We will start early in the morning from Quito and drive north for about 2,5 hours until we reach the town of Otavalo. We then drive on a cobbled street for 20 more minutes until we arrive at Mojanda lake (12,139ft/3.700m) which is our starting point. We will follow a trail on the northeastern side of the mountain, which connects to the summit. Our hike takes us through low growing Andean vegetation for most of the way. The last part of the trail includes a few minutes of easy scrambling, just below the summit. Once on the top of Fuya Fuya (13,986ft/4.263m), we will enjoy the wonderful views, take some pictures, have our lunch and head back down to the car. Drive back to Otavalo by late afternoon (B/-/-)

We’ll leave from Otavalo (8,530ft/2.600m) early in the morning, and drive north to Ibarra, from where we turn east towards La Esperanto. From here we drive for about 2 more hours through the Andean highlands before we reach the trailhead (10,499ft/3.200m). The hike starts off through amazing Andean highland grass. As we gain elevation we’ll be able to see the surrounding, snow-capped mountains, such as Antisana, Cayambe, and even Cotopaxi far away to the south on clear days. Once nearing the summit, will be hiking along a ridge of volcanic caldera which will take us to the top of the mountain (15,125ft/4.610m) soon after. It’ll take us about 7-8 hours round trip. Return to Otavalo by late afternoon (B/-/-)

After a late breakfast, we will drive to Ruales Oleas Cayambe Refuge for about 3 hours; we will get lunch here, and go up to the near glacier, where you will learn a few basics techniques and we will give you an introduction about the use of the climbing gear, roping up, cramponing, ice axe-handling, etc. We will return to the Refuge by late afternoon for dinner and rest (B/-/D)

Today we will start early in the morning, and climb up in the direction of Picos Jarrin at 17,060ft/5.200m, where we will practice some moderate and some more advanced climbing techniques, including self-arrest, use of the ice axe on steep slopes, use of crampons with American and French technique step, front pointing techniques, use of the rope while crossing crevasses and how to set anchors like ice pickets, ice screws, etc. We will go back to the Refuge for an early dinner and rest until midnight (B/-/D)