8 Day - Iliniza Norte and Cotopaxi

This 8-day mountain climbing expedition in Ecuador takes you up two classic Andean peaks: Iliniza Norte (5,126m) and Cotopaxi (5,897m), one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Starting and ending in Quito, the itinerary follows a proven acclimatization progression — a free day exploring the world's highest capital, a moderate trek up Rucu Pichincha (4,696m), then the summit of Iliniza Norte before the main event: a midnight alpine start on Cotopaxi, timed to put you on the summit at sunrise with panoramic views across Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes.

Between climbs, the schedule builds in genuine recovery time at comfortable mountain lodges, including Wasi Andina Lodge after the Iliniza summit and Tambo Paxi Lodge at the foot of Cotopaxi inside the national park. Iliniza Norte is relatively non-technical but demands sure-footedness and stamina at altitude, while Cotopaxi is a physically demanding glacier climb — making this a well-paced challenge for fit climbers looking to reach serious altitude in a compact timeframe. For those wanting to go further, an optional Chimborazo extension adds two nights at the Chimborazo basecamp lodge and a summit climb starting from high camp.

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), and Cotopaxi National Park (Cotopaxi). The trip starts and ends in Quito, with an optional extension to Chimborazo.

Duration: 8 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 a physically demanding glacier climb of Cotopaxi with a midnight alpine start. Good physical fitness, stamina, and sure-footedness are required. A free day in Quito is spent exploring on your own, and the Cruz Loma cable car ride is optional.

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), and Cotopaxi Refuge at 4,864m (night 7). Package options:

• Trip Price: $1,455 per person
• Group option (2+ clients, 2 climbers per guide): $1,195 per person
• Add-on — VIP room upgrade at Tambopaxi Lodge: $55
• Add-on — Chimborazo extension (transfer to Chimborazo basecamp lodge, 2 nights accommodation, climb starting from high camp): $650

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) & Return to Quito

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 transfer back to Quito in the late morning.

• 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