CAYAMBE & CHIMBORAZO CLIMB

This 12 day trip starts in Quito. During the expedition we will summit Fuya-Fuya and Imbabura mountains which work perfectly as acclimatization peaks before trying Cayambe. In addition we’ll go to Cuicocha Lake. You will get to see a great variety of wildlife and plants as well as the most beautiful landscapes and snow-covered picks. Although the climbs are not technically difficult, it will be a physically demanding adventure. For this reason, it is mandatory to have a very good fitness condition.

Day 1: Quito - Transfer In/Otavalo
Hotel overnight (Transfer/Hotel)

Day 2: Otavalo – Cuicocha 3.500mts
after breakfast short transfer to Cuicocha Lake, car drive will end at a height of 3.100mts where we will start our hike. Walking around the edge of the crater will take us approximately 4 ½ hrs. We will enjoy peace and beautiful surroundings. Lunch and return to Otavalo in the afternoon. Hotel overnight. (Breakfast/Lunch/Hotel)

Day 3: Otavalo Fuya – Fuya 4.200mts
Departure after breakfast. Hiking to the summit will take approximately 4 hours. Starting point 3.700mts. We'll stop at Caricocha Lake then we will continue hiking around the other 2 lakes Huarmicocha and Yanacocha enjoying an amazing view of these 3 lakes. On a clear day we can enjoy the view of the snow-picks Cotapaxi, Cayambe and Antisana. Lunch on the way and return to Otavalo in the afternoon. (Breakfast/Lunch/Hotel)

Day 4: Imbabura 4.600mts
Imbabura is an inactive volcano located 60 kilometers north of Quito and 8 km east of Otavalo. Its gentle slopes make it a perfect acclimatization climb for those preparing to climb snow-capped high peaks in Ecuador. From the summit we can see Yaguarcocha Lake and Cayambe snow pick. A short drive will take us to the starting trek to the summit. This ascent will last from 6 - 7 hours. We will go through tall grasses into rocky outcroppings, followed by surprisingly lush moutain vegetation. Lunch on the way in the afternoon return to the hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch/Hotel)

Day 5: Otavalo - Cayambe 5.100mts
after breakfast transfer to Cayambe. Driving on the Pan-American Highway heading north towards Cayambe town. We'll continue driving until we reach the parking area. A short hike will take us to the Oleas Refuge hut 4.600mts. Ice basic techniques briefing outside the refuge. Dinner and rest. (Breakfast/Lunch/Hotel)

Day 6: Cayambe - Refuge 
After breakfast glacier ice practice to acclimatize. Return to refuge, dinner and rest.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Refuge)

Day 7: Cayambe Summit 5.790mts - Baños
we get up around midnight, get ready, have breakfast and then we depart for the summit following the normal north route. This should take us around 6 to 7 hours of climbing and with good weather, as the sunrises we should be able to enjoy some of the most exceptional views in the world. Return to the refuge 2 ½ hours, then to the parking lot. Transfer to Baños. (Breakfast/Hotel)

Day 8: Baños - City tour
today is a well-earned rest day. After breakfast we will head to the waterfalls and to Pailon Del Diablo. Overnight in Baños hotel. (Breakfast/Hotel)

Day 9: Baños - Chimborazo Refuge 4.800mts
depart from Baños heading to Riobamba City. We'll pass Ambato city and continue towards the Whimper Refuge at 5.000m. From the parking area a short trek takes us to the second refuge, the Whimper Hut. Refuge dinner and rest. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Refuge)

Day 10: Refuge - Chimborazo Summit 6.310mts
we will depart for the summit before midnight after a very early breakfast. We will take the standard route that will take us from 8 to 10 hours. Reaching the summit will be a grand achievement and you will enjoy the spectacular views. Return to the refuge 2 to 3 hours. Transfer to Quito or overnight in Riobamba. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Hotel)

Day 11: Chimborazo Reserve day
Breakfast. Riobamba City tour, visit to Balbanera first church built in South America
Return to Quito, hotel overnight.

Day 12: Transfer Out
Breakfast/Transfer to the airport

Includes
Private transportation(12 days), entrance permit to National parks, (Cuicocha, Cayambe and Chimborazo), ASEGUIM Mountain guide (1 for every 2 people) accommodations: 5 nights Otavalo, 2 nights Baños, 1 night Riobamba (tourist class hotels double accommodation) breakfast included. Mountain refuges: 2 nights Cayambe, 1 night Chimborazo. Mountain meals: lunch, breakfast and dinner (Cayambe and Chimborazo).

Not included
Travel and health insurance, meals in towns: Quito, Otavalo and Baños, personal equipment, tips, additional beverages, nothing not listed as "includes"

What to bring
Personal equipment, alpine boots, warm clothes, Rain jacket, sunglasses, sun scream, gloves, tennis shoes or hiking boots, sleeping bag, head lamp.