Climbing Cayambe + 3 peaks in 8 days
Pichincha Province – Ecuador
Elevation:
(18,996ft/5.790m)
Difficulty
Intermediate
Duration
8 days
Itinerary
If you land in Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) in the morning, we will visit the Equator line and the Intiñan museum. Overnight in the hotel (-/-/-)
We will leave from Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) early in the morning and drive southeast for about 2 hours through the Andean highlands until we get to the trailhead (10,827ft/3.300m). The hike goes through an amazing primary Andean forest, great for bird watching, as we will arrive on the summit (13,878ft/4.230m) and if the weather allows, we will be able to see the surrounding snow capped mountains such as Antisana, Cayambe, Illinizas, Cotopaxi and even Chimborazo far away to the south on clear days. It will take us about 6 hours. Transfer to Machachi by late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel (B/-/-)
We will leave from Machachi early in the morning and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the village of “El Chaupi”. We will continue driving up to the trailhead (13,123ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part of the hike takes us up through the small Andean grass. Then we will get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to Corazon summit (15,702ft/4.786m). We will have lunch during the hike that is about 8 hour long. Return to Machachi by late afternoon (B/-/-)
We will leave from Machachi in the morning and drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the village of “El Chaupi”. We will continue driving up until we get to “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795ft/3.900m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Refuge” (15,583ft/4.750m). We will relax for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner will be served by late afternoon (B/-/D)
Our climbing day starts at 5 am. We will have a light breakfast, pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge an hour later. We will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/5.126m). The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scrambling. Once at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful surroundings. Overnight in the hotel (B/-/-)
We will leave from Machachi in the morning and will drive north through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the town of Cayambe. This drive will take us around 2 hours. From there we still have to drive for another hour to the Ruales Oleas Berge refuge (15,092ft/4.600m). We will learn some basic techniques, which include last but not least proper handling of the climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc). We will be on the Refuge for dinner and rest (B/-/D)
We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (18,996ft/5.790m) around 1 am after a light breakfast. The ascent takes about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit we will take our time for pictures of the surroundings, and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the refuge we will rest, pack our belongings and return back to Quito (B/-/-)
Transfer from the hotel to the Airport (B/-/-)
Price: Please contact us
Superior service
Private transportation and transfers
Professional Mountain Guide IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide) or ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides) / ratio 2 climbers – 1 guide
Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
Accommodation in the hotels (double occupancy), Nuevos Horizontes Hut and Ruales Oleas Refuge
All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above with B: breakfast and D: dinner)
A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
National Park fees and permits registration
Permanent communication through walkie-talkie between guides and office in case of an emergency
Common gear: Ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, rescue gear
Fully First aid kit (Recommended by NOLS WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE)
Rescue or evacuation service in case of any incident in the mountains. (Only Company in Ecuador)
Personal Mountain Gear (warm clothes, sleeping bag, sun glasses, head lamp, etc.)
Single supplement
International flights
Meals and beverages at the hotels (lunch, dinner)
Personal insurance
Tips
Other non-specified expenses




