Cotopaxi & Chimborazo 12-Day Expedition

highlights

Old Quito Tour: visit colonial churches with their grand altars made of Inca gold, sculptures, and intricate carvings

Standing at the top of Cotopaxi, and looking down inside its crater at its sulfur fumaroles

Recuperating in the natural thermal springs that flow from the mountainside at Baños after climbing Cotopaxi

Sweeping views from the summit of Chimborazo: on a clear day you can see down into the Amazon jungle basin and the many neighboring peaks

length:

8 – 10 – 12 days

skill level:

Beginner & Intermediate

participants:

min. 2, or Private trip

dates:

[calendar id="1228"]

Day 1:
Arrive in Quito (2.800 m/9,186 ft)
Overnight: Quito
Accommodation: ATE base camp B&B or your booked hotel

Day 2:
Guided tour of Quito’s old town and a visit to “Mitad del Mundo”
Overnight: Quito
Accommodation: ATE base camp B&B or your booked hotel

Day 3:
Climb Pasochoa
Overnight: Quito
Accommodation: ATE base camp B&B or your booked hotel

Day 4:
Climb Pichincha (4.776 m/15,670 ft)
Accommodation: ATE base camp B&B or your booked hotel

Day 5:
Climb Iliniza Norte (5.126 m/16,817 ft)
Overnight: El Chaupi
Accommodation: Hostel La Llovizna
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6:
Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park (4.600m/15,091ft)
Review glacier travel skills (in case necesary)
Overnight: Jose Rivas Refuge (4.800 m/15,748 ft)
Accommodation: Hut
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7:
Climb Cotopaxi (5.897 m/ 19,300ft)
Overnight: Baños (1.800 m/5,905 ft)
Accommodation: La Casa de Pia B&B or your booked hotel

Day 8:
Soak in the famous Baños hot-springs
Overnight: Baños
Accommodation: La Casa de Pia B&B or your booked hotel

Day 9:
Transfer to Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo
Overnight: Hermanos Carrel Refuge (4.800 m/ 15,750 ft)
Accommodation: Hut
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10:
El Castillo High Camp (5.400m/17,717ft)
Overnight: El Castillo
Accommodation: Tents
Meal: Breakfast, Light Dinner

Day 11:
Climb Chimborazo (6,270 m / 20,702 ft)
Overnight: Quito
Accommodation: ATE base camp B&B or your booked hotel

Day 12:
Fly home

Note:
Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, but unforeseen circumstances may require last minute changes. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to schedule alterations. Please be prepared to be flexible when necessary.

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Cotopaxi & Chimborazo 12-Day Expedition

Cotopaxi & Chimborazo 12-Day Expedition combines culture, acclimatization, and high-altitude climbing into one unforgettable adventure in Ecuador. This program is designed for climbers who want to summit both Cotopaxi and Chimborazo while also experiencing Ecuador’s landscapes, traditions, and warm hospitality.

Cultural and Acclimatization Experience

The trip begins in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage city. You will explore colonial plazas, vibrant markets, and the famous Equatorial Line. These cultural visits give you time to adapt gradually to the altitude before starting your climbs.

During the first days, you will hike on smaller volcanoes under 5,000 m. These treks help your body adjust to the high altitude (acclimatization) while allowing you to enjoy Ecuador’s unique páramo ecosystems, where wild horses and Andean condors can often be spotted.

Climbing Cotopaxi

Once properly acclimatized, you will face Cotopaxi (5,897 m / 19,347 ft), one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Its perfect cone and glacier routes offer breathtaking views of neighboring peaks. At the summit, you will see the massive crater with its fumaroles and panoramic horizons stretching across the Andes.

Relaxation in Baños

After Cotopaxi, the program includes a stop in Baños, a lively town famous for waterfalls, thermal springs, and adventure sports. Relaxing in the hot springs is the ideal reward before preparing for the next challenge.

Climbing Chimborazo

The highlight of the expedition is Chimborazo (6,310 m / 20,702 ft), Ecuador’s highest mountain. Due to the Earth’s equatorial bulge, its summit is the farthest point from the planet’s center, making it the closest place to the sun. This climb demands glacier equipment, excellent fitness, and stamina. With proper acclimatization, reaching the summit is both challenging and rewarding.

Cotopaxi & Chimborazo 12-Day Expedition

Our programs are led by certified mountain guides with extensive experience. We provide technical equipment, acclimatization support, and customized itineraries to maximize your safety and success.

Why Choose the Cotopaxi & Chimborazo 12-Day Expedition?

  • Balanced program with cultural visits, acclimatization treks, and two major climbs
  • Professional certified guides
  • Flexible itineraries tailored to your needs
  • A complete immersion in Ecuador’s Andean landscapes

Climbing both Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in one trip is a true achievement for any mountaineer.

Start planning your Cotopaxi & Chimborazo 12-Day Expedition today and make your dream a reality with expert guidance and maximum safety.

 

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