (hours hike)
Details
Altitude: 4,864meters (15,953 feet)
Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance: 1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)
Duration: 1 hour hike
Day 8: Cotopaxi Summit
Midnight will be our wake-up time and the departure to the top (19,347ft/5.897m) will be around 01h00, not before having a light breakfast and getting our stuff ready for the ascent, the climb will take us about 5 to 6 hours. Once at the summit we’ll take our time to take pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head down back to the refuge, which will take us 2 to 3 hours. Once at the refuge will pack our belongings, have something to eat and go down to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to take us to Baños city. Overnight in the hotel
Day 9: Baños City Free Day
This is a relaxing day; in this beautiful town you can do different activities that can be purchased on behalf of the passengers. It's a free day its surroundings offer many possibilities like the route of the waterfalls, hikes inside the “cloud forest”, besides, depending on our interest, with an extra cost, we could try rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, horseback riding, etc. Night in hotel.
Day 10: Chimborazo High Camp
Details
In the morning at 10:00 am we will meet with the guides to drive to the Chimborazo wildlife reserve. We will arrive at the refuge Hermanos Carrel. From there we will start the hike to the High camp in approximately 2 to 3 hours. We get to the high camp once here; we will stay in the Domes. In the afternoon we will prepare and double check all the gear for the climbing. Where we’ll have dinner and get some rest until 23h00. There will be an early light breakfast served just before getting ready with our gear and start heading up.
Day 11: Chimborazo Summit
At midnight we will start our climb to the top of Ecuador’s highest volcano, Chimborazo, which will take us about 8 to 9 hours. We’ll get to the summit (20,702ft/6268) in the early hours, the perfect spot for resting and pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Then we’ll start our descending to the refuge; it will take us from 3 to 4 hours. Once in refuge we’ll pack our gear, where our transportation will be ready to drive up to Quito.
Altitude: (5,897 meters / 19,347 feet)
Accommodation: Hotel in Baños City Meals: Breakfast/-/-
Distance: Climb 10 k (round trip).
Duration: 5 to 6 hours to the summit (including breaks) 2-3 Hours Back Down Transfer: 3 hours Drive to Baños
Details
Altitude: (1800meters / 5,905 feet)
Accommodation: Hotel in Baños City Meals: Breakfast/-/-
Distance:
Duration:
Details
Altitude: (5,300 meters / 17,388 feet)
Accommodation: Overnight in 4- season tents or Domes
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance: 2.5 km hike.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours (hike including breaks)
Transfer: 110 Km - Drive from Baños
Details
Altitude: 6,268 meters (20,702 feet)
Accommodation: Overnight in 4- season tents or Domes
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance: 9 km (Round Trip)
Duration: 5 to 7 hours to the summit (including breaks)
Transfer: 230 km - Drive to Quito
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 12: Departure to Home
After a final breakfast overlooking the Andes, enjoy a private transfer to the airport. Depart Ecuador with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and luxurious moments. Until next time, Ecuador awaits your return! Accommodations: Tungurahua Refuge
Details
Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito
Meals: Breakfast/-/-
Distance: 40 km from Quito
Duration: 45 - minutes transfer
Travel Information
VISA
Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival in Ecuador. However, if you are not from the United States or a visaexempt country, please check the visa requirements for your nationality before traveling.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
For this expedition, we provide private vehicles and 4x4 transportation to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. From the moment you arrive in Ecuador, all ground transportation, including airport transfers, is arranged for you. If you arrive before Day 1 or depart after the last scheduled day, additional transportation costs may apply.
FLIGHTS
All flights should arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. Most international arrivals occur in the evening. Our team will be ready to welcome you upon arrival.
PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for travel to Ecuador. You must provide a high-quality, color scan or photo of your passport upon booking your trip. Your passport must have at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least two blank pages for stamps. Ensure that your scanned copy is clear, with no glare, no cropping, and taken from a straight-on angle.
Please verify your itinerary with Cotopaxi Travel before making your purchase.
Accommodations
This expedition offers double occupancy lodging in town and group accommodations in mountain refuges. During the Chimborazo extension, you'll spend one night camping in comfortable domes or high-quality double-occupancy tents, depending on availability. Wherever we go, Cotopaxi Travel ensures safe, clean, and comfortable accommodations, with well-maintained and regularly updated gear for a seamless adventure.
IN-CITY: We provide clean, comfortable, and secure accommodations throughout your journey. In Quito, we arrange stays in carefully selected 3- and 4-star hotels, ensuring quality and convenience. For acclimatization, guests will lodge at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge, offering an authentic high-altitude experience.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Private hotel rooms are available for $120 per night. Not applicable in huts or camps.
ON-MOUNTAIN STAYS: In Cotopaxi, we stay at Jose Rivas Refuge. On Iliniza, we stay at Nuevos horizontes refuge, On Chimborazo, we camp in domes or high-quality tents, preparing for the summit.
General Travel Information
Medical Requirements
Our expeditions are physically demanding and require good physical condition to endure high-altitude environments, extreme temperatures, and long trekking days. Cotopaxi Travel and its guides reserve the right to remove any participant if they are not adequately prepared for the challenges of the trip.
Participants are responsible for their own medications, vaccinations, and assessing their physical fitness for the expedition. We strongly recommend consulting a medical professional to discuss the demands of highaltitude trekking.
On-Mountain Medical Support
Our guides are certified in wilderness first aid and CPR, with extensive experience handling medical situations in remote, high-altitude conditions. However, Cotopaxi Travel is not a medical facility and assumes no liability regarding medical care.
Food & Nutrition
Ecuador offers fresh, healthy, and nutritious meals throughout the journey. In mountain lodges and base camps, food is prepared in fully equipped kitchens, while Chimborazo expeditions feature simple, yet nourishing mountain meals designed to sustain highaltitude performance.
Physical Preparation & Mountain Training
Physical fitness is key to success. We recommend a structured 10-week training program that includes cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and altitude acclimatization. If you need a personalized training plan, we can provide recommendations to help you prepare effectively for the challenges ahead.
What´s Include:
Services included in the tour cost:
✓ Mountain Climbing Local Insurance
✓ Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
✓ Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
✓ Land transportation and transfers
✓ Accommodation:
- 2 nights at Hotel in Quito
- 4 nights at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
- 1 night at Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
- 1 night at Cotopaxi Refuge
- 2 nights at Hotel in Baños City
- 1 night at High Camp
✓ All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
✓ Tents, and camping utensils for high camp.
What´s Not Include:
Services not included in the tour cost:
➢ International flights
➢ Internacional Insurance
➢ Personal expenses
➢ Tips for guides or local staff
➢ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
➢ Additional activities not listed in the itinerary
➢ Alcoholic beverages (unless specified)
➢ The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Cotopaxi Travel, or its agents are not included.
➢ Airport taxes
➢ Visa You can check our cancellation policy online at: https://cotopaxi-travel.com/payments-terms.php
Discover Your Limits
Reaching the summit requires dedication, effort, and the right team by your side. With Fernando Iza and Cotopaxi Travel, you're not just climbing a mountain; you're embarking on an unforgettable journey with a passionate team committed to your success.
