Summit five Ecuadorian volcanic peaks above 13,000 ft in elevation. On the excursion, you will also climb the volcano Cotopaxi and will be able to glimpse breathtaking views of Ecuador from this 19,347’ peak. Trekking and climbing in Ecuador is a window into a high, historic, and beautiful place. This adventure mixes modern comfort in a destination that is a little off the usual travel routes, meaning this special Embark adventure is one you won’t want to miss.
On this trip, you will walk through ancient, pre-Spanish mountain cultures and summit five volcanoes over 13,000 ft elevation. On your final day, you will have the opportunity to summit Cotopaxi, which stands at over 19,000 feet in elevation. This adventure combines exotic and alpine environments with comfortable travel and historical touring.
Ecuador’s capital city bears two interesting distinctions: it is the highest above sea level (9,350’) and also the closest to the Equator. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representatives and escorted to your hotel in the historic center of Quito. The rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Our journey begins in Colonial Quito, a city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city’s many historic churches. Quito has one of the best preserved colonial centers in all of South America; its integrity was assured in 1978 when Quito became one of the first two cities in the world (along with Krakow, Poland) to be declared a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site.
After a brief ride on a Teleferico (cable car) from Quito to an elevation of 12,900’, we take a straightforward climb of 4-6 hours to Rucu Pichincha, a 15,696-foot volcano visible from Quito. This will be a good acclimatization day to prepare us for our coming adventures in the Andes, and if the weather is clear we will have world- class views of the famous “Avenue of Volcanoes”, a stretch of seven peaks above 17,000 feet in elevation. We overnight in a lodge just outside Otavalo, a small town around 8,000 feet elevation, famous for the textiles made by the indigenous people and sold at a local market we will visit.
After a short vehicle transfer to the beginning of the trail, we will trek through the community of Zuleta, an area famed for its traditional embroidery, dairy products, alpaca farming and highland crops such as wheat, maize, potatoes, lentils and quinoa. “Zuletenos” and “Zuletenas” are known to keep their culture and traditions; keep an eye out for the way the locals dress here and how different it is from the traditional Otavalo clothing. After our morning hike, we learn to cook Zuleta-style in the home of a local chef who worked for many years at one of the best haciendas in Ecuador. After enjoying the fruits of our labors, we depart Zuleta and Otavalo for the Cotopaxi region and our next three 4K summits!
We take on our next peak today, the 13,776’ extinct volcano of Pasachoa. Our hike through virgin highland cloud forests and paramo grasslands will take approximately three hours to the summit. This is one of the best places to see the endangered Andean condor, soaring high above. From the summit, if it is clear, we will have a spec- tacular view of the mountains surrounding Quito, the inspiring scenery of the Pasochoa crater, as well as the impressive surrounding mountain peaks : Antisana, Sincholagua, Quilindana, Cotopaxi, Ruminahui, Corazon and the twin Iliniza peaks. After our summit, our descent takes us to the Pita river canyon, a downhill walk of about 3 hours through grasslands and low ‘Chaparro’ forests, ending at a mountain lodge situated at about 10,500 feet above sea level.
Today we head to Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most beautiful protected areas of Ecuador. On a clear day, you might see Cotopaxi’s peak from parts of Quito, but its majesty is only clearly revealed from within the borders of the park. When the weather cooperates, views of its snow-capped, nearly symmetrical summit cone are awe-inspiring. We start at the Pita River, which gives life to hundreds of thousands of Quitenios (as Ecuador capital city residents are known). Its source is the pristine glacial meltwater of Cotopaxi, and its rushing waters will guide us throughout much of our adventure. Following the river, the hike enters the Cotopaxi National Park towards an ancient Inca archaeological site called Pucara de Salitre. Along the way, we may spot a variety of wildlife and birds, including the Andean condor, wild horses, deer or llamas that make the park their home, as well as gorgeous seasonal mountain wildflowers and breathtaking scenery. We will spend time at the water’s edge of the Pita and the natural springs at the park, admiring classic views of Cotopaxi or perhaps the reflection of Ruminahui, tomorrow’s peak, in its waters. During our adventure, we will stop to enjoy a picnic in the crisp alpine environment before returning to our lodge in the afternoon.
The hike to the summit of triple-peaked Ruminahui (named after a famous Inca general and known as the park’s sentr) starts at the crystal clear Limpiopungo Lagoon, which often reflects Cotopaxi towering above. This hike will take us right into the heart of the paramo grasslands, passing small waterfalls before arriving at the scree fields and rock face below the summit. The climb highlights the grandeur of the Andes, offering views of the nearby peaks of Sincholagua as well as Cotopaxi and even Illinzas Norte. On our descent we will pass through ‘the silent valley’ that follows the course of a number of small streams before returning to the stunning Limpiopungo Lake.
From the lodge we will drive in our private vehicle to the parking area of the Cotopaxi mountain refuge. We will then walk for approximately an hour before reaching the mountaineers’ lodge, and hike from there to the edge of the glacier, a walk of approximately two hours. From here, the northern side of the mountain offers a spectacular panorama. You will be able to identify (with the help of our guide) all of the ground we have covered since the first day of our adventure. The glacier school is indispensable if we are going to get to our goal: the summit of this mountain giant. As well as acclimatization, getting to the high point of the volcano involves getting to know our high mountain equipment and learning to use it safely. We will also learn techniques for displacement and progression on a glacier, which include the use of the pick, crampons and rope. The expert guides that will go with us to the peak will be on hand to answer questions and provide support.
The day before climbing a mountain such as Cotopaxi it is important to rest, plan the ascent and pack exactly what we need to take onto the mountain. Now we focus on getting to the refuge and the certainty of reaching our objective: the mountain summit. After a light but sustaining lunch we will once again make our way to the refuge by vehicle and walking. The total time assigned for the activity is no more than 2 hours, after which we will eat a light supper and rest after 6pm in order to conserve energy for the night and early morning activities. In the evening we will make our way to Refuge Number 2, the Jose F. Ribas Refuge, at an altitude of 15,750ft above sea level. Tonight we stay at the refuge.
The climb begins at midnight after a quick ‘breakfast’ and final equipment check. The average time needed to reach the summit is between 5 and 7 hours, offering us a good chance to see the sun come up from our position high on the mountain. The climb is not complicated, but the conditions can change with the weather. The degree of difficulty is medium and, though a little mountain climbing experience is recommended, most people that attempt the climb reach the summit and its impressive vaporous crater. With the experience we have ac- cumulated so far there should be no problem. The maximum inclination is 50 degrees and the reward for our efforts will be a truly phenomenal view of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a panorama which includes Chimbo-razo to the South, Imbabura to the North and all the magnificent peaks in between. The descent, which will take approximately 3 hours, follows the same route as the initial climb. After a short celebration at the Refuge we will collect our equipment and depart
The climb begins at midnight after a quick ‘breakfast’ and final equipment check. The average time needed to reach the summit is between 5 and 7 hours, offering us a good chance to see the sun come up from our position high on the mountain. The climb is not complicated, but the conditions can change with the weather. The degree of difficulty is medium and, though a little mountain climbing experience is recommended, most people that attempt the climb reach the summit and its impressive vaporous crater. With the experience we have accumulated so far there should be no problem. The maximum inclination is 50 degrees and the reward for our efforts will be a truly phenomenal view of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a panorama which includes Chimborazo to the South, Imbabura to the North and all the magnificent peaks in between. The descent, which will take approximately 3 hours, follows the same route as the initial climb. After a short celebration at the Refuge we will collect our equipment and depart.
Our adventure ends with private vehicle transfer from Cotopaxi National Park to Quito and departure home. Remember to book your flight for after 3pm to allow time for the transfer back to Quito.
Embark is an adventure travel company that offers once-in-a-lifetime adventure tours for those who want to explore the most remote corners of the planet.
