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Trekking & Climbing Sangay – Ecuador’s Wildest Volcano Adventure

Sangay is one of the most remote and adventurous volcanoes in Ecuador. This 6-day expedition through the spectacular Sangay National Park follows the Guarguallá Chico – Plazapamba – La Playa route, allowing the use of mules to transport expedition equipment as far as La Playa base camp.

Located approximately 200 km south of Quito, Sangay National Park is Ecuador’s largest mainland national park and one of the country’s most extraordinary wilderness areas. The park stretches from the Eastern Cordillera deep into the Amazon Basin and spans the provinces of Morona Santiago, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua.

A UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness

Sangay National Park protects an astonishing diversity of ecosystems and landscapes. Within the park, visitors encounter:

Humid tropical rainforest
Cloud forests
High-altitude páramo grasslands
Volcanic valleys
Glacial terrain
Rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and thermal springs

The park is also home to some of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes, including:

Sangay – one of the most active volcanoes in the world
Tungurahua – Ecuador’s famous active volcano
El Altar – the dramatic extinct volcanic massif

Because of its exceptional biodiversity and ecological importance, the region was declared a national park in 1979 and later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 1992, the Ecuadorian government expanded the protected area to more than 5,000 km².

Climbing Sangay

Sangay itself is one of Ecuador’s most active and isolated volcanoes. Its remote location and constant volcanic activity make it one of the most adventurous mountaineering objectives in the Andes.

Unlike many Ecuadorian volcanoes, Sangay currently has no significant glaciers, meaning climbers generally do not rope up during the summit ascent. Moving unroped allows climbers to react more quickly to loose volcanic rocks and debris that may roll down the slopes.

However, climbers still carry crampons and ice axes in case snow or icy conditions are encountered higher on the mountain.

The ascent involves steep volcanic terrain, ash slopes, loose rock, and physically demanding hiking at high altitude. Because of the volcano’s remote location and active nature, the climb is best suited for experienced and well-conditioned mountaineers seeking a true wilderness expedition.

Wildlife & Natural Beauty

The journey through Sangay National Park offers incredible opportunities for wildlife observation and nature photography. The park shelters a remarkable variety of Andean and Amazonian species, including:

Spectacled bears
Mountain tapirs
Andean foxes
Condors and birds of prey
Numerous hummingbird species
Unique high-altitude flora and orchids

The constantly changing scenery — from alpine grasslands to cloud forest and volcanic landscapes — makes this one of the most diverse trekking regions in Ecuador.

One of Ecuador’s Greatest Expeditions

Trekking and climbing Sangay is far more than a mountain ascent. It is a true expedition into one of South America’s last great volcanic wildernesses.

For climbers and trekkers seeking solitude, raw nature, remote landscapes, and authentic adventure, Sangay offers one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Highlights

Explore one of Ecuador’s most diverse ecosystems, where striking contrasts between lush lowland forests, cloud forests, páramo grasslands, and snow-capped volcanoes create unforgettable landscapes.
Enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities while searching for rare native species such as the mountain tapir and the majestic Andean condor, both protected within the remote wilderness of Sangay National Park.

Day 1 :

Guarguallá Chico to La Tranca Pucará

We leave Riobamba early in the morning and drive approximately 3 hours to Guarguallá Chico, a small farming community located at 3,200 m (10,499 ft), where our trekking expedition begins.

From here, we start a 5 to 6-hour mule-assisted hike through remote Andean landscapes toward La Tranca Pucará, also known as Rincón Escaleras. Along the route, we cross highland valleys and páramo terrain while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.

We establish camp for the night at approximately 3,700 m (12,139 ft).

Day 2 :

Tres Cruces Pass to Plazapamba

After breakfast, we leave camp at approximately 9:00 am and begin today’s 6 to 7-hour trek.

The route ascends to Tres Cruces Pass at around 4,000 m (13,123 ft), offering spectacular views of Sangay National Park and the surrounding volcanic landscapes. From the pass, we descend toward the remote settlement of Plazapamba.

Tonight, we enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation in mountain cabins at approximately 3,800 m (12,467 ft).

Day 3 :

Plazapamba to La Playa Base Camp

Today we continue trekking toward Yanayacu, where two rivers converge before continuing onward to La Playa base camp.

The route traverses remote ridges, river crossings, and wild volcanic terrain deep within Sangay National Park. After 6 to 7 hours of hiking, we arrive at La Playa base camp (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where we spend the night in cabins preparing for summit day.

Day 4 :

Sangay Summit Attempt

We wake very early at approximately 2:00 am to begin the ascent of Sangay Volcano.

Today’s climb takes approximately 7 to 8 hours to reach the crater rim at around 5,230 m (17,159 ft). The ascent involves steep volcanic slopes, loose rock, and ash terrain while surrounded by spectacular views of the remote Andes and Amazon basin.

After reaching the crater area, we descend back to La Playa base camp, a journey that takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Day 5 :

Return to Zurita Tambo

Today we begin the return journey toward Plazapamba and Zurita Tambo. This is one of the longest trekking days of the expedition, taking approximately 8 to 9 hours across remote Andean terrain.

After arriving at camp, we enjoy dinner and spend the night camping.

Day 6 :

Return to Guarguallá & Riobamba

On the final day, we complete a 5 to 6-hour hike back to Guarguallá, where transportation awaits for the drive back to Riobamba.