ILINIZA, COTOPAXI & CHIMBORAZO CLIMB

For the mountain climbing enthusiast short of time we have developed a 12-day program to summit Iliniza North, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. We will start with some smaller peaks to help acclimatization. Acclimatizing is very important to summit Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. While in the process we provide clients opportunity to visit some wonderful places.

Day 1: Quito – Transfer in
Quito overnight hotel. (Transfer/Hotel)

Day 2: Quito - Antisana 4.000m
after breakfast departure, 1:30 hours’ drive to this protected area. 3 hours hike from 3.000mts to 4.000mts. We will visit La Mica Lagoon, if weather allows on the way we may observe Andean condors (bird symbol of the Reserve and the Republic of Ecuador). We will have lunch while enjoying a great view of Cotopaxi snow pick and other nearby mountains. Return to Quito in the afternoon. (Breakfast/Lunch/Hotel)

Day 3: Quito - Pasochoa 4.200m
Early departure heading south towards this protected forest. Throughout its paths we can watch colorful butterflies, frogs, and other small wild animals. 3 to 4 hours hike the top where we will have lunch enjoying beautiful views of nearby snow picks. Transfer to El Chaupi, in the afternoon. (Brakfast/Lunch/Hostel)

Day 4: El Chaupi - El Corazon 4.788mts
Corazon is an eroded and extinct volcano located in the “Illinizas Ecological Reserve” 40km Southwest of Quito. This hike offers spectacular views of surrounding snow picks. Trekking Corazon is perfect for a first approach for acclimatization. The hiking route is straightforward and requires no rock equipment or experience. It takes around 6 to 8 hours to reach the summit and return. The weather is could and unpredictable therefore, warm clothing is necessary.
Lunch on the way. Transfer to el Chaupi (3.300mts) Lodge. Overnight La Llovizna. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Mountain Lodge).

Day 5: El Chaupi - Iliniza Summit 5.116mts
after a very early breakfast departure to the summit following the normal route. Usually this summit has very little snow and it is easy to reach without crampons, just good walking boots. Hiking takes approx. 7 hours, descend to the refuge and to La Virgin. Transfer to latacunga. (Breakfast/Lunch/Hotel)

Day 6: Latacunga - Quilotoa Lake 4.000mts
Transfer to Quilotoa, hike down to the Lagoon (+-) 50 minutes inside the crater. Here we will be rewarded with some beautiful views of the Lake and admire its changing colors. Lunch before visiting an Indian community. Transfer to Machachi, overnight.
(Breakfast/Hotel)

Day 7: Machachi - Cotopaxi Refuge 4.800Mts
After breakfast, transfer from to Cotopaxi National park continue driving until we reach the parking area. The hike to the refuge takes about 45 minutes. Lunch and ice briefing techniques practice outside the refuge. Dinner and rest. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Refuge)

Day 8: Cotopaxi Summit5.897mts - Baños
We get up around midnight, have breakfast and depart to the summit following the normal north route. This may take us from 6 to 7 hours. With good weather, as the sunrises we would enjoy some exceptional views. Descend to the refuge then to the parking lot, transfer to Baños. (Breakfast/ Hotel)

Day 9: Baños City tour
today is a well-earned rest day.
After breakfast, we will head to the waterfalls and to the Pailon Del Diablo.
Overnight in Baños. (Breakfast/ Hotel)

Day 10: Baños - Chimborazo refuge 4.800mts
Departure after breakfast, heading to Riobamba and continue to Carrel Refuge 4800mts. Dinner and rest (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Refuge)

Day 11: Chimborazo Summit 6.310mts 
Before midnight, we get up have breakfast and start climbing to the summit. Following the standard route it may take us from 8 to 9 hours to reach the summit where you can enjoy a great view of the surrounding peaks. Return to the refuge 2 to 3 hours. Transfer to Riobamba. (Breakfast/Hotel)

Day 12: Chimborazo Reserve day
Breakfast
visit to Balbanera the first Church built in South America. Riobamba city tour.
Transfer to Quito. (Breakfast/Hotel)

Includes
Private transportation (12 days), entrance permits to National parks, (Iliniza, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo), ASEGUIM Mountain guide (1 for every 2 people), accommodations: 2 nights hotel in Quito, 2 nights Machachi, 2 nights Baños, 1 night Riobamba (tourist class, breakfast included). Mountain refuges: 2 nights in el Chaupi, 1 night Cotopaxi's refuge, 1 night Chimborazo's refuge. Mountain meals: lunch, breakfast and dinner: Iliniza, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.

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

What to bring
Technical equipment, Alpine boots, warm clothes, rain jacket, sunglasses, sun scream, gloves, tennis shoes or hiking boots, sleeping bag, head lamp.