ECUADOR , SOUTH AMERICA
STAND ON THE SUMMIT CLOSEST TO THE SUN
COTOPAXI & CHIMBORAZO
ABOUT THE TRIP
This high-altitude expedition is designed to take you from the historic streets of Quito to the summit of Ecuador’s highest volcano, building fitness and acclimatisation through a carefully structured series of climbs. Beginning with time to settle in and adjust to altitude in Quito, the journey gradually increases in challenge with acclimatisation ascents on Rucu Pichincha and Iliniza Norte, alongside time spent in remote páramo landscapes and mountain refuges.
As the expedition progresses, you’ll move deeper into Ecuador’s volcanic heartland, visiting the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake before shifting focus to the major summit objectives. A night at Cotopaxi’s José Rivas Refuge sets the stage for an early-morning ascent of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, followed by a well-earned recovery in Baños. The final phase of the trip takes you to the vast Andean plains beneath Chimborazo, where you’ll approach high camp before attempting the demanding climb of Chimborazo itself — the highest point in Ecuador and, due to the Earth’s equatorial bulge, the furthest point from the centre of the planet. Challenging, progressive, and deeply rewarding, this expedition offers an exceptional introduction to high-altitude mountaineering in the Andes.
KEY INFO
TRIP DIFFICULTY
This trip is a Demanding difficulty trip. Summit days will involve very early starts and long approaches.
TRIP DURATION
The expedition is a total of 13 days. Within this, there are 7 days of trekking / climbing.
GROUP SIZE
The minimum group size will be 5 people. This many people are required for the trip to run. There will be up to 13 people total.
DATES & PRICES
December 2028 - Exact Dates TBC
£2,950.
Places secured with a £300 deposit.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS
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All accommodation throughout the trip (hotels, lodges, refuges, and high camp)
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All ground transportation during the itinerary
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ASEGUIM-certified mountain guides for all climbs (guide ratio 2:1)
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Technical climbing equipment: helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, ropes
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All meals during climbing days and at mountain lodges/refuges as per itinerary
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National Park entrance fees where applicable
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LMG Trek Manager
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Team t-shirt, 70L Duffle Bag and Buff
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Medical Kit
EXCLUSIONS
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International Flights from your destination country
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Personal Trekking Insurance - To cover trekking to 6,263m. This is mandatory to join us on a trip.
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Tips for the trekking team (£100)
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Meals in Quito and Baños unless specified
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Souvenirs
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Additional food and beverages
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Personal trekking kit (Boots,rucksacks etc)
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Services and Accommodation not included in the planned itinerary.
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Costs associated with you leaving the expedition early.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Quito (2,850m)
On arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred by private vehicle to Quito Basecamp Hotel (or similar). The remainder of the day is free to settle in, hydrate well, and rest after your journey.
Day 2 – Quito Free Day / Acclimatisation
A free day to explore Quito at your own pace or simply relax. You may wish to visit the historic Old Town, browse local markets, or enjoy views from one of the surrounding viewpoints. This day plays an important role in your initial acclimatisation.
Day 3 – Rucu Pichincha Summit Trek (4,696m)
Transfer to the TelefériQo cable car (approx. 4,000m) before beginning the ascent of Rucu Pichincha, a classic acclimatisation peak overlooking Quito. The route follows rocky, alpine terrain and offers excellent altitude exposure. Descend and return to Quito in the afternoon.
• Hiking: 5–7 hours • Elevation gain: approx. +700m • Max altitude: 4,696m
Day 4 – Ilinizas Trek to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,700m)
Morning transfer to the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. Trek through expansive páramo landscapes to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge, situated between Iliniza Norte and Iliniza Sur. The afternoon is spent resting, checking equipment, and attending a briefing in preparation for the summit attempt.
• Hiking: 4–5 hours • Elevation gain: approx. +700m • Max altitude: 4,700m
Day 5 – Iliniza Norte Summit (5,116m) / Huerta Sacha Mountain Lodge
An early start for the ascent of Iliniza Norte, a non-glaciated but exposed summit requiring good fitness and basic scrambling. After reaching the summit, descend back to the trailhead and transfer to Huerta Sacha Mountain Lodge for rest and recovery.
• Hiking: 6–8 hours • Elevation gain/loss: approx. +700m / –1,400m • Max altitude: 5,116m
Day 6 – Quilotoa Crater Lake (3,914m) / Transfer to Tambo Paxi
Day trip to Quilotoa Lagoon, one of Ecuador’s most striking volcanic craters. Gentle walking along the crater rim provides active recovery while maintaining altitude exposure. In the afternoon, transfer to Tambo Paxi Lodge on the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano.
• Walking: 2–3 hours (optional) • Elevation gain/loss: minimal • Max altitude: 3,914m
Day 7 – Transfer to José Rivas Refuge, Cotopaxi (4,864m)
The morning is free for rest, hydration, and final preparations. After lunch, transfer by vehicle to José Rivas Refuge on Cotopaxi Volcano. Dinner is served at approximately 17:00, followed by an early night in preparation for the summit attempt.
• Walking: minimal • Max altitude: 4,864m
Day 8 – Cotopaxi Summit (5,897m) / Transfer to Baños
Summit day begins around midnight. The ascent follows glaciated terrain, with crampons and ice axes required. After summiting, descend back to the refuge for breakfast before returning by vehicle and transferring to Baños de Agua Santa for recovery.
• Hiking: 10–12 hours total • Elevation gain/loss: approx. +1,050m / –1,050m • Max altitude: 5,897m
Day 9 – Baños Free Day (1,820m)
A full day at leisure to rest and recover. Optional activities include hot springs, waterfalls, short hikes, or simply relaxing in town.
• Optional walking only
Day 10 – Transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (3,900m)
Morning transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge, set on the high Andean plains beneath Chimborazo. The afternoon is dedicated to acclimatisation, rest, and preparation for the final ascent.
Day 11 – Chimborazo High Camp Approach (5,300m)
After a relaxed morning and final technical briefing, drive to the Chimborazo car park (4,800m) and begin the ascent to High Camp Geodomes. Early dinner followed by rest until midnight.
• Hiking: 2–3 hours • Elevation gain: approx. +500m • Max altitude: 5,300m
Day 12 – Chimborazo Summit (6,263m) / Return to Quito
The climb begins around midnight. Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest and most demanding peak, involving long glaciated sections and sustained climbing. After summiting, descend to high camp for breakfast, continue down to Carrel Refuge, return to basecamp to collect your belongings, and transfer back to Quito.
• Hiking: 12–14 hours total • Elevation gain/loss: approx. +960m / –2,300m • Max altitude: 6,263m
Day 13 – Departure
Private transfer to the airport for your onward journey home.
TRIP SPECIFIC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General FAQs about our trips, booking, fitness etc can be found here
How fit do I really need to be and what skills do I require?
Unlike our trips to Nepal where we climb peaks of a similar height, much of this expedition served by good road access which vastly reduces approach times. That said, there are still some long days (with early starts), and high recovery needs. Overall, you will attempt to climb 5 peaks during the itinerary, venturing near to, and over 6000m twice. With this in mind, you should look to come to this expedition with a high level of fitness. Being able to complete 3-4 back to back 'big' hill days in the UK would be a good gauge as to whether you are prepared.
For both Cotopaxi and Chimborazo you will be walking in crampons on snow slopes of varying terrain. High proficiency in this isn't required, but we do recommend some experience in advance of the expedition to make the experience that bit easier. You will be supported at a Mountain Guide ratio of 2:1, so there is lots of support for you during your ascent and descent of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.
How can we help you get fit?
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Matt is a qualified Personal Trainer so if you want some formal training just get in touch with us via Summit Push Fitness
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Come and join some of our walks in the Lake District through Lakeland Mountain Guides
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Ask us for our FREE 12 week training plan
How much do I have to carry?
Given the nature of all the ascents, excluding that of Chimborazo, your pack will only ever hold your daily essentials. This kit will be familiar and will largely be the same as what you carry during a day hike here in the UK. Likely items in your bag will include waterproofs, spare layer, hats, gloves, snacks and water (2-3L Max). Where winter conditions are expected (e.g Cotopaxi) you will also need to carry the additional technical gear (Helmet, Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe). It is likely your bag would weigh in the region of 11-13kgs at this time. For the Chimborazo ascent you will also need to carry your sleeping gear up to the high camp. It is likely your bag will weigh in the region of 16kgs for this part of the expedition. You will then collect this gear again on the descent from the summit.
We recommend you ensure you do some training walks with your 'trek weight' to ensure you're comfortable. If you want to take it one step better, train with a slightly heavier bag than you'll trek with and make the trekking weight feel easy!
What Technical Kit do I require?
All technical kit is provided, all you need is a good 4 season sleeping bag and a larger backpack to carry all the gear on Chimborazo. If you have your own boots for 6000m, crampons, ice axe, helmet or harness you are of course welcome to bring them.
What about the Food and Accommodation?
Food on the trek is simple, hearty, and designed to keep you well fuelled for long days on the trail. Breakfasts typically include oatmeal or granola, breakfast bars, fresh local fruit, and a choice of hot drinks such as coffee, tea, cocoa, or cider. Evening meals begin with a warming soup, followed by generous one-pot main dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible, such as pasta with sausage and vegetables or chicken fajitas with tortillas, cheese, and peppers. Dinners finish with dessert and hot drinks, providing a comforting and satisfying end to each day.
Lunches whilst on the trek will be 'snack based' and will require some thought from you as to what to bring from home, or purchase in country upon arrival.
The trek utilises a mixture of hotels, mountain refuges (dormitory style) and geodomes.
Do I require Travel Insurance?
Most certainly. Travelling, let alone adventure travel, can throw up all sorts of incidents or circumstances that need to be covered by insurance otherwise you could face a very hefty bill. As a minimum your insurance must cover the dates of the trip, the altitude you are trekking to and helicopter evacuation if applicable. Our recommendation for travel insurance is Campbell Irvine
More info can be found in our Hints ,Tips & Trip Reports section
