THE ULTIMATE VOLCANO CHALLENGE AVENUE OF VOLCANOES

DURATION 12 DAYS
FINAL HERO CHIMBORAZO (6268M)
DIFFICULTY TECHNICAL / EXPEDITION
COST USD 1,995.00
VOLCANO DOSSIER
EXPEDITION ID: ECU-VOL-12

Land of Fire and Ice

The Ecuadorian Andes house one of the most impressive concentrations of volcanoes on the planet. Our expedition traverses the mystical **Avenue of Volcanoes**, uniting four iconic peaks in one epic journey.

From the technical **Iliniza Sur**, passing through **Cayambe** and its equatorial glacier, the conical **Cotopaxi**, to the summit of **Chimborazo**, the closest point to outer space from the Earth's center. A voyage designed for mountaineers seeking variety, aesthetics, and extreme altitude.

START POINT Quito, Ecuador
ACTIVITY Glacial Ascents
EXPEDITION Multi-Summit 12 Days
DIFFICULTY Moderate Technical / High Physical
Ecuador Volcanoes
00° 01' 44" S | 78° 26' 06" W
EXPEDITION ITINERARY

Step-by-Step Itinerary

DAY 01

ARRIVAL IN QUITO (2850 M)

Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon for basic acclimatization and gear preparation.

MASL 2850m
DAY 02

QUITO – NUEVOS HORIZONTES REFUGE (4700 M)

Transfer in 4x4 to the Ilinizas. Hike to the refuge. Lunch and technical review for the summit push.

MASL 4700m
DURATION 4h Ascent
DAY 03

ILINIZA SUR SUMMIT (5246 M) – QUITO

Technical climbing with slopes up to 70°. Spectacular views of Iliniza North. Descent and return to Quito.

MASL 5246m
DURATION 9-10h Day
DAY 04

REST DAY IN QUITO

Physical recovery. Option to tour Quito's historic center and enjoy local gastronomy.

TYPE Rest
DAY 05

QUITO – CAYAMBE REFUGE (4600 M)

Transfer to Cayambe Volcano, located right on the equatorial line. Preparation at Ruales Oleas Berge Refuge.

MASL 4600m
DURATION 2h Drive
DAY 06

CAYAMBE SUMMIT (5796 M) – QUITO

Demanding glacier ascent. It is the only point on Earth where the equatorial line crosses a permanent glacier. Return to Quito.

MASL 5796m
DURATION 8-9h Day
DAY 07

QUITO – COTOPAXI REFUGE (4864 M)

Entry to Cotopaxi National Park. Hike to José Rivas Refuge. Sunset over the Avenue of Volcanoes.

MASL 4864m
DURATION 1h Trek
DAY 08

COTOPAXI SUMMIT (5897 M) – QUITO

Ascent via 45° slopes. View of the active crater and the panorama of the Ecuadorian Andes. Descent and return to Quito.

MASL 5897m
DURATION 10-11h Day
DAY 09

STRATEGIC REPOSE DAY

Free day in Quito to recharge before the final objective: Chimborazo.

TYPE Recovery
DAY 10

QUITO – CHIMBORAZO HIGH CAMP (5300 M)

Travel south along the Avenue of Volcanoes. Hike to the high camp to optimize the summit push.

MASL 5300m
DURATION 3h Trek
DAY 11

CHIMBORAZO SUMMIT (6268 M) – QUITO

Ascent to the closest point to the sun. Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. Triumphant return to Quito.

MASL 6268m
DURATION 11-12h Day
DAY 12

DEPARTURE FROM QUITO

Final airport transfer for your international flight. End of expedition.

TYPE Transfer