Mountain Climbing and Ski in Ecuador

Mountain Climbing and Ski in Ecuador is a 12-day, four-summit mountaineering expedition tackling some of Ecuador's greatest peaks: Iliniza Norte (5,112 m), Cayambe, Antisana or Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo (6,263 m). Starting from Quito, the itinerary is built as a progressive campaign — a city tour, acclimatization hikes, and rest days between climbs — that steadily builds altitude toward the final ascent of Chimborazo, the highest point in Ecuador. Guided by certified ASEGUIM guides, it's a demanding, comprehensive adventure for experienced and well-prepared climbers.

The expedition works up through the peaks: an acclimatization trek on Rucu Pichincha, a non-glaciated training summit on Iliniza Norte, then glaciated climbs of Cayambe, either Antisana or Cotopaxi (depending on conditions and park access), and finally Chimborazo. Highlights include a guided exploration of Quito's UNESCO Old Town, dramatic glacier ascents timed for sunrise summits, and recovery days at lodges along the way. The pace is serious, with repeated midnight starts and long climbing days at extreme altitude, so a high level of fitness and mountaineering experience is essential.

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

Location: Quito, Ecuador (climbs across Iliniza, Cayambe, Antisana/Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo, with lodging in Quito, Riobamba, and at various lodges and refuges).

Duration: 12 days.

Activity Type: Guided high-altitude mountaineering across four summits — Iliniza Norte (5,112 m), Cayambe, Antisana or Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo (6,263 m) — led by ASEGUIM guides. Includes acclimatization hikes, repeated midnight summit pushes, glacier climbs of up to 7 hours, and rest days. A high level of physical fitness and prior mountaineering experience is required. Note: the fourth-peak objective (Antisana or Cotopaxi) depends on current conditions and park access; Antisana is climbed from a set camp as it has no refuge.

Accommodation: Quito Basecamp Hotel (multiple nights), a lodge at Andina Huasi (Cayambe), Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (3,900 m), mountain refuges, and camping at Antisana base, across the itinerary.

• Trip Price: $2,995 per person (deposit $900 per person)
• Group Option (2:1 guide ratio, 2 or more climbers): $1,645 per person (deposit $700 per person)
• VIP Upgrade – Accommodations (add-on): $890 per person — Hotel Patio Andaluz in Quito, Tambo Paxi Lodge private chambers, Chimborazo Lodge
• High camp supplement (add-on): $55 per person

Deposit: $900 per person to reserve (or $700 per person on the group option).

Day 1 — Quito

Arrive at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport for a transfer to Quito Basecamp Hotel in the historic center. Spend the evening settling in, exploring the nearby streets, or enjoying a local dinner. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 — Quito

A free day to explore Quito's Old Town, visiting Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, and the San Francisco Monastery, climbing the Basílica del Voto Nacional towers, or visiting Panecillo Hill and the Virgin of Quito. Overnight in Quito.

Day 3 — Rucu Pichincha

After breakfast, head independently (Uber recommended) to the TelefériQo cable car, riding up to 3,945 m for a 5–7 hour round-trip trek to the Rucu Pichincha summit (4,698 m). The varied terrain and views aid acclimatization. Return to Quito Basecamp Hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Day 4 — Iliniza Norte

Depart Quito at 6:00 a.m. for the roughly 2-hour drive to Iliniza National Park, then trek to the summit with a short snack stop at the Iliniza refuge. Iliniza Norte (5,112 m) rarely has snow or glacier, requiring only trekking boots, harness, and helmet — excellent acclimatization training. Return to Quito Basecamp. Overnight in Quito.

Day 5 — Cayambe

Depart at 11:00 a.m. for the 2.5-hour drive to Cayambe town for lunch, then continue about an hour to the national park and, after registration, to the refuge. Dinner at 5:00 p.m., then rest until the midnight summit attempt. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at the refuge.

Day 6 — Cayambe Summit

The climb begins at midnight, aiming to summit by 6–7 a.m. via the most accessible route, then descend to the refuge for breakfast. Transfer out to the Andina Huasi lodge to rest and recover. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at Andina Huasi.

Day 7 — Resting Day

A free day to rest and recover at Quito Basecamp. Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Quito.

Day 8 — Antisana or Cotopaxi

After breakfast, depart for Antisana National Park (a 3-hour drive with several mountaineering controls) or, if open, drive to the Cotopaxi refuge. Antisana has no refuge, so a camp is set at its base. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at camp or refuge.

Day 9 — Antisana or Cotopaxi Summit

The summit attack starts at midnight — around 7 hours to Antisana's peak (with crevasses the guide helps navigate) or a Cotopaxi ascent reaching the summit at 6–8 a.m. After sunrise photos, return to camp/refuge, exit the park, and drive to Riobamba. Breakfast included. Overnight in the Chimborazo area.

Day 10 — Chimborazo Basecamp

A resting and acclimatization day at 3,900 m before the Chimborazo climb. Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge.

Day 11 — Chimborazo

Pick-up at lunchtime and transfer to the car park at 4,800 m, then to the Carrel Refuge. After settling in, dinner is served at 5:00 p.m. (high camp upgrade available for $55), with the summit climb starting around midnight. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at the refuge or high camp.

Day 12 — Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m)

The summit window is by 6:00–7:30 a.m., after which climbers descend to the Carrel Refuge for breakfast, then transfer back to Riobamba — end of services. Breakfast included.

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

        Ida y vuelta

• Accommodation
• Logistics

• Back Pack

        Attack pack 20 -30 lters

• Sun Glasses

        Snow gogles

• Inner layer gloves
• Tips

        suggested $10 or more