3 Summits - Mountain climbing Ecuador

The 3 Summits expedition is an 11-day mountain climbing adventure in Ecuador that takes you up three iconic Andean peaks: Iliniza Norte (5,126m), Cotopaxi (5,897m), and Chimborazo, where climbers top out at either the Veintimilla or Whymper summit. Beginning and ending in Quito, the trip follows a carefully structured acclimatization progression — starting with a free day in the capital and a trek up Rucu Pichincha (4,696m) before moving on to the bigger climbs along Ecuador's famous Avenue of Volcanoes. Highlights include a sunrise summit on Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, after a midnight start under the stars, and the chance to stand on Chimborazo, the point on Earth's surface farthest from its center.

Between climbs, the itinerary builds in recovery time at comfortable mountain lodges, including Wasi Andina Lodge, Tambo Paxi Lodge at the foot of Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge, where self-guided acclimatization trails let you keep adjusting to the altitude at your own pace. The climbs are physically demanding and require stamina and sure-footedness, though Iliniza Norte is relatively non-technical — making this a rewarding progression for climbers ready to test themselves at high altitude.

The trip includes certified ASEGUIM guides, all transportation with Quito airport pick-up, accommodations in hotels, lodges, and mountain refuges, meals at the refuges, water and snacks, climbing permits, climbing gear, and adventure insurance. Guests need to bring their own backpack (20–30 liter attack pack), sunglasses, snow goggles, inner layer gloves, and headlamp. Tips are not included (suggested $10 or more), and international airfare to Quito is arranged by guests themselves.

Location: Ecuador — Quito, Rucu Pichincha, Iliniza Ecological Reserve (Iliniza Norte), Cotopaxi National Park (Cotopaxi), and Chimborazo. The trip starts and ends in Quito.

Duration: 11 days.

Activity Type: High-altitude mountain climbing and trekking with a progressive acclimatization program. Includes a moderate 5–6 hour acclimatization trek on Rucu Pichincha, a relatively non-technical summit of Iliniza Norte, and physically demanding glacier climbs of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo with midnight alpine starts. Good physical fitness, stamina, and sure-footedness are required. Self-guided acclimatization trails are available at Chimborazo Basecamp, and a free day in Quito is spent exploring on your own.

Accommodation: A mix of hotels, lodges, and mountain refuges: a basecamp hotel in Quito (nights 1–3), Iliniza Norte Refuge at 4,700m (night 4), Wasi Andina Lodge (night 5), Tambo Paxi Lodge at 3,750m (night 6), Cotopaxi Refuge at 4,864m (night 7), Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (nights 8–9), and Carrel Refuge (night 10). Package options:

• Trip Price: $2,075 per person
• Group option (2+ clients, 2 climbers per guide): $1,785 per person
• Add-on — VIP room upgrade at Tambopaxi Lodge: $55
• Add-on — High Camp start for Chimborazo: $65 per person ($130 total)

A deposit of $450 is required to reserve your spot. A 2.9% card processing fee is added automatically when paying by card.

Day 1 — Arrival in Quito (2,850m)

Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, where you'll be welcomed and transferred to your basecamp hotel in Quito. The world's highest capital, surrounded by volcanoes, is the ideal place to begin acclimatizing. Relax and take in the mountain views.

Day 2 — Free Day in Quito

Explore Quito's UNESCO-listed historic center at your own pace — the Basilica del Voto Nacional, Plaza de la Independencia, and La Compañía de Jesús Church. An optional cable car ride up to Cruz Loma at 4,100m is a great way to keep acclimatizing while enjoying sweeping city views.

Day 3 — Rucu Pichincha Acclimatization Trek (4,696m)

Ride the Teleférico cable car to 4,100m, then hike to the summit of Rucu Pichincha for panoramic Andean views. This moderate 5–6 hour trek is excellent acclimatization. Return to Quito in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening.

Day 4 — Trek to Iliniza Norte Refuge (4,700m)

Transfer to the Iliniza Ecological Reserve and trek from La Virgen (3,900m) up to the Iliniza Norte Refuge. Enjoy impressive views of the twin Iliniza peaks and surrounding paramo. Overnight at the refuge, preparing for the summit push.

Day 5 — Iliniza Norte Summit (5,126m)

An early start for the ascent of Iliniza Norte — relatively non-technical, but demanding sure-footedness and stamina at altitude. From the summit, take in views of Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and the Avenue of Volcanoes. Descend for breakfast, then transfer to Wasi Andina Lodge to rest and recover.

Day 6 — Transfer to Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750m)

Spend the morning relaxing at Wasi Andina Lodge with optional short nature walks. In the afternoon, transfer to Tambo Paxi Lodge inside Cotopaxi National Park. Evening rest and final preparations for the Cotopaxi climb.

Day 7 — Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864m)

Drive to the parking lot at 4,600m, then hike about 45 minutes to the Cotopaxi Refuge. Spend the day acclimatizing, checking gear, and resting ahead of the early-morning summit attempt.

Day 8 — Cotopaxi Summit (5,897m) & Transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp

Set out around midnight for the summit under the stars, aiming for a 6–8 AM sunrise arrival at the top of one of the world's highest active volcanoes. After celebrating with panoramic views over the Avenue of Volcanoes, descend to the refuge for breakfast, then drive to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge.

Day 9 — Rest Day at Chimborazo Basecamp

A full day to relax, recover, and continue acclimatizing before the final climb. Several self-guided trails are available to explore. All meals included.

Day 10 — Carrel Refuge

Enjoy a free morning at the basecamp lodge, then meet at midday for lunch and a climb briefing before driving up to the Carrel Refuge. Dinner is served at 5:00 PM, followed by rest until final preparations begin around 10:30–11:00 PM. An optional High Camp upgrade is available for $65 per person ($130 total).

Day 11 — Chimborazo Summit & Return to Quito

After 6–7 hours of climbing, reach the top of Chimborazo — either the Veintimilla or Whymper summit — within the 6:00–7:30 AM summit window. Descend roughly 3 hours back to the refuge for breakfast, then drive back to Quito, where services end.

• ASEGUIM Guides
• Transportation
• Meals on refuge
• Water and snacks
• Mountain Refuge
• Climbing Permits
• Adventure Insurance
• Climbing Gear
• Quito pick up
• Accommodations
• Hotels, lodges and mountain refuges.

• Back Pack

        Attack pack 20 -30 lters

• Sun Glasses

        Snow gogles

• Inner layer gloves
• Head lamp
• Tips

        suggested $10 or more