Name: 12-tägige Expedition zu den höchsten Gipfeln Ecuadors: Hochgebirgs-Wandertour
Brand: ITK Voyage - Ecuador
Price: 3990 USD
Availability: InStock

Unterkunft

Mix of “comfort” and “superior” accommodations:

Comfort category

Charming and comfortable accommodation
2-star / 3-star category
Clean and offering an adapted-to-European and American customer service

Superior category

Charming accommodation
3-star / 4-star category
Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service
Spacious and tasteful rooms

Note

The indicated hotels will be subject to availability and will be an integral part of the tour. ITK Voyage - Ecuador reserves the right to choose another hotel of equivalent standard in the event of non-availability.

Hotels and haciendas

Days 1, 2, and 11 (Quito)

Ikala Hotel
3-star
Standard room

Day 3 (Quilotoa Loop - Chugchilán)

Mama Hilda Inn
2-star / 3-star
Standard room

Days 4 and 5 (Lasso)

La Ciénega Hacienda
3-star
Standard room

Day 6 (Cotopaxi National Park)

Tambopaxi Hacienda
3-star / 4-star
Superior room

Day 6 (Cotopaxi)

Cotopaxi Refuge
Dormitory

Days 8 and 9 (Baños)

Isla de Baños
3-star
Standard room

Day 10 (Chimborazo)

Chimborazo Refuge
Dormitory

Ikala Hotel

The Ikala Hotel (fusion of Anahi Boutique Hotel and Fuente de Piedra) is ideally located in the very modern part of Quito, near Mariscal Foch Avenue. It combines two distinct spaces, which house, on the one hand very simple and economical rooms, and on the other hand, charming personalized suites.

The hotel will also allow you to enjoy the festive atmosphere and multiple gastronomic events omnipresent in the capital modern center. Ikala has a good-quality restaurant with a well-stocked menu.

In 2019, the hotel fitted out junior suites in addition to the existing suites, making it possible to offer beautiful rooms for any budget, at an overall very affordable price.

Mama Hilda Inn

Mama Hilda is a family hostel located in the isolated village of Chugchilan, about 30 minutes far from the Quilotoa Lagoon. If you are looking for a beautiful place - without luxe - to relax and enjoy Ecuador’s picturesque Andes, Mama Hilda is for you.

Horses are available daily for travelers, and the horseback riding tour you can enjoy there is one of the most beautiful in Ecuador.

Mama Hilda also prepares all her dishes with healthy products from local farms. Even desserts and pasta are usually prepared by the friars in an Italian monastery located a few kilometers from the hostel.

The inn offers different types of rooms: dormitory rooms and private rooms, with or without a private bathroom. Restrooms are available for travelers as well as a new lounge bar with a superb view of the surrounding volcanoes.

La Cienega Hacienda

La Cienega's rich history began in 1695. Located a few kilometers from the main Cotopaxi National Park entrance, on the Lasso Village outskirts, La Cienega is one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador.

Marked by history, it housed Charles-Marie de la Condamine, a French scientist who led the Geodesic Mission that arrived to the back then Quito Royal Audience in 1736 and 1744.

The Hacienda La Cienega offers a magnificent furnished building with elegant architecture and very well-maintained gardens. Even if the rooms remain fairly simple, you will spend a timeless stay within its walls. It provides a fascinating meeting for all Andean history lovers.

Tambopaxi Hacienda

Located in the heart of Cotopaxi Park, facing the famous Cotopaxi Volcano (5,890m), the Tambopaxi Hacienda offers a breathtaking view of this majestic and emblematic volcano.

The hacienda is typically designed, with its thatched roofs and mud walls. It consists of a dormitory and very beautiful superior rooms. The meals served are rich and very good.

Hacienda Tambopaxi is a must-see place for mountain lovers traveling in Ecuador due to the unparalleled Cotopaxi view that it offers, and the totally exotic setting that surrounds it.

Isla de Baños Hotel

Hotel Isla de Baños is located in the city center of this charming spa town. In Baños, the hotel offers a magnificent tropical garden with a beautiful waterfall, where you will be able to observe some hummingbirds (fly birds) forage on the many plants that bloom in this beautiful place.

Programm

Itinerary outline

Day 1 - Arrival in Quito and transfer in
Day 2 - Quito city tour (8,202 ft)
Day 3 - Quito to Quilotoa Loop (Day 1, 12,532 to 10,498 ft)
Day 4 - Quilotoa Loop (Day 2, 10,498 to 9,514 ft) to Lasso
Day 5 - Lasso to Corazon Volcano (15, 715 ft) to Lasso
Day 6 - Lasso to Illiniza Norte Volcano (16, 633 ft) to Cotopaxi
Day 7 - Cotopaxi (José Rivas refuge, 15,953 ft)
Day 8 - Cotopaxi Volcano (summit, 19,338 ft) to Baños
Day 9 - Baños
Day 10 - Baños to Chimborazo (refuge, 15,912 ft)
Day 11 - Chimborazo Volcano (summit, 20,570 ft) to Quito
Day 12 - Quito to transfer out (international flight)

Guides and drivers

Excursions will be led by your certified local English-speaking guide and professional Spanish-speaking driver (vehicle type - bus with 20 seats).

Days 3, 4, and 5: In addition to your tour guide, you will be accompanied by another local Spanish-speaking guide.
Days 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11: For the climb of the Illiniza Norte, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo volcanoes, you will have one UIAGM certified high-mountain international guide for two people.

Schedule

Day 1: Quito arrival (transfer in)

Upon your arrival in Quito International Airport and after personally arranging to collect your luggage, your driver will meet you at the exit hall of the airport with a sign with your name on it. Once your group is complete, you will get onboard your transport. Transfer will take about one-hour, which is the necessary time to get to your hotel located in the very heart of the Ecuadorian capital.

During this journey, at first sight, you will pass through the modern part of Quito, then the city will reveal itself, with its irregular geography and colorful neighborhoods that conquer the steep slopes of the Pichincha Volcano.

Your charming hotel is located in the La Mariscal neighborhood with its numerous bars and restaurants, a very lively and festive ambiance that is very typical of the big Latin American cities. Finally, you will arrive at your hotel, drop your bags, and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Dinner (not included)
First overnight in Quito
Transfer: 50 minutes

Day 2: Quito City discovery

This day, after breakfast, you will undertake a discovery tour of the colonial past of the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage and what once was the Caras (a pre-Incan indigenous tribe) and Incas' important trade center. Built in part under Spanish domination, Quito City will dazzle you with its architecture, tranquility, and history.

You will visit the La Compañia de Jesus Church, which has an incredible baroque gilding dating back to around 1605. The Plaza Grande is next on the list, wherein you can find the cathedral of the city, the presidential palace, and the “La Merced and the Santo Domingo” churches.

Later, you will take a stroll around the picturesque “La Ronda Street,” a well-known street in Quito's historic center, lined with 17th-century houses and residences of many artists, politicians, and writers. Finally, you will finish your city tour on the “Panecillo Hill,” where the famous and imposing Statue of the Virgin of Panecillo overlooks the city.

After having lunch (included), in the afternoon, you will head northbound to the Equator Line (the middle of the world). Located 20 kilometers away (45 minutes' journey), the monument of the middle of the world marks the location of latitude 0 degrees. You can be in both hemispheres at the same time and do some experiments to understand and experience the earth's forces.

You'll then have dinner (not included) and overnight in your charming hotel located in one of the liveliest areas of the city, the La Mariscal neighborhood.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch
Visits time: 6 hours
Hike time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Transfer: 2 hours

Day 3: Quito to Quilotoa loop

After breakfast and an early departure (07:00), you will get to the superb Quilotoa Lake and its incredible turquoise waters. From the overlook (12,841 ft), you will have a marvelous view of the crater and its vertiginous slopes.

Legend has it that a violent and courageous god named Quilotoa lived on the lake's surface. Considered as the king of the volcanoes, he clashed regularly with another god called Toachi, who lived at a lower altitude. Toachi hated his enemy Quilotoa for his power. Moreover, as if to demonstrate his strength, Quilotoa reflected the sky in its waters like a mirror.

Accompanied by your guide, you will undertake an approximately four-hour hike across the arid Toachi canyon, wherein you will reach the isolated and typical Andean village of Chugchilán. This hike will not be difficult, since the total elevation gain on this day will be negative. You will also enjoy superb landscapes along the trail.

There will be a picnic lunch (included), then at mid-day, you will reach the picturesque Chugchilán village. You will settle down in a simple but charming accommodation and share a pleasant moment of conversation with Hilda, the owner, a very friendly and genuine old lady.

Stayover and dinner (included) at Mama Hilda Inn
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Visits time: 2 hours
Hike time / distance / elevation: 5 hours / 11.3 km or 7 mi / E+ 1148 ft / E- 3248 ft
Transfer: 4 hours

Day 4: Quilotoa Loop

This day, after a hearty breakfast, you will get ready and continue your two-day acclimatization hike across the western Andes. This second stage will take you to discover the out-of-time village of Isinliví.

As the previous stage, this one won’t be difficult since total elevation gain will be negative. In fact, Chugchilán is located at 10,498 ft and Isinliví is at 9,514 ft altitude.

An approximately six-hour hike will be necessary to get to your destination. During this trek, you will cross rural valleys, often arid and sometimes green, in a region that has remained natural and wild. You will notably pass through the famous Toachi Canyon. It is one of the most enjoyable treks in the country.

You'll have a picnic lunch (included), then arrive in the afternoon, where your driver will be expecting you. Eventually, you will make your way to Lasso (one hour and 30 minutes' drive), where the charming La Ciénega Hacienda will be expecting you in order to let you enjoy a moment of relaxation and well-deserved rest.

Let yourself be surprised by the tales, legends, and historical facts of this mystical and historical property.

Dinner (included) and overnight in La Ciénega
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Visits time: 1 hour
Hike time / distance / elevation: 6 hours 13.3 km or 8 mi / E+ 2,066 ft / E- 1,476 ft
Transfers: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Day 5: Lasso to Corazon Volcano to Lasso

This day, get ready to reach the summit of the Corazón Volcano, located at an elevation of 15,715 ft. The positive elevation will be about 3,280 ft. The first part of the ascent will not be difficult, and although you will be constantly climbing, the slope will be steady and the path will be pleasant.

Then, before reaching the final peak, you will start walking through the "páramo" (a specific Andean vegetation composed of tall grass). The ascent will gradually become more challenging. Footing will be less stable, and progress will be slower.

There will be a picnic lunch (included) before the last part, which will remain to be the most physically demanding and technical. After crossing the famous páramo, you will reach the final peak, which is a rocky wall, sometimes loose.

Although exhausting, it will not require any specific equipment. You will need to be attentive and advance gradually without rushing! The view from the summit on a clear day will be magnificent.

From the top, you will be able to observe the Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana volcanoes (three of the highest volcanoes in Ecuador!), as well as the Pasochoa and Rumiñahui volcanoes, and the famous Illinizas. You will undoubtedly enjoy the spectacle.

Then, you will descend to return to the starting point, where your vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to your charming accommodation, where you'll have time to rest and relax.

Dinner (included) and overnight
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Visits time: 4 hours
Hike time / distance / elevation: 6 hours and 30 minutes 14.4 km or 9.3 mi / E+ 3280 ft / E- 3280 ft
Transfers: 2 hours

Day 6: Lasso to Illiniza Norte Volcano to Cotopaxi Park

After an early departure at about 05:00, you will embark on the discovery of the Illinizas volcanoes. Once more, passing through the village of El Chaupi, you will ascend to the refuge of the Ilinizas North, which reaches an altitude of 16,633 ft. The refuge itself is located at around 15,419 ft, and the starting point is from a place called "La Virgen," where the driver will drop you off.

The ascent to the refuge does not present any technical difficulty, although the altitude and the steepness will challenge your trek. It will take approximately three to four hours of walking to reach the refuge.

Next, you will continue with the second stage of this adventure. From the refuge, you will continue to the Illiniza North summit. With little or no snow, you will walk along the edge of sand and rocks northwest of the refuge. The ascent will become more technical as you follow the ridge. Some sections may be quite steep.

You will have a picnic lunch (included), and after returning to the vehicle, you will be transferred to a lovely hacienda in front of the highest active volcano in the world, the Cotopaxi. Enjoy a moment of rest and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s adventure stage.

Dinner (included) in your charming hacienda
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Visits time: 1 hour
Hike time / distance / elevation: 7 hours / 12.5 km or 8 mi / E+ 3,891 ft / E- 3,891 ft
Transfers: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Note: In case of bad weather, crampons, ropes, and mountaineering boots may be necessary. Depending on your comfort level, the guide may use a rope to reassure you.

Depending on weather conditions, there is also the possibility of climbing the Illiniza South (17,220 ft). Higher than the North one, it will be a more technical and physically demanding climb.

Day 7: Cotopaxi

On this day, you will have a free morning to recover and relax, or discover the emblematic Cotopaxi National Park at your own pace.

Named after the highest active volcano in the world, the Cotopaxi (19,338 ft) is one of the most emblematic protected reserves in the country, and the imposing and unique volcano, whose name means 'moon neck,' will reveal to you those lunar landscapes typical of the Andean highlands.

You will also see magnificent volcanic lands, wild horses, and of course, the “chagras” (farmers on horseback). You will go first to the Limpiopungo Lake, where many Andes birds breed and feed. Then, you will be transferred to the Cotopaxi refuge “José Rivas” (15,953 ft altitude) parking area. Each person will carry their personal equipment (clothing, sleeping bag, and shoes).

You will walk from the parking to the refuge located at an altitude similar to the famous Mount Blanc (the highest peak in Europe) or the Mount Fairweather in Alaska. Bedtime will be at around 18:00 to start the ascent at around midnight, when the snow conditions are at their best and allowing you to reach the summit at sunrise.

Lunch and dinner (included) will be at the Cotopaxi refuge.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Visits time 0 hour
Hike time / distance / elevation: 1 hour
Transfers: 45 minutes

Note: Depending on the activity of the Cotopaxi Volcano and local authorities’ regulations, the ascent might be impossible. In such a case, ITK Voyage - Ecuador reserves the right to partially change the program and include the ascent of the Cayambe Volcano as an alternative. The price will remain the same.

Day 8: Cotopaxi Volcano to Baños

At about midnight, you will leave the refuge and head towards the Cotopaxi summit. The Cotopaxi has a perfect conical shape that rises majestically above the Andes Mountain range, allowing you to observe other volcanoes and their peaks piercing through the layer of clouds.

While technically not a challenging glacier, the Cotopaxi requires physical effort (slopes of 30 to 35 degrees). However, the satisfaction that awaits you when you reach the summit is unparalleled!

It will be magical moment that will leave you with a lasting memory of a day when you pushed yourself to witness the spectacular sunrise over the spectacular cordillera and its snow-capped peaks.

The ascent will take approximately six to seven hours, with two to three hours of descent. Once you descend from the glacier, you can enjoy a snack at the refuge. Then, you will descend again to the parking area where your driver will be expecting you. You will head southbound to reach the spa town of Baños. Lunch (included) will be served on the way.

Baños is the gate to the Amazon rainforest. Enjoy a well-deserved time of relaxation!

Dinner (not included) overnight in Baños
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Visits time: 30 minutes
Hike time / distance / elevation: 6 hours and 30 minutes / 5.6 km or 3.5 mi / E+ 3,271 ft / E- 3,271 ft
Transfers: 3 hours and 15 minutes

Day 9: Baños (free day)

You will enjoy a free day in the lively and friendly spa town of Baños. This village is located in the Tungurahua province, named after the most imposing site in the region: the Tungurahua ('throat of fire' in the Quechua) Volcano, which stands at 16,452 ft.

Overlooking the Baños town, the impressive Tungurahua is one of the most active volcanoes of Ecuador even though there have been no major eruptions since 2014.

After engaging in optional activities, you will return to your hotel for a necessary rest and dinner (not included).

Meals: Breakfast
Visits time: 0 hour
Hike time / distance / elevation: 0 hour
Transfers: 0 hour

Day 10: Baños to Chimborazo Volcano

This morning, you will be transferred to the Chimborazo wildlife reserve, where the highest summit in Ecuador, the Chimborazo Volcano (20,570 ft), is located. You will start ascending this colossus by car to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge located at 15,912 ft.

This emblematic reserve, with its lunar landscapes composed of sand, soil, and rocks, will allow you to observe numerous vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas roaming freely.

You will arrive at the Hermanos Carrel Refuge in the late morning. The refuge is named after the two Carrel brothers who guided the famous mountaineer, Edward Whymper. They were the first men to successfully attempt the ascent of Chimborazo Volcano in 1880.

Lunch (included) will be at the refuge. You can take advantage of this free time to have a short walk to the “Condor Cocha,” which stands at 16,732 ft altitude, or just simply walk around. At around 18:00 will be bedtime again, in order to rise at around 23:30. The ascent will also take place during the night.

Dinner (included) will also be served at the refuge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Visits time: 0 hour
Hike time / distance / elevation: 0 hour
Transfers: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Day 11: Chimborazo Volcano to Quito

This day will be for climbing the impressive Chimborazo Volcano (20,570 ft). With an altitude similar to the Denali (highest peak in the United States), Chimborazo is the highest volcano in Ecuador and is also the point on Earth closest to the sun due to its location (near the equator) and its altitude. In fact, it is the highest summit in the world!

The ascent will require approximately eight hours of walking. Although the ascent is not technically challenging, you will need to be in very good physical condition to reach the summit. The slopes are quite steep throughout the Andean route (35 degrees to 40 degrees up to 45 degrees), with no flat sections along the way.

The descent to the refuge will take about three hours. Once back at the refuge at around 09:00 to 10:00, you will be transferred back to Quito. Lunch (included) will be provided along the way. You will also spend the night at a charming hotel in Quito.

Dinner (not included) and last overnight in Ecuador
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Visits time: 1 hour
Hike time / distance / elevation: 9 hours and 30 minutes / 10 km or 6.21 mi / E+ 4,691 ft / E- 4,691 ft
Transfers: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Day 12: Quito to international airport (transfer our)

After breakfast, you will have some time to get ready, then you will leave for Quito airport on time to catch your international flight.

A one-hour transfer will be necessary to get to the airport. You will have a last glimpse of the capital, its hustle and bustle, its irregular geography, locals’ day-to-day life, and with some luck, a last glimpse of the Cotopaxi, then it will be time for your international departure and end of services.

Meals: Breakfast
Transfers: 50 minutes

Lage

You will actively explore the capital before gradually ascending to conquer the highest and most emblematic summits in Ecuador. Your adventure will start with acclimatization across charming locations like the Quilotoa lagoon and the Illinizas volcanoes.

You will achieve the pinnacle of your expedition by climbing the imposing Cotopaxi (19,350 ft) and Chimborazo (20,550 ft) volcanoes.

Moreover, this comprehensive exploration of the Ecuadorian highlands will lead you to off-the-beaten-path acclimatization hikes, passing through timeless small and picturesque villages like Chugchilán or Isinliví. You will embark on a high-mountain adventure of exceptional charm and excellence!

+−

Verpflegung

Included are meals as indicated in the program: all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 12 (except for four dinners in Quito and Baños and one lunch in Baños). One soft drink per meal (water or fresh juice) is also included.

Folgende Mahlzeiten sind inbegriffen:

Frühstück
Mittagessen
Getränke

Die folgenden Getränke sind enthalten:

Wasser
Kaffee
Tee
Softgetränke

Die folgenden Ernährungsweisen stehen zur Verfügung und/oder berücksichtigt werden:

Vegetarisch
Vegan
Regulär (schließt normalerweise Fleisch und Fisch mit ein)
Meeresfrüchte
Vollwertkost

Wenn Sie besondere Ernährungsbedürfnisse haben, empfehlen wir Ihnen diese dem Veranstalter bei der Buchung mitzuteilen.

Freizeitaktivitäten und Sehenswürdigkeiten (optional)

Baños is also well-known for “extreme sports.” There, you can take advantage of the day to carry out the following activities at an additional cost:

Cascades route (no extra charge): You can take a mountain bike and go to meet the famous waterfalls route between Baños and Puyo village.
Canyoning (additional 30 USD per person): Near Baños, you will descend eight waterfalls supervised by a canyoning specialist.

You will have your guide’s company and assistance (no additional cost) during these activities. You can also explore local dining options, as lunch (not included) during the free day in Baños will be at your own leisure.

Other optional activities in Baños and surroundings:

Bungee jumping
Horseback riding
Visiting art galleries
Visiting a craft workshop
Walking on the Tungurahua slopes

Was ist im Preis inbegriffen?

All transfers, vehicles, drivers, and their costs and fees
Certified national and high-mountain guides as indicated in the in the “Guides and drivers” part, their costs and fees
Entrances to sites, museums and national parks specified in the program (excluding entrance to Galapagos National Park)
Licenses (ITK travel agency and their guides and drivers)
Visits included in the program
High-mountain gear included per person: Crampons, helmet, ice axe and harness
11 nights accommodation as indicated in the program, in double occupancy (subject to availability)
Meals as indicated in the program: All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 12 (except four four dinners in Quito and Baños and one lunch in Baños)
1 soft drink per meal (water or fresh juice)

Was ist nicht im Preis inbegriffen?

International flights
Sleeping bag (for the nights in the mountain refuges)
Mountaineering boots (for semi-automatic crampons) - Possible to rent in Quito (10 USD per day)
Individual gear (mountaineering clothing, rucksack, etc.)
Visits indicated as “optional” or “at an additional cost"
Alcoholic drinks in bars, hotels, restaurants, or villages
Not indicated meals (four dinners in Quito and Baños and one lunch in Baños)
Tips

Anreise

Empfohlene Flughäfen

UIO

Mariscal Sucre International Airport

17 km

Transfer inklusive

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). Transfers from and to this airport are provided within a set time. Please send an inquiry for more information.

Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport Flughafentransfer inklusive: Mariscal Sucre International Airport Keine zusätzlichen Kosten. Sie können dies im nächsten Schritt anfragen.

Stornierungsbedingungen

Eine Reservierung erfordert eine Anzahlung von 30% des Gesamtpreises.
Die Anzahlung wird nicht erstattet, wenn die Buchung storniert wird.
Der Restbetrag ist 30 Tage vor der Ankunft zu zahlen.

Entdecke

Hallo da.
Schön, dass du da bist!

Mix of “comfort” and “superior” accommodations: