Are you looking to take your mountaineering skills to the next level? Then look no further, this challenging adventure in the Ecuadorian Andes will make sure of it!
On this truly off the beaten track adventure around the stunning Ecuadorian Andes we will climb some of the lessor known routes and peaks such as the challenging Celso Zuquillo route on the technical Iliniza Sur mountain and the wild Antisana volcano with climbing grades up to D+. However, you will also have the opportunity to summit the spectacular and popular Cayambe Volcano – the only snow-capped mountain in the world which is located on the equator! This experience is focused on teaching you advanced mountaineering skills such as: Construction of and equalizing snow and ice anchors, crevasse rescue, rock climbing skills, ice-axe and crampon skills on +50-degree slopes, belay anchors, ice climbing skills, use of ice tools, screws and pickets and last but not least; leadership in the mountains.
If you just can’t get enough of the epic Andes (which is very understandable), we offer an optional extension of 3 extra days providing you with the chance of summiting the highest peak of Ecuador; Chimborazo at 6.270 meters above sea-level. (20,571 feet)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day. Our guides will pick you up at the Quito airport at 9,500 ft (2.896 m.) and transfer you to your lodge: An intimate, beautiful, family-run lodge located on the slopes of the Ilaló volcano in one of the lush valleys in the outskirts of Quito.
Day 2
Today we will go on a beautiful hike towards the top of the Ilaló volcano. But it won’t be a hike like any other, we will be accompanied by Fanny who is indigenous from this area and who will tell us about the flora fauna and stories of this beautiful mountain along the way.
Day 3
We will spend the day fine-tuning our rope and rock-climbing skills at a cool, isolated climbing spot surrounded by nature in the valleys of Quito. After climbing we will return to the lodge for a guided yoga practice with emphasis in stretching, releasing tension and relaxing, followed by a guided Pranayama session focusing on breathwork in order to perform optimally in the mountains.
Day 4
Early in the morning we will drive up the Pichincha mountain towering over Quito and practice our rock-climbing skills at the walls of Guagua Pichincha. After climbing we will stay at the refuge up there before climbing the integral of Los Pichinchas next day.
Day 5
Today we will do the integral of Los Pichinchas. We will summit the four peaks of the Pichincha Massif towering over Quito which are Guagua Pichincha at 15,669 ft. (4.776 m.), Padre Encantado at 15,055 ft. (4.589 m.), Cerro Ladrillos at 14,977 ft. (4.565 m.) and Rucu Pichincha at 15,406 ft. (4.696 m.).
The integral climb itself is around 13 km and takes about 6-8 hours roundtrip. After climbing we will return to the lodge for a slow, guided yoga session focusing on stretching, releasing tension and unwinding mind as well as body followed by a Pranayama session focusing on optimal performance through breathwork.
Day 6
Early in the morning after breakfast we will drive towards Quilindaña in the southern part of the Cotopaxi National Park. Here we will set up a tent-based basecamp and rest before attempting the summit tomorrow.
Day 7
We will wake up early in the morning and get breakfast around 3 am. Then we will start hiking towards the walls of the mountain and start climbing the first pitches. Quilindaña is a very technical mountain and requires good rock-climbing skills. According to the conditions we may have to use crampons. It is known as the Ecuadorian Matterhorn and the entire climb will last around 11-13 hours. The summit is at 16,139 ft. (4.919 m.) After climbing we will return to basecamp to rest.
Day 8
Today is all about resting. We will pack up our basecamp and drive to an old hacienda in the beautiful area of the Cayambe volcano where we will just hang around and enjoy the amazing scenery and facilities.
Day 9
After an early breakfast we will drive up Cayambe to the refuge and hike from here to the glacier where we will do an advanced Glacier School to practice technical skills on the mountain. After the glacier school we will rest at the refuge which sits at 15,092 ft. (4.600 m) and offers the most panoramic views of the Ecuadorian Avenue of Volcanoes.
Day 10
Today we will go up the mountain once again for another session of advanced glacier school. We will stay at the refuge after this and prepare our equipment for the climb in the night.
Day 11
Around midnight we will start our summit attempt of the stunning Cayambe volcano. The climb takes around 6-7 hours to the summit at 18,896 ft. (5.790 m.) and the descent back to the refuge around 2-3 hours. After climbing we will drive back down to rest at the lodge in the warm valleys of Quito.
Day 12
Today is a rest day at the lodge. We will be chilling in the beautiful surroundings and also enjoy a guided session of yoga focusing on stretching and unwinding after yesterday’s strenuous climb. Followed by a moving meditation in order to release tension.
Day 13
We will drive up north to the Antisana Ecological Reserve, set up basecamp at the foot of the mountain and relax in the pristine surroundings. We will enjoy a guided yoga session in front of the majestic volcano focusing on awakening the muscles, the nervous system and the organism. It will prepare us for tonight’s climb without tiring out our muscles. We will also engage in a small, ancient Andes ritual in order to enter the reign of Antisana this night with clear personal intentions while honoring the nature the path and the self. Tonight, we will be climbing under millions of stars.
Day 14
Around midnight we will start our summit attempt of the very demanding Antisana volcano at 18,891 ft. (5.758 m.). The climb usually takes between 6-8 hours and the descent around 3 hours. After the climb we will drive back to get some well-deserved rest at the lodge.
Day 15
End of trip, we will say our goodbyes after an amazing adventure together. (Rest day if with extension)
Optional Extension (+470 USD (at least 2 pax))
- Chimborazo High Camp
- Chimborazo Summit
- Quito and end of trip
Inclusion
- All National Park Fees and Climbing Permits
- Certified, English-speaking ASEGUIM/IFMGA guides for each ascent
- 4x yoga and breathwork classes
- 2x Advanced Glacier School Sessions
- 1 night sleeping under the stars in a tent-based basecamp at the foot of Antisana
- 4 nights in shared rooms at mountain refuges
- 9 nights in double rooms at lodges and haciendas
- Camping and cooking equipment for basecamps
- Transport and access to all mentioned adventures
- Airport Transfers
- 14x breakfasts, 13x lunches / box lunches, 14x dinners
- All mentioned activities
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Tips
