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Ecuador Volcanoes
Cotopaxi & Chimborazo Expedition: Guided Three Peaks in Ecuador with Premier Guides and Premium Expedition Services
Cotopaxi & Chimborazo Expedition: Guided Three Peaks in Ecuador with Premier Guides and Premium Expedition Services
Ecuador Volcanoes
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.
12
Days
++
Difficulty
IFMGA
certified guide
$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.
Ecuador
19 Nov 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
27 Dec 2026 - 7 Jan 2027
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
19 Nov 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
27 Dec 2026 - 7 Jan 2027
IFMGA
certified guide
12
Days
++
Difficulty
Ecuador
$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.
GALLERY
$4,200
USD
IFMGA
Guide
12
Days
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
++
Difficulty
Ecuador
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.
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.
An Andean Ascent: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
++
Difficulty
12
Days
IFMGA
certified guide
$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.
Ecuador
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
19 Nov 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
27 Dec 2026 - 7 Jan 2027
DOWNLOAD EXPEDITION 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.
GALLERY
ITINERARY
Final Prep & Relaxation Day
A free day for last-minute preparations, gear adjustments, or simply resting before heading to the ice.
Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica
Weather permitting, we fly 4 hours south to Union Glacier, landing on a stunning blue-ice runway. After setting up camp, we settle into our first night on the continent.
Acclimatization & Ski Prep
A full day on the ice to test our systems, ski around camp, and adapt to the Antarctic environment before the expedition begins in earnest.
Flight into 89° South & Begin Skiing
We fly by Twin Otter aircraft to 89°S, 60 nautical miles from the South Pole. After landing, we begin our journey with a short ski to establish camp.
Ski to the South Pole
Over the course of roughly 6 - 7 days, we ski across the polar plateau toward the geographic South Pole. Expect stunning silence, vast horizons, and a deep sense of accomplishment as we near our goal.
Return to Union Glacier
We board our aircraft and fly back to Union Glacier Camp to celebrate our achievement with a hot meal and well-earned rest and showers.
Return to Puntas Arenas
Once the weather window opens, we fly back to Punta Arenas. After a hot shower, we gather for a celebratory dinner to toast the journey.
End of Expedition - Depart for Home
With unforgettable memories in tow, guests depart for home or onward travel.
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
Frequently asked questions
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
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
TESTIMONIALS
“Excellent mountain guide service! I have skied to the South Pole and climbed Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Carstensz Pyramid, and Aconcagua with Mountain Professionals.”
Paul A, USA
“Mountain Professionals takes the highest level of care and focus to ensure a safe, fun, and successful trip with safety being paramount. Ryan has a talent for assembling great teams. With his encouragement and guidance, I have now summited five of the Seven Summits and can’t wait for the next expedition.”
Jodi V, USA
“Thanks to a great team and amazing guides! 100% summit success on Manaslu. Excellent service and great adventures, could not be better.”
Merethe F.L, Norway
“I have been climbing with Mountain Professionals for over 10 years. Ryan has always been there to answer my questions—even when he was getting ready for an expedition or just returning from one. He is always willing to teach beyond the scope of a trip to enhance each client’s mountaineering skillset.”
David B, USA
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All permits
All of your climbing and park permits are included in the cost of the expedition.
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.
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.
All meals on the expedition itinerary
All meals are included throughout the expedition, except during your time in Quito on extra days.
All programmed transportation
Travel between the mountains is in our team 4x4 vehicle for each of the different mountain sections.
Hotel and Hut accommodation
Based on Double occupancy, we stay in remarkable hotels and huts along the way during the trip.
Airport Transfers
Pick up and drop off from Quito Airport for the expedition.
Mountain Professionals IFMGA Guide
Your expedition is guided by highly experienced professionals. 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.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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.
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 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.
Guide Tips
We make a recommendation for tipping your hard working mountain guides for this incredible experience.
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.
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.
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