Early departure from Quito, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive through the Ecuadorian Andes highlands to the trailhead at 3,300 m. This day is designed as a high-altitude acclimatization hike in Ecuador, ideal for preparing the body for future summit climbs.

The trek enters a primary Andean cloud forest, offering excellent bird watching and nature photography opportunities while gaining altitude toward the summit of Pasochoa Volcano (4,230 m).

From the top, weather permitting, enjoy panoramic views of the Ecuadorian volcanoes, including Antisana, Cayambe, Illinizas, Cotopaxi, and even Chimborazo in the far distance. This is a key acclimatization and trekking day in the Andes, with a total hiking time of approximately 6 hours.

Return to Quito in the afternoon for rest and recovery. Overnight in hotel. Includes breakfast and box lunch.

Depart from Quito and drive approximately 15–20 minutes to the cable car station at 3,300 m. Take the TelefériQo Quito Cable Car, one of the highest cable cars in the world, ascending to around 4,100 m to begin the trek.

This is a key high-altitude acclimatization hike in the Ecuadorian Andes, following a ridge and sandy volcanic terrain toward the summit of Rucu Pichincha Volcano (4,698 m), one of the most popular training peaks near Quito for mountaineering preparation.

The hike offers continuous altitude gain and excellent views over the Andean landscape, making it ideal for altitude adaptation, endurance training, and trekking preparation for higher volcano climbs such as Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.

Total hiking time is approximately 6 hours. Return to Quito in the late afternoon for rest and recovery. Overnight in hotel. Includes breakfast and box lunch.

Depart from Quito and travel south through the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, passing scenic Andean valleys until reaching the village of El Chaupi. Continue by vehicle up to La Virgen parking area at 3,900 m.

From here, begin a 3–4 hour high-altitude trek in the Ecuadorian Andes, ascending toward the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,750 m), located on the approach route to Cotopaxi.

This stage is a key altitude acclimatization and mountain approach day, preparing for glacier training and summit attempts on Cotopaxi Volcano. The hike takes place in a high alpine environment with volcanic terrain and increasing exposure to altitude.

Arrival at the hut in the afternoon, followed by rest, dinner, and overnight stay in the refuge. Includes breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.

Early departure from the refuge after a light breakfast, beginning a high-altitude mountaineering climb in the Ecuadorian Andes. After packing glacier and climbing gear, the route ascends toward the saddle between the Illinizas peaks.

The ascent continues with a 3–4 hour scrambling and alpine trekking section toward the summit of Illiniza Norte (5,126 m), one of the classic training peaks for technical climbing and altitude acclimatization in Ecuador.

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes and surrounding Andes peaks. This climb is an important preparation step for higher objectives like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.

Total round-trip time is approximately 7 hours. In the afternoon, descend and transfer to a traditional hacienda for overnight stay. Includes breakfast and box lunch.

Depart from the hacienda and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until reaching the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most important protected areas for high-altitude mountaineering in Ecuador.

Continue by vehicle to the parking area at 4,500 m, then begin a 1-hour altitude hike in volcanic terrain to reach the José Rivas Refuge (4,800 m), the main base for Cotopaxi summit expeditions.

In the afternoon, head onto the glacier for ice climbing training and glacier techniques practice, including essential mountaineering skills such as crampon use, ice axe handling, rope systems, and glacier safety procedures. This session is a key preparation step for the upcoming Cotopaxi Volcano summit attempt.

Return to the refuge for dinner, rest, and overnight stay. Includes box lunch and dinner.

Midnight wake-up at José Rivas Refuge, followed by a light breakfast and final preparation for the high-altitude glacier summit climb in Ecuador. The ascent begins around 01:00 AM toward the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 m).

This is the most demanding day of the Cotopaxi summit expedition, with a 6–8 hour climb across snow and glacier terrain using crampons, ice axe, and rope systems. Upon reaching the summit crater, time is taken to rest, take photos, and enjoy panoramic views of the Ecuadorian Andes.

The descent takes approximately 2–3 hours back to the refuge, followed by packing and continuing down to the parking area. Transfer by vehicle to the town of Baños at 1,800 m, known for its thermal springs and adventure tourism.

Overnight in hotel in Baños. Includes breakfast and box lunch.

Rest and recovery day in Baños de Agua Santa (1,800 m), an important altitude recovery stop in Ecuador after the Cotopaxi summit. This day allows the body to relax and adapt after the high-altitude expedition on Cotopaxi Volcano.

Optional activities include visiting the famous waterfalls along the Pastaza River Canyon, a key highlight of nature tourism in the Ecuadorian Andes, with opportunities for light walks and scenic viewpoints.

Free time in the afternoon to enjoy the town, relax in thermal baths, or explore local cafés. Overnight in hotel in Baños. Includes breakfast.

Depart from Baños de Agua Santa (1,800 m) and drive southwest through the Ecuadorian Andes toward the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, a key area for high-altitude mountaineering and acclimatization in Ecuador. The drive takes approximately 4 hours with stunning volcanic landscapes along the route.

Arrival at the Hermanos Carrel Refuge (4,800 m), followed by a 1-hour ascent on foot to the Whymper Refuge (5,000 m), the high camp used for Chimborazo summit attempts.

This stage marks the preparation for the Chimborazo Volcano expedition, focusing on final acclimatization at extreme altitude above 5,000 meters. After dinner, rest at the refuge until late evening (23:00), followed by a light breakfast before the summit attempt.

Includes box lunch and dinner.

At midnight, begin the high-altitude glacier summit ascent of Ecuador’s highest peak, Chimborazo Volcano (6,310 m). This is the most demanding day of the expedition and the final objective of the 11-day high-altitude mountaineering program in Ecuador.

The climb takes approximately 8–10 hours across steep snow and glacier terrain using full mountaineering equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope systems). Reaching the summit in the early morning offers spectacular views and a unique high-altitude experience above 6,000 meters.

After time at the summit, begin the descent back to Whymper Refuge (5,000 m) in about 3–4 hours. Continue down to Hermanos Carrel Refuge (4,800 m), where transportation will be waiting.

Transfer by vehicle back to Quito. Overnight in hotel. Includes breakfast and box lunch.

Transfer from the hotel in Quito to the airport for your international flight. This marks the end of the 11-day high-altitude mountaineering expedition in Ecuador, after summiting Cotopaxi Volcano and Chimborazo Volcano. Includes breakfast.