Ecuador Volcanoes

Cotopaxi & Chimborazo Expedition: Guided Three Peaks in Ecuador with Premier Guides and Premium Expedition Services.

Expedition Overview

Dates: 19 Nov - 30 Nov 2026 27 Dec - 7 Jan 2027
certified guide: IFMGA
Duration: 12 Days
Difficulty: Level 2
Location: Ecuador
Price: $4,200 USD

Climb Ecuador’s iconic Avenue of the Volcanoes with one of the world’s leading high-altitude guiding teams. This expertly guided climbing expedition ascends Illiniza, Cotopaxi, and culminates on Chimborazo—the highest point on Earth measured from the planet’s center—offering a world-class progression in glaciated Andean mountaineering led by Mountain Professionals IFMGA guide.

An Andean Ascent: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo

This classic Andean progression links Illiniza, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo into a focused high-altitude climbing itinerary. Designed to develop acclimatization, movement on glaciated terrain, and expedition pacing, the trip provides a rewarding stand-alone objective and a proven stepping stone toward higher and more remote mountain goals worldwide.

Expedition Gallery

Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival in Quito, Ecuador: Arrive in Quito, night at a hotel just on the edge of town, and visit the famous “Mariscal” area.
Day 02 - Gear Check & Acclimatization Hike: Acclimatization hike on Rucu Pichincha a stratovolcano remnant with an amazing trail, with a summit elevation of 4,698 meters and then after Ruco Pichincha back to the hotel in Quito
Day 03 - Travel & Relaxation Day: Travel day, after Otavalo Market and a short hike we go enjoy the great farmhouse of Casa Mojanda.
Day 04 - Preparation & Hike to Refugio: We drive to the Ilinizas Area and hike for 3 hours to Ilinizas Hut. The Nuevos Horizontes refuge is located at 4,700 m
Day 05 - Climb Illiniza Norte: Summit day at Iliniza Norte 5,126 meters, after a great climbing day, we go to rest and enjoy a jacuzzi at La Chuquiragua lodge at El Chaupi.
Day 06 - Travel Day to Cotopaxi hut: We transfer to the Cotopaxi area via 4x4 and drive close to the Hut, short hike up to Jose Ribas Hut at 4,800 meters
Day 07 - Skills Review: Cotopaxi hut, skills review and acclimatization
Day 08 - Summit Cotopaxi: Climb to the Summit of Cotopaxi at 5,897 meters. After the summit attempt at Cotopaxi we descend via 4 x 4 to rest at Tambopaxi Lodge in the national park
Day 09 - Travel Day to Chimborazo: We drive to the Chimborazo area and stay at the remarkable La Estrella del Chimborazo lodge
Day 10 - Drive up to Chimborazo Hut: Drive to up to the Whymper Hut at 5,000 meters in altitude and prepare for the summit
Day 11 - Summit Chimborazo: Summit morning on Chimborazo climb to 6,263 meters and return to the hut to stay or drive to Baños city to rest for night
Day 12 - Return to Quito: Drive back to Quito during the day and depart for a home flight in the evening

Exped Destination Ecuador

Ecuador’s Andean highlands are a landscape of breathtaking contrasts—towering volcanoes, glaciated peaks, and sweeping valleys rich with history and culture. From the twin summits of Illiniza to the near-perfect cone of Cotopaxi and the vast slopes of Chimborazo, this region offers dramatic alpine scenery and high-altitude adventure in a compact, accessible setting.

For climbers, the Avenue of the Volcanoes provides a rare chance to ascend some of the Andes’ most iconic peaks while immersed in a vibrant and awe-inspiring environment—where volcanic vistas, Andean wildlife, and clear mountain skies combine to create an unforgettable high-altitude experience.

Average Summer Temperature:: -15°C
Max Altitude:: 6263m
Total Distance:: 25km

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What's Included

Mountain Professionals IFMGA Guide

Your expedition is guided by highly experiencedprofessionals. With IFMGA Guide certification and decades of expedition leadership on the Ecuador Volcanoes, we bring a level of safety, skill, and authenticity that sets us apart.

Airport Transfers

Pick up and drop off from Quito Airport for the expedition.

Hotel and Hut accommodation

Based on Double occupancy, we stay in remarkable hotels and huts along the way during the trip.

All programmed transportation

Travel between the mountains is in our team 4x4 vehicle for each of the different mountain sections.

All meals on the expedition itinerary

All meals are included throughout the expedition, except during your time in Quito on extra days.

Group & safety equipment

Included in your expedition is all essential group safety equipment, carefully selected and refined from years of experience. This includes GPS navigation, and first aid supplies, all overseen by a Wilderness First Responder and IFMGA-certified guide to ensure your safety every step of the way.

Navigation tools (GPS, maps)

Our seasoned guides are experts in navigating the challenging terrain, where precision is crucial. Using GPS waypoints and compass and monitoring the slopes for avalanche risk.

All permits

All of your climbing and park permits are included in the cost of the expedition.

What's Not Included

International flights to/from Quito

The cost of your international flights to and from Quito, Ecuador, is not included in the expedition price. This means you are responsible for researching, booking, and covering the expenses of your flights from your home country (or starting location) to Quito and your return journey after the expedition concludes.

Extra nights in Quito

If you choose to stay for additional days before or after the trip we can assist and recommend places and activities.

Guide Tips

We make a recommendation for tipping your hard working mountain guides for this incredible experience.

Personal travel insurance

All team members on the Ecuador expedition are recommended to have rescue insurance. Upon signing up, we provide a list of recommended insurance providers that specialize in covering climbing trips, ensuring you're fully protected for the journey.

Personal clothing & gear

Team members are responsible for arriving with the required personal clothing and equipment for the expedition. Upon signing up, we provide a detailed gear list and are always available to offer advice or answer any questions about what to bring, ensuring you're fully prepared for the journey.

Personal expenses

Personal expenses include any small purchases in Ecuador, such as extra food, supplies, or taxis, as well as any items you may wish to buy along the way.