As of 6 October 2026, 1 guide has verified client reviews for Cayambe (6 reviews). Read more
Top guides for Cayambe, ranked by their reviews here: Climbing The Seven Summits (★ 4.9, 6 reviews). ExpedReview is a specialist review platform for high-altitude mountaineering. Every review is checked by our team before it's published, and guides cannot pay for a better rating.
Cayambe guides ranked by their reviews here
Ordered by each guide's verified reviews on Cayambe: the star rating, adjusted so one or two reviews, or only old ones, count for less than many recent ones. Ties go to the guide with more reviews on Cayambe. ERTI reflects a company's trustworthiness, reputation and ratings across the industry, and more. Out of 5, built from reviews we verify and many other factors. Not a rating for this place. Prices not updated in over a year are flagged; prices older than 3 years, and prices imported from the old site that the guide never edited, are hidden.
First ascent by Edward Whymper in 1880. At 5,790m, Ecuador's third highest peak and the highest point on the equator. The only place on the equator with permanent snow. Located in Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve.
Notable itineraries
Normal Route/Southwest Face (1-2 days): Standard glacier route. Northwest Ridge: More technical option. Summit via Cayambe Refuge at 4,600m. Midnight start typical for stable snow conditions. Less crowded than Cotopaxi.
Weather and best time to go
Weather: Cayambe is well-known for having poor weather. The summit is frequently enshrouded by clouds, even during the dry season. Average daily temperatures at the base of the peak are usually around 13 ºC (55 ºF). These drop to well-below freezing as you ascend the volcano. The climbing season is also the driest time of year., Best Time to Visit: June to August, December to January, Average Expedition Length 2 days
Currency
US Dollar (USD) is Ecuador's official currency. ATMs in Cayambe town. Reserve entrance fee required. Refuge accommodation available. Budget $300-500 for guided climb.
Languages
Official: Spanish. Regional: Kichwa spoken in Cayambe area communities. English with guides. The Kayambi people are the traditional inhabitants of the region.
Latest reviews on Cayambe
Climbing The Seven Summits
Cayambe · Rated 5/5 · Reviewed
CTSS Ecuador Volcanoes
This has been an outstanding experience at all levels, from excellent planning to a warm team atmosphere and the top of three challenging mountains with a complete sense of security and support.
By Antonio B.
Climbing The Seven Summits
Cayambe · Rated 5/5 · Reviewed
A trip to remember - Ecuador Volcanoes
Posting this again. Ended up setting the anonymous box by mistake in my previous review.
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I signed up with CTSS for their 3 Volcanoes Ecuador Climb after having a couple of informative briefing calls with Dani. CTSS delivers an impressive and well-structured plan, with…
By Rajesh P.
Climbing The Seven Summits
Cayambe · Rated 4.6/5 · Reviewed
A trip to remember - Ecuador Volcanoes
I signed up with CTSS for their 3 Volcanoes Ecuador Climb after having a couple of informative briefing calls with Dani. CTSS delivers an impressive and well-structured plan, with every detail aimed at ensuring your success on the expedition. Once you sign up, you gain access to…
By R P.
Climbing The Seven Summits
Cayambe · Rated 5/5 · Reviewed
Tha Avenue of the Volcanoes in Ecuador is an incredibly beautiful high-altitude scenery filled with
Tha Avenue of the Volcanoes in Ecuador is an incredibly beautiful high-altitude scenery filled with iconic volcanic peaks along the Andes.
I feel blessed that I was able to play in its beauty with mostly perfect weather.
OMG This Is my first ever poem - (please be…
By Danny B.
Climbing The Seven Summits
Cayambe · Rated 5/5 · Reviewed
CTSS - Best In Class
The entire process from signing up, prepping to climb and execution of the climb was detailed, fun and safety was always a priority.
By Nabil K.
Climbing The Seven Summits
Cayambe · Rated 5/5 · Reviewed
Awesome climbs in a beautiful country with an amazing guide and stellar team!
I climbed Cayambe and Cotopaxi in Nov 2018 with CTSS. Not my first climb with Mike Hamill as guide but my first climb with his company. Right from the start Mike was available to answer any and all of my questions which I really appreciated. The logistics of the trip were also…
Rating: the average star rating of the guide's verified reviews for Cayambe, with the number of reviews. Order: by those reviews: the star rating, adjusted so one or two reviews, or only old ones, count for less than many recent ones; ties go to the guide with more reviews on Cayambe. Unclaimed: the company has not claimed its ExpedReview profile. Every review is checked by our team before it's published, and guides cannot pay for a better rating.
Recommended gear for Cayambe
Technical essentials picked for glaciated mountaineering. Recommended by our expert team.
La Sportiva G2 Evo Mountaineering Boots (double boots): View at CampSaver
Petzl Sarken Crampons (Leverlock Universel) (crampons): View at CampSaver