Everest 2006
The North Ridge- New!
Call Now!
800.247.1263
Highlights of our Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition
Explore the jungles and cloud forests. Climb Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.
Quito: A beautiful city nestled into the foothills of the Andes at 9184 ft., offering a fascinating, high paced and culturally interesting start to our trip.
Otavalo: We'll visit this market village north of Quito, the best place to buy anything from Ecuador. This will be a good acclimatization day also, with a short hike near Mojanda Lakes, formed in the crater of an old volcano, just outside of town.
Cuicoche Lake trek: At the base of Cotocachi volcano, we trek around the rim of an ancient volcano crater with a beautiful blue lake in the bottom. More acclimatization, up to 12,000 ft.
Cayambe: We'll climb this extinct volcano as a warm-up for Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. At 18,996 ft. it is the highest point on the earth's surface through which the equator directly passes.
Cotopaxi Volcano: We'll spend another day at the 15,000 ft. hut to acclimatize, then go for the summit, 8 to 10 hours round trip. This is the classic volcano climb with fantastic view up and down the Andes!
Chimborazo Volcano: We'll spend the day driving south to Chimborazo, lots of Vicunas (similar to llamas). From the hut, we'll spend either 1 or 2 days climbing, depending on conditions, on the way up to the 20,697 ft. summit. Everyone has to be strong on Cotopaxi since this one is not easy, and can be dangerous in certain conditions!
Banos: Our stop on the way to the Amazon Basin. More markets, great hot springs, also the start for a high altitude trek up…
Tungurahua: A 16,452 ft. volcano, we can spend 2 days climbing this, non-technical volcano. This is optional depending on our time…
The Amazon Basin: From Banos we go off to explore the jungle, a remarkable contrast with the high mountains. Then a drive down to Puyo and onto Puerto Misahualli for a short boat ride on the Rio Napo, staying in Misahualli, right on the edge of the jungle for the night. We can stay longer if we like.
Papallacta Hot Springs: On the drive back to Quito, we go through Baeza, then stop for a great soak in the hot springs, all set in idyllic lush mountain surroundings.
Pasochoa Reserve: We'll explore the cloud forests of this nature preserve close to Quito. Hiking in a fantastic bamboo forest part way up Pasochoa Volcano.
Quito: Return to Quito, then home or onto the Galapagos Islands or the Ecuadorian beaches! Lots of great options if you want to plan extra time. We can help you with ideas and suggestions.
Included: Transfers, hotels (except Quito), local transportation, park and hut fees, food on the climbs, group climbing/camping equipment, and American guide.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Quito, food in restaurants, bottled water, soda, alcohol, gifts.
Length: 14 days Quito to Quito.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult trekking at altitude with moderate snow and ice climbing.
Altitude: During the trek in we will maintain a safe rate of ascent, the most important factor at altitude. Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador is 20,697 ft.
Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.