Itinerary

1. Day 01: Arrive in Quito on Friday

   • We suggest you arrive in Quito on a Friday. Your tour representative will meet you upon arrival and give you an initial program orientation. 

   Stay at Hotel Embassy.

2. Day 02: The first full day in Ecuador We Drive North to Otavalo City

   • We drive from Quito to the North, then pick up the Pan-American highway; on our way to the North of the country, we can see the impressive and beautiful landscapes of the Ecuadorian highlands, Colorful towns, agriculture, livestock, green valleys, snowcapped mountains and much more. 
   • After a 2-hour journey, we will pass the Mojanda Cajas knot and enter another province: Imbabura (or the blue Province). This province has many lagoons, and the contrast between the water and the Sky makes it a blue province. 
   • After 2 hours and 30 minutes, we arrive in Otavalo to see the largest indigenous market in South America, Ecuador. The Otavaleño Indians came down from small villages in the surrounding mountains to sell agricultural products and weavings for life.  
   • After a morning of exploring and photographing as well as shopping for the same handicrafts, we hike up one of the hills above the town of Otavalo; after one one-hour hike to reach the small summit, we can see the big San Pablo lagoon, the biggest like in Ecuador and very nice view around the surrounding area, if the wetter condition is nice we can look Mojanda massive, Imbabura mountain volcano, then continue hike down, after one half hour hike we pick up our car to drive and stop for our lunch on of one the typical restaurant Cabañas del Lago, we can eat a typical Ecuadorian cuisine. 
   • After lunch, we drive back to Quito, but before stopping after 1 hour, drive briefly at the Equatorial Monument or Equatorial Line KITSATO) on the way back to Quito, the same picture latitude. The guide explains the history of it.
   •  After this short stop and picture time, we continue driving to Quito.

   Stay at Hotel Embassy.

3. Day 03: Hike up to Ruco Pichcincha the First Day Acclimatization

   • We will acclimatize by ascending the 4800m (13,773ft) high Guagua Pichincha or Ruco Pichincha volcano. To reach Guagua Pichincha, we will drive for half an hour from Quito. For Ruco Pichincha, it's a 25-minute drive from the hotel to the cable car, which will take us to the Cruz Loma area at 3900m (12,792ft).
   • After reaching the starting point, we will begin our hike up to the mountain volcano. Quito is located on the slopes of this active volcano. Our main objective here is to help each team member acclimate to the higher elevation and allow our bodies to adjust to the altitude. We will hike from Cruz Loma to enjoy the beautiful Paramo barley, cross a sand slope, and do some rock climbing. The entire journey will take around 4 hours to reach the summit, where we will have lunch, rest, and take photos. We will then descend, taking about 2 hours to reach the parking lot. If the weather is nice, we will have the opportunity to enjoy many photographic opportunities in Quito and its beautiful scenic areas.
   • After the summit, hike down to the cable car, then drive to the hotel. 

   Stay at Hotel Embassy.

4. Day 04: We Offer a Scenic Tour Through Quito

   • The city tour of Quito begins with a visit to the Basilica church, showcasing the contrast between Spanish colonial displays, contemporary arts, and Inca culture.
   • We will hike into the colonial city and visit the Presidential house, Plaza San Francisco, and the church, which will provide a good introduction to Ecuador's history. During our visit, we will explore several cities and see the most interesting colonial churches. Additionally, we'll take a tour of the first streets of Quito, which were built in 1546 (Calle la Ronda). At this location, we can observe the process of making cocoa and chocolate. We will also visit the bustling small mountain, El Panecillo, located in the middle of the city. From there, we can enjoy views of the northern and southern parts of the city, the massive Pichincha mountain, and much more. After the 4-hour tour, we can return to the hotel for a free afternoon.

   Stay at Hotel Embassy.

5. Day 05: Depart Quito at 9:00am to Cayambe hut

   • We will depart from Quito and head directly to the Cayambe Villages. Then, we will drive up the mountain and arrive at the Cayambe refuge by 3 pm (4700m / 15,416ft). Lunch is included, probably at the same restaurant on the way.
   • After driving for another 1 hour and 30 minutes, we should arrive at the Cayambe volcano and refuge by 3-4 pm. The volcano is located north of Quito on the eastern ridge of the Andes. Cayambe is Ecuador's third highest peak, standing at 5790m (18,991ft), with its summit just 3km north of the Equator line. The glacier on this mountain is large and one of the most active equatorial ice flows. The varied glacial terrain provides an excellent training ground for climbing skills and a rewarding summit climb. 

   Overnight at the hut.

6. Day 06: Cayambe Glaciers Summit Day

   • Please remember the following schedule: Wake up at 7 am for breakfast. We will continue adjusting to altitude acclimatization and head to the glacier at 8:30 am. This will involve engaging in moderate glacier activities to familiarize ourselves with climbing techniques and equipment necessary for climbing high peaks like Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and others. Our guide will provide training on glacier skills, rope handling, glacier travel, snow climbing, basic crevasse rescue skills, and safety techniques for approximately 6 hours. 
   • After the training, we will return to the refuge for a delicious lunch and rest in the afternoon. We will prepare to depart for the Cayambe Day summit at midnight. Early dinner and early bedtime, usually by 6:30 pm at the refuge.

7. Day 07: Cayambe Summit Day

   • Wake up at midnight for breakfast and final equipment check. We will leave the refuge at 1:00 A.M. and climb with headlamps for the first four hours. There will be an easy glacier climb to a saddle, and then we will continue onto steeper and exciting terrain. 
   • We will traverse around large crevasses and pass some spectacular seracs. We will climb 40-degree slopes with occasional short, steeper sections. The final Cayambe summit will be reached at about 9:00 A.M., providing a view of photogenic lines and spectacular mountains. 
   • We will return to the refuge around 2:00 p.m. In the afternoon, drive down to Guachala, a beautiful hacienda with colonial architecture. This will be a good place to relax and recover your energy after the climb before continuing your adventure. 

   Stay at Hosteria Guachala.

8. Day 08: Resting Full Day

   • After breakfast, around 8-9 am, we can move to Papallacta Host Spring. Today, we can rest and move to Papallacta Host Spring at 3,300m altitude. We can completely relax in the afternoon in this area and enjoy the natural hot water, massage, swimming pool, etc. 

   Stay at Termas de Papallacta Resort.

9. Day 09: Tambopaxi-Jose Rivas Refuges

   • Today, we can make an easy morning tour by the altitude valley of the two mountains, Sincholagua and Cotopaxi. 
   • After breakfast, we will visit the Inca ruins of El Saltire and El Manantial. At this point, we will explore the spring water source, which is actually a river with pure mineral water safe for drinking. After hiking for 3-4 hours, we can have lunch.
   • After reaching Cotopaxi National Park, our driving destination ends at the Cotopaxi car park, which is situated at 4550m (14,927ft). From there, we will have a 45-minute hike with full backpacks up to the Jose Rivas Refuge on the north flank of Cotopaxi at 4800m (15,748ft). The group will then prepare their mountain gear for a midnight departure for Cotopaxi summit day. 

   Early dinner and early bedtime, usually by 6:30 pm at the refuge.

10. Day 10: Cotopaxi Summit Day

    • Wake up at midnight for breakfast and equipment check-up. We will leave the refuge at 1:00 A.M. Our route will take us through a group of uniform slopes and ice ramps of 30 and 35 degrees before reaching a glacier platform. From this point, we will enjoy a spectacular colour display in the Andes and witness the sunrise with incredible colours over the valley below us.
    • Our route will pass under a 400-foot wide rock base called Yanasacha, also known as "the route of the moon" in Quichua. We will start climbing glacier slopes of 35 and 45 degrees, and after 1 hour and 30 minutes of climbing, we will be near the top. From there, it will only take 15 more minutes to reach the main summit climb, where we will emerge onto Ecuador's second-highest summit: Volcan Cotopaxi at 5897m (19,427ft.). If the weather conditions are good, you will be able to see the amazing nature around you. The approximate climbing time will be 7 hours, and we will return to the refuge around 9 or 10:00 A.M. 
    • After resting, we will hike back down to the 4x4 and then return to Tambopaxi to take our lodges for the drive to La Cienega Hosteria for a restful night before our Chimborazo adventure the next day.
    • Stay at Cienega Hosteria.

11. Day 11: Hacienda la Cienega-Hosteria-Quilotoa Loop

    • We will depart from Tambopaxi at 10:00 am and head from the East to the West. Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera and the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 3 3-kilometre (2 mi) wide caldera was formed by the collapse of this dacite volcano following a catastrophic VEI-6 eruption about 800 years ago. This eruption produced pyroclastic flows and lahars that reached the Pacific Ocean and spread an airborne deposit of volcanic ash throughout the northern Andes. The caldera has since accumulated a 250 m (820 ft) deep crater lake, which has a greenish colour due to dissolved minerals. Fumaroles are found on the lake floor, and hot springs occur on the eastern flank of the volcano. Quilotoa is a tourist site that is becoming increasingly popular. From the small town of Quilotoa, you can see that the lagoon is a perfect example of one of the various extinct volcanoes that are now volcanic lagoons. The crater rim is about 9 km in diameter, and there is approximately a 400m vertical drop from the rim to the lagoon edge. It's easy to hike down but hard to hike up. It is possible to rent a mule for 5 dollars to reach the rim on an easy 'hike'. The water is turquoise and green in colour.

    Stay at Hostal Mama Hilda.

12. DAY 12: Chimborazo High Camp at 5300m

    • Depart from Mama Hilda Hostal at 10:00 A.M. From Chugchilan, we will drive east toward Cotopaxi mountain in the province of the same name. Along the way, we will pass through agricultural and Andean towns such as Sigchos and Toacaso. The terrain offers beautiful views of the landscape, including the stunning Toachi Canyon, where a large river flows from the west side of the Andes of Ecuador. 
    • After about two hours of driving, we will reach Latacunga city, where we can stop to buy food before continuing on to Ambato city. Throughout our drive, we will cross agricultural and indigenous areas, with plenty of picturesque spots to capture. 
    • After about 5 hours of driving, we will arrive at the lower refuge of Chimborazo at 4800m (14,545ft). We will then organize our backpacks and start a 2-hour hike up Chimborazo's west flank to reach the high camp at 5300m. 

    Early dinner and early bedtime, usually by 6:30 pm at the High camp.

13. Day 13: Chimboarzo Summit Day

    • Chimborazo is Ecuador's highest peak and a massive glaciated volcano with five summits. Rise at midnight for breakfast and an equipment check-up. 
    • Leave the hut at 1:00 A.M. We move immediately to the massive glacier on Chimborazo's southwest face, where we first traverse moderately angled ice slopes, climb through a series of icefalls and up the steep ice ramps. Climbing simultaneously on moderate grounds, belaying up the steep pitches. Our team will rope together to cross crevasses and finally reach the summit. This is the highest point of the Andes, and from here, we have a magnificent view of the emerging volcanoes that form the eastern and western Cordillera. The said volcanoes seem to emerge from the clouds below our feet. Our approximate climbing time is 8 to 9 hours. 
    • Return to the refuge around noon. Lunch and travel to Baños (6:00 P.M.) 

    Stay at Hosteria Monte selva.

14. Day 14: We Relax in the Valley Town of Baños

    • The lush vegetation is home to an unusual variety of orchids, mountains, mild temperatures, flowers, birds, many butterflies, and hummingbirds, among other species to observe. We have a full day of activities planned, including a visit to some beautiful waterfalls along the way to the jungle. It is possible to ride a bicycle along this road to enjoy the stunning nature. We will spend some time at the awesome waterfalls and then take a 2-hour walk to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall to explore the jungle forest.
    • We will also visit the Inez Maria waterfall on the Pastaza River and, of course, end our day with a visit to the zoo. Throughout the day, we will enjoy nature, requiring about 4 hours of travel by car to return to town. You may also choose to hike to the famous Catholic church.

    Stay at Hosteria monte Selva.

15. Day 15: Drive Back to Quito

    • Departing from Baños at 10:00 a.m. and arriving at your hotel around 2:00 p.m. Free afternoon. In the evening, we have a farewell dinner for the group.

    Stay at Hotel Embassy.

16. Day 16: Transfer Out

    • Transfer to the airport for your international flight departure.