Tour Description:
This tour will give you a good sense of high altitude climbing, while traveling in a great country, visiting a different culture. However it is not a full-on expedition since access to the mountains are very easy and huts provide great comfort. The small size of the country makes it very easy to travel from mountain to mountain in a short time.
Ecuador is comparable to Switzerland with easy access to the mountains. Great transportation system, nice lodges and huts for all tastes.
This tour will give you a good sense of high altitude climbing, while traveling in a great country, visiting a different culture. However it is not a full-on expedition since access to the mountains are very easy and huts provide great comfort. The small size of the country makes it very easy to travel from mountain to mountain in a short time.
Ecuador is comparable to Switzerland with easy access to the mountains. Great transportation system, nice lodges and huts for all tastes.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Meet in Quito airport, transfer to hotel, review gear, tour and conditions.
Day 2:
Transfer to Cuello de Luna a charming Ecuadorian lodge, acclimatization hike and final preparation
Day 3:
Drive to the base of El Corazon. Acclimatization hike (4,800m.)Transfer to el Chapuis for the night (lodge)
Day 4:
Ascent of Illiniza Norte 16,818 ft.A great peak for acclimatization, scrambling on rock, return to cuello de Luna for the night.
Day 5:
After a long night sleep and easy morning rest we will Drive into Cotopaxi national park, hike to Cotopaxi hut ( 45 minutes). Hike to the base of the glacier in preparation of the next day ascent.
Day 6:
Ascent of Cotopaxi 19,348 ft. A midnight start for a 6 to 8 hours climb. Return to Cuella de Luna.
Day 7:
Rest day or weather day. Sightseeing and transfer to Banos.
Day 8:
Transfer to Chimborazo national park, hike to Chimborazo hut (1 hour), hike to the base of the glacier in preparation of the next day ascent.
Day 9:
Ascent of Chimborazo 20,703 ft. A midnight start for a 8 to 10 hours ascent. Return to Banos.
Day 10:
Weather day or sight seeing. Night in Banos or Quito.
Day 11:
Transfer to Quito International airport, connect to international flight.
Difficulty:
This tour a perfect for beginner and intermediate alpinistes, there is no technical difficulty and their plenty of time to review and learn techniques during the acclimatization climbs. The tour is Physically demanding.
Departure: Any time from October until April. Departure for any size group, family or individual.
Cost 2020 / 2021
Base on group size and services included
Note: Combine your expedition with a tour to the GALAPAGOS islands , a trek in the high land or continue on down south to Peru, Argentina, Chile. ( Ecuador climbs can be use as acclimatization for higher peak such as Aconcagua). Contact us for more information.
Note: there is other mountains that can be included in the program such as Cayambe similar as Cotopaxi or more technical as Antizana or very technical as Altar . Contact us for more information
Services Included:
- Hotel Cuello de Luna ½ pension,
- Hotel in Banos with breakfast
- Mountain hut fee
- Meals at camps
- All transfer from Quito and to Quito ( private van or mini-bus) Park fee
- Guides fee, guides expenses
- Group technical equipment
- Transfer from Quito airport to and from hotel.
Services not Included:
- Air fare, Hotel in Quito. (we will gladly reserve an hotel for you base on your request)
- Meals in town, Quito, Banos
- Picnic lunches
- Personal equipment
- Incidentals