Budget Cotopaxi and Chimborazo

Budget Cotopaxi and Chimborazo is a 5-day mountaineering expedition in Ecuador that tackles two of the country's most iconic peaks: Cotopaxi (5,970 m) and Chimborazo. Starting from Quito, the trip combines guided high-altitude climbs with acclimatization time in Riobamba and at Chimborazo Basecamp, giving climbers the rest and preparation they need between summit pushes. Led by certified ASEGUIM guides, it's a serious adventure for those ready to take on some of the Andes' great volcanoes.

The expedition includes two summit attempts with nighttime ascents, mountain refuge stays, and self-guided acclimatization trails at Chimborazo Basecamp. You'll climb Cotopaxi from the José Rivas Refuge, recover in Riobamba, then move to Chimborazo for the second ascent via the Carrel Refuge, aiming for the Veintimilla or Whymper summits. The pace is demanding, with midnight starts and long climbing days at extreme altitude, so a strong level of fitness and prior preparation are essential.

The price includes ASEGUIM guides, transportation, meals at the refuges, water and snacks, mountain refuge accommodation, climbing permits, adventure insurance, and climbing gear. Guests need to bring their own backpack (a 20–30 liter attack pack), sunglasses, snow goggles, inner layer gloves, and personal items such as socks, and should budget for tips (suggested $10 or more) and international airfare to Ecuador, arranged separately. Optional add-ons include a Quito extension, a high camp upgrade, and transport to Baños.

Location: Quito, Ecuador (climbs in Cotopaxi National Park and at Chimborazo, with accommodation in Riobamba).

Duration: 5 days.

Activity Type: Guided high-altitude mountaineering with two summit climbs — Cotopaxi (5,970 m) and Chimborazo — led by ASEGUIM guides. Involves nighttime ascents, long climbing days of 6–7 hours or more, and refuge stays at altitude. Self-guided acclimatization trails are available at Chimborazo Basecamp. A high level of physical fitness and climbing preparation is required. Note: the price increases on December 15th each year due to high season and price adjustments.

Accommodation: José Rivas Refuge (Cotopaxi), accommodation in Riobamba, Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge, and Carrel Refuge (Chimborazo) across the itinerary.

• Trip Price: $1,295 per person
• Group option (2 or more clients): $910 per person
• Quito Extension (add-on): $105 per person — 3 nights in Quito with breakfast, colonial town Quito basecamp, airport pick-up
• High Camp Upgrade (add-on): $65 per person — start from high camp at 5,300 m
• Return to Quito or transport to Baños (add-on): $40 per person

Deposit: $450 per person to reserve.

Day 1 — José Rivas Refuge (4,864 m)

Depart Quito Basecamp Hotel at 11:00 a.m. and drive to Cotopaxi National Park. Have lunch with the guiding team at the registration area, followed by a gear check and climb briefing. Continue by vehicle to around 4,780 m, then hike 40–50 minutes to the José Rivas Refuge. Settle in, hydrate, and rest, with dinner served around 5:00 p.m. before the nighttime climb.

Day 2 — Cotopaxi Summit (5,970 m)

The ascent begins at midnight, with guides organizing rope teams and reviewing safety procedures. The climb to the summit takes 6–7 hours depending on weather and pace, rewarding climbers with sunrise over the Andes and photos at the top. After a controlled descent to the José Rivas Refuge and breakfast, continue by vehicle to Riobamba for an overnight stay.

Day 3 — Chimborazo Basecamp

After resting in Riobamba, transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge at 11:00 a.m. Spend the day relaxing and acclimatizing, with several self-guided trails available for climbers. All meals included. Overnight at the basecamp lodge.

Day 4 — Chimborazo Carrel Refuge

Breakfast at the basecamp lodge, followed by a free morning to rest or organize gear. Regroup at midday for lunch and a climb briefing, then drive up to the Carrel Refuge. Relax and take in the views, with dinner at 5:00 p.m. and rest until final climb preparations begin around 10:30–11:00 p.m. A High Camp upgrade is available for an additional $65 per person.

Day 5 — Chimborazo Summit

After 6–7 hours of climbing, the summit window falls between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m., with 7:30 the latest climbers can reach the top of Veintimilla or Whymper. The descent back to the refuge takes around 3 hours, after which breakfast is served and climbers are driven out to Riobamba, where services end.

• ASEGUIM Guides
• Transportation
• Meals on refuge
• Water and snacks
• Mountain Refuge
• Climbing Permits
• Adventure Insurance
• Climbing Gear

• Back Pack

        Attack pack 20 -30 lters

• Sun Glasses

        Snow gogles

• Inner layer gloves
• Tips

        suggested $10 or more

• Personal items (socks)