Climbing

Cotopaxi 5897m 19,341 ft. -2 days
Rising majestically from the eastern cordillera of the Andes, Cotopaxi is Ecuador's most famous volcano. Edward Whymper, the first to ascend Cotopaxi, claimed it's 19,342 ft symmetrical cone made it the most perfectly shaped mountain in the world. Climbing it has now become a prerequisite for any mountaineer aspiring to higher peaks. Technically it is not a difficult mountain but, due to its cloud-piercing height, it is essential that climbers are well acclimatised, as well as physically and mentally prepared. Ice- climbing gear is. also required. From its summit Cotopaxi offers a spectacular panorama; on a clear Day all of Ecuador's other snow-capped peaks can be seen, as well the Amazon basin. The gas-emitting crater, almost 800m in diameter, will certainly remind climbers that they are standing on an active volcano -one that is long overdue to erupt!
Day 01: At 09:00 we depart from Quito through the Panamerican Highway to the South. After 3 hours drive we reach the Parking lot at 4.600m, from here we hike to the refuge of Cotopaxi (4800 in.) in more or less 1 hour. After pic-nic-lunch we walk toward the glacier. In the afternoon the Refuge for dinner and accommodation.
Day 02: We start climbing at midnight. After a little Breakfast we ascent to the top (5897 m) and return to hut. In the afternoon drive back to Quito.
Best weather December and January but good July to September and fine through the whole year.

Chimborazo 6310m, 20,696 ft.- 2days
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes and due to its close proximity to the equator, it is also the furthest point from the centre of the Earth. Climbing Chimborazo will present a challenge to even the most experienced mountaineer; it is a technically easy to moderate Climb, but the long approach to reach the peak will certainly push your physical limits. In addition to proper acclimatisation, excellent physical condition is required to cover the 1300 meter altitude difference between the Whymper Refuge and the summit, a 9 to 12 hour Trek over never-ending glaciers. Challenge yourself and be one of the few who have left their footprints on the most distant point from the earth's molten centre. Break the 20,000 ft. barrier and Stand on the furthest point from the centre of the Earth. This is a physically challenging but non-technical Climb.
Day 1: We leave Quito in the morning (9:00 o clock!) and pass Latacunga, Ambato on the way to the Refuge (4 hours drive). Lunch on the Way, walk 30 mm. To the Whymper Refuge. Dinner and accommodation.
Day 2. The Climb to the summit is begun at 00:00 hours, and if the physical and technical conditions are good, will take between 8-9 hours. Return to the Refuge 4-5 hours. Travel by auto to Quito.

Altar 5319 m - 17446 ft
It doesn't matter from where you view, this ancient and probably extinct volcano is the most impressive in the Ecuadorian Andes. Because it is so infrequently visited it is ideal for scientific experiments of all kinds. There are nine summits which form the highest points on the crater. The normal routes are from the outside. Best weather is from December to May but it is often rainy.

Antisana 5704 m - 18.869 ft
Due to it's position on the edge of the Andes above the Amazon basin this rarely climbed peak offers a technical challenge and the need for good route finding skills. Because of poor access just getting to the base camp can be a challenge. Best weather around December and January.

Carihuairazo 5020 m - 16.465 ft
Known by the traditional indigenous communities living in the area as the wife of Tungurahua, this is the volcano opposite on the Cordillera Real. It is only a moderately difficult peak. althougi an interesting climb and it is often noted to offer the best skiing in Ecuador. Best weather June to January.

Cayambe 5790 m - 18.991 ft
The only place on the equator that has snow is on the southern flanks of this extinct volcano. This peak was first climbed by the Wymper expedition of 1880, and is still much less frequently climbed than any of the other major peaks in the Ecuadorian Andes. The heavy crevassing and frequent movements in the glacier make this climb a challenge. Best weather from Dccember to May.

Iliniza South 5263 m - 17.213 ft
A technical snow climb to challenge even the most experienced climber with steep snow slopes and creasing and the reward at the summit is the most spectacular view across the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi less than 30 kilometers away. It was first climbed by Jean and Luis Carrol in 1880. Best weather June to January.

Quilindana 4878 m - 15.996 ft
Almost exactly the same height as the highest point in Europe, this peak is dwarfed by Cotopaxi, a few kilometers to the north. To reach and climb this peak is a three day expedition but it can also be included as part of an acclimatization hike around Cotopaxi. Best weather June to January.

Reventador 3485 m - 11.683 ft
In the Amazon basin the approach to this active volcano is along jungle trails, often overgrown and always muddy, but the crater, one of the world's largest makes the journey worthwhile. Best weather from December to May but it's always rainy and muddy.

Sara Urco 4676 m -
One of the two non-volcanic peaks in Ecuador located between the Andes and Amazon. This mountain is climbed on average only once in every five years and it's one of the most remote mountains of the country, its' only guardians the condors that live there. Best weather from December to May. The first ascent was by the Wymper expedition of 1880. Best weather December to April.

Sangay 5230 m - 17,154 ft
One of the world's most active volcanoes with activity every 10 minutes or so. To reach the volcano you first have to hike three days. The climbing itself is fairly straight forward but because of the ever present threat of eruption this is the most dangerous peak in Ecuador. Best weather December to April.

Sumaco 3828 m - 12,240 ft
This is the ideal place to combine mountain and jungle. Remote and located deep in the jungle, this mountain is one of the least climbed peaks in Ecuador. It was first climbed by Jimenez de Ia Espada in 1865. Best weather December to April, but always wet and muddy.

Tungurahua 5016 m - 16,475 ft
Above Baños in the Cordillera Real this volcano has the highest height gain from 1800 meters in Bafios to 5016 meters on the summit and the route passes through a wide range of different climatic zones. The summit is snow capped and the crater is active. Best weather December to May.