MOUNTAIN LOW - average LEVEL
MOUNTAIN AVERAGE - high LEVEL
MOUNTAIN LOW - AVERAGE LEVEL
- FUYA FUYA
- ESTIMATED TIME: 4 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Low / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.290 m / 14.074 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.730 m /12.237 ft)
Fuya Fuya, with a maximum elevation of 4.290 m / 14.074 ft, is the tallest in the Mojanda chain and is located only 15 km / 9 mi from Otavalo. In order to summit, one must pass a short, yet steep, sandy section of the trail, and continue through winding segments of rocky traverses from where one can enjoy an incomparable view of the mountain chain and its lagoons.
- PASOCHOA VOLCANO NORTHEASTERN ROUTE
- ESTIMATED TIME: 6 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Low / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.200 m / 13.779 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3,300 m /10.826 ft)
Pasochoa is an old volcano whose horseshoe-shaped kettle environment is home to hundreds of species within the remaining Andean forests, which are close-lying to Quito. We will travel to an altitude of 3.150 m / 10.334 ft. by means of the northeastern flank of Pasochoa from where we will take a less-demanding route to the summit. The descent route is a traverse through the northeastern mountain moor until it ends by directing us towards the rocky terrain of the tallest summit, located at 4.200 m / 13.779 ft.
- PASOCHOA VOLCANO ANDEAN FOREST ROUTE
- ESTIMATED TIME: 10 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.200 m / 13.779 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (2.800 m / 9.186 ft)
Pasochoa is an old volcano whose multiple summits form a horseshoe because of the million-year-old collapsed cauldron. We will travel to the Pasochoa Protector Forest entrance to begin hiking. The first section traverses through one of the remaining Andean forests, close-lying to Quito, and is home to hundreds of various species. After, we will continue through the moor to the rock that will start to appear. The ascension route is a traverse across the northeastern flank to the highest summit located at 4.200 m / 13.779 ft.
- RUCU PICHINCHA
- ESTIMATED TIME: 6 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Low-Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.712 m /15.459 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (4.000 m /13.123 ft)
Ruco Pichincha is without a doubt the most important, closest-lying mountain to Quito. Its name in Castilian means “old” which refers to it being the first rocky crater of the Pichinchas, as well as the oldest summit. We will ascend in the teleférico (gondola) to 4.000 m / 13.123 ft. where we will begin hiking through the moor until arriving to the sandpits that come before the final ascent to the summit, we will finish by crossing small, yet easy sections of rock.
- GUAGUA PICHINCHA VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 6 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Low-Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.790 m / 15.715 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (4.000 m / 13.123 ft)
Guagua Pichincha with a height of 4.790 m / 15.715 ft, is the highest elevation of the Pichincha masive, the closest-lying mountain to Quito. Its name in Castilian means “baby” because it is the youngest crater of the Pichincha volcano. The hike start at 4.000 m / 13.123 ft, going by a steep moor section, then you will pass through a small chuquiragua (andean flower) forest before you get the refuge at 4.540 m / 14.895 ft. Finally you reach the crater ridge to continue to the main summit.
- CENTRAL RUMIÑAHUI VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 7 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Low-Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low-Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.630 m / 15.190 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.900 m / 12.795 ft)
Rumiñahui is an active volcano inside of Cotopaxi National Park. This rocky mass, whose Quichua name means “Rocky Face,” has three main summits; the tallest being the north with an elevation of 4.722 m. / 15.492 ft. On this occasion, we will ascend from Limpiopungo Lake towards the central summit of 4.630 m / 15.190 ft. which is surrounded by beautiful scenic views of mountains and great expansions of moor.
- NORTHERN RUMIÑAHUI VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 8 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL:Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.722 m / 15.492 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.900 m / 12.795 ft)
Rumiñahui is an active volcano inside of Cotopaxi National Park. This rocky mass, whose Quichua name means “Rocky Face,” has three main summits; the tallest being the north with an elevation of 4.722 m / 15.492 ft. We will begin our ascent from Limpiopungo Lake towards the tallest summit where we will have to rappel down on fixed rope to descend. It is a unique opportunity to be able to experience the main attractions of Cotopaxi National Park.
- PUNTAS
- ESTIMATED TIME: 8 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Low-Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low-Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.460 m / 14.632 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3,140 m / 10.301 ft)
Puntas Mountain is found within a less-frequented zone in the western Andean Mountain Range on the border of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. This unique mountain has various beautiful summits, whose tallest peak reaches heights of 4.460 m / 14.632 ft. We will travel for approximately 2 hours to the Checa Hacienda from where we will begin hiking through the moor to the base of the rock wall, where we will climb 20 m / 66 ft. to reach the summit.
- IMBABURA VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 9 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low-Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.630 m / 15.190 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (2.800 m / 9.186 ft)
It is considered by the indigenous community to be a sacred mountain, is a volcanic mass which lies 110 km / 68,35 mi. north of Quito. At its feet lies San Pablo Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Ecuadorian Sierra. In order to ascend this mythical mountain, the first day we will visit the Otavalan artesian market. The following day in the early hours of the morning, we will begin the ascent. It is without a doubt, a stupendous alternative to experience a little bit more of the culture and the beautiful scenes of the Lakes Province.
- CORAZON VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 9 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low-Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.780 m / 15.682 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.100 m / 10.170 ft)
This 4.780 m / 15.682 ft inactive volcano is located inside of the Illinizas Ecological Reserve in the western Andes Mountain Chain. We will travel towards the hacienda, a few minutes from Aloasí, which is a small town at the feet of the mountain and the point from where we will begin the ascent. In the beginning, the route traverses through the expansive and pillow-like prairie moor, after which we must pass a windy section of rock to reach the summit.
MOUNTAIN AVERAGE - high LEVEL
- PICHINCHAS PEAKS
- ESTIMATED TIME: 9 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average-High / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Low-Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.790 m / 15.715 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (4.000 m / 13.123 ft)
Pichincha masive is formed for three main elevatios, Guagua Pichincha, Ruco Pichincha and Padre Encantado. This route crosses all of the peaks begining with an ascent to the Guagua Pichincha summit from where you will be able to observe its crater and geysers, and continues descending alongside of the Padre Encantado to the final part, which is to climb Ruco Pichincha by means of the best face. Finally, we will descend to Cruz Loma and take a ride in the Teleférico (góndola).
- NORTHERN ILLINIZA
- ESTIMATED TIME: 9 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (5.126 m / 16.817 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.900 m / 12.795 ft)
Northern Illiniza, which stands close to its southern neighbor, is a rocky, steep and beautiful mountain that exceeds 5.000 m / 16.404 ft. of altitude and offers the opportunity to realize a variety of itineraries of ranging difficulty; the normal route being an excellent opportunity for someone who has no prior experience. To ascend, one must hike through a Polylepis forest and cross a demanding sandy section to the refuge at 4.700 m / 15.419 ft , where afterwards begins a final section of rock with easy climbing passages that will take you to the summit at 5.126 m / 16.817 ft of altitude.
- SINCHOLAGUA VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 11 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average-High / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.873 m / 15.987 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.600 m / 11.811 ft)
This very steep, extinct volcano is located to the northern side of Cotopaxi. We will travel to Cotopaxi National Park where we will stay the day before the ascent. The next day, we will leave the hostel early in the morning and head towards the starting site from where we will begin by walking across the moor and slowly enter the rocky section as the sun begins to rise. Finally, we will need to climb the last 25 meters / 82 ft. in order to arrive to the highest point from where we will descend by rappelling.
- MORURCO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 10 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Average-High
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.880 m / 16.010 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.600 m / 11.811 ft)
Morurco, located on the skirts of the south face of Cotopaxi, was formed thousands of years ago by the underground lava rivers of the great volcano of Cotopaxi. It is a lesser known mountain, despite reaching 4,880 m / 16.010 ft of elevation. This adventure allows for beautiful scenic views of incredible landscapes during the approach and an emotional climb to the summit which requires technical rock climbing knowledge.
- COTACACHI VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 10 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average-High / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Average-High
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (4.939 m / 16.204 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.600 m / 11.811 ft)
This majestic volcano with a sculpted, snowy crest is found in the Imbabura Province to the north of Quito. This first day we will hike to a campsite where we will get an early restful sleep in order to reach the summit the following day. The next day, we will get up early to make the final ascent across more technical terrain until we reach the last 30 meters which we will have to climb in order to reach the summit at 4.939 m. / 16.204 ft.
- SOUTHERN ILLINIZA
- ESTIMATED TIME: 8 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average-High / TECHNICAL LEVEL: High
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (5.266 m / 17.276 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (3.900 m / 12.795 ft)
The Illinizas are two volcanic peaks located inside the Illinizas Ecological Reserve. The southern Illiniza differs from its northern neighbor because it is a mix of rock and ice which requires previous technical experience. During the ascent, one will have to negotiate sections of rock climbing until reaching the glacier, then continuing on by climbing on rock and ice to reach the summit at 5.266 m / 17.276 ft.
- CAYAMBE VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 11 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average-High / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Average
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (5.790 m / 18.996 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (4.600 m / 15.091 ft)
Cayambe, a beautiful active volcano with an altitude of 5.790 m / 18.996 ft is the third tallest in Ecuador and is located 60 km / 37,28 mi north of Quito inside of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. This volcano was climbed for the first time by the English mountaineer and scientist Edward Whymper, along with the Carrel brothers in 1880. Today, it has become one of the most-visited tall mountains by mountaineers worldwide.
- COTOPAXI VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 11 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Average-High / TECHNICAL LEVEL: Average-High
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (5.790 m / 18.996 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (4.600 m / 15.091 ft)
The Volcano Cotopaxi, whose summit rests at 5.897 m / 19.347 ft., is a natural monument because of its unique beauty and it is also the second tallest mountain in the country, which makes it a challenge for mountaineers from all over the world. This glacier-covered volcano has an icy crater that is 800 m in circumference and can only be seen from high up on the mountain which is one of the most visited of Ecuador. It is located within Cotopaxi National Park.
- CHIMBORAZO VOLCANO
- ESTIMATED TIME: 12 hours
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: High / TECHNICAL LEVEL: High
- MAXIMUN ELEVATION: (6.310 m / 20.702 ft)
- MINIMUN ELEVATION: (4.800 m / 15.748 ft)
Chimborazo is the tallest volcano in Ecuador with an elevation of 6.310 m / 20.702 ft and one of the greatest challenges to national and foreign mountaineers worldwide. Today, this immense mountain demands that those who dare to climb are in good physical shape. Also, the acclimatization requires good technical capability and knowledge because of the constantly changing conditions due to the receding glaciers caused by global warming and the falling ashes of Tungurahua, a nearby active volcano.
MOUNTAINEERING PROGRAMS
- 6 DAY CAYAMBE PROGRAM
- PREPARATION PROCESS:
- Cuicocha Lake Hike (3.200 m / 10.500 ft)
- Fuya Fuya (4.290 m / 14.075 ft)
- Imbabura Volcano (4630 m / 15.190 ft)
- Cayambe Volcano (5.790 m / 18.996 ft)
This six-day program visits the beautiful Andean scenes that surround this immense volcano of 5.790 m / 18.996 ft, where we will prepare and acclimatize our bodies while we have the opportunity to experience the traditions and cultural richness of the indigenous peoples who live in this zone in the country.
- 4 DAY CAYAMBE PROGRAM
- PREPARATION PROCESS:
- Fuya Fuya (4.290 m / 14.075 ft)
- Imbabura Volcano (4630 m / 15.190 ft)
- Cayambe Volcano (5.790 m / 18.996 ft)
This four-day program is recommended for people who have already acclimatized to the altitude in Ecuador and are in good physical condition. In a short preparation process, we will not only visit the beautiful Andean scenes that surround this immense volcano, but we will also be able to experience the traditions and cultural richness of the indigenous peoples who live in this zone in the country
- 6 DAY COTOPAXI PROGRAM
- PREPARATION PROCESS:
- Pasochoa Volcano (4.200 m / 13.780 ft)
- Guagua Pichincha Volcano (4.790 m / 15.715 ft)
- Northern Illiniza (5.126 m / 16.818 ft)
- Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19.347 ft)
This six-day program is designed to reach the summit of this imposing volcano through a series of preparatory climbs that will help us to be in shape physically, acclimatize more easily and progressively, and allow us the chance to enjoy beautiful locations within the Ecuadorian Andes.
- 4 DAY COTOPAXI PROGRAM
- PREPARATION PROCESS:
- Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4.700 m / 15.420 ft)
- Northern Illiniza (5.126 m / 16.818 ft)
- Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19.347 ft)
This four-day program is recommended for people who have already acclimatized to the altitude in Ecuador and are in good physical condition. In a short preparation process, we will visit the Illinizas Ecological Reserve and Cotopaxi National Park in order to live out incredible experiences in the middle of a friendly Andean environment full of beautiful landscapes.
- 9 DAY CAYAMBE AND COTOPAXI PROGRAM
- PREPARATION PROCESS:
- Cuicocha Lake Hike (3.200 m / 10.500 ft)
- Fuya Fuya (4.290 m / 14.075 ft)
- Imbabura Volcano (4630 m / 15.190 ft)
- Cayambe Volcano (5.790 m / 18.996 ft)
- Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19.347 ft)
This is an ideal program that covers two of the tallest summits of the country which both require minimal level of technical skill. However, the acclimatization and physical preparation are fundamental in order to achieve summiting snowy peaks over 5.000 m / 16.404 ft elevation.
- 9 DAY COTOPAXI AND CHIMBORAZO PROGRAM
- PREPARATION PROCESS:
- Pasochoa Volcano (4.200 m / 13.780 ft)
- Guagua Pichincha Volcano (4.790 m / 15.715 ft)
- Northern Illiniza (5.126 m / 16.818 ft)
- Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19.347 ft)
- Chimborazo Volcano (6.310 m / 20.702 ft)
Created especially for people who like heights, this program is designed to reach the summits of the two highest volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes, Cotopaxi (5.897 m / 19.347 ft) and Chimborazo (6.310 m / 20.702 ft), through a progressive acclimatization, physical and technical training program.
- 12 DAY CAYAMBE, COTOPAXI AND CHIMBORAZO PROGRAM
- PREPARATION PROCESS:
- Cuicocha Lake Hike (3.200 m / 10.500 ft)
- Fuya Fuya (4.290 m / 14.075 ft)
- Imbabura Volcano (4630 m / 15.190 ft)
- Cayambe Volcano (5.790 m / 18.996 ft)
- Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19.347 ft)
- Chimborazo Volcano (6.310 m / 20.702 ft)
This is an intense program that reaches the peaks of the highest volcanoes of Ecuador: Cayambe (5.790 m / 18.996 ft), Cotopaxi (5.897 m / 19.347 ft) and Chimborazo (6.310 m / 20.702 ft). In addition to allowing time to properly acclimatize and prepare yourself physically, you will also travel to incredible places full of natural and cultural beauty throughout the Ecuadorian Andes.
