Mountain Climbing - Cotopaxi & Chimborazo Private (6 Days)

Introduction

Quito, Ecuador / Duration: 6 days

About your trip

Take your mountaineering goals to the next level with our 6-day all-inclusive Cotopaxi & Chimborazo expedition in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. This program is designed with proper acclimatization, professional logistics, and expert support from ASEGUIM-certified mountain guides to maximize safety and summit success.

The adventure begins in Quito and continues with acclimatization in the Andes before climbing Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, followed by recovery and preparation at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge. The expedition finishes with the ultimate challenge: the summit of Chimborazo, the closest point on Earth to the sun.

Our package includes transportation, accommodations, meals during the climbs, technical gear, certified guides, park permits, and adventure insurance — a complete airport-to-airport mountain experience in Ecuador.

Expedition Highlights

At a glance

About your trip

Map

Day 1 - Quito to Cotopaxi National Park and Acclimatization

Arrive at Cotopaxi, Acclimatize at Tambo Paxi

Transport from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park

DepartureQuito

DestinationCotopaxi National Park

We depart Quito (Latacunga or Riobamba) and drive to Cotopaxi National Park, after doing the registration we enter the national park.

Tambo Paxi Lodge

Accommodation in shared dorm rooms for one night at Tambo Paxi Lodge for acclimatization.

Acclimatization and Trekking near Lodge

This particular day is for acclimatization purposes only. You can trek near the lodge in multiple trails.

Dinner at Tambo Paxi Lodge

Dinner included.

Day 2 - Tambo Paxi Lodge to Jose Rivas Refuge

Ascend to Jose Rivas Refuge on Cotopaxi

Lunch at Tambo Paxi Lodge

The team gathers at Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750 m) for lunch at 12:00 midday, providing a final opportunity to fuel up before heading to higher altitudes.

Equipment Check and Gear Preparation

Between 2:00 and 3:00 PM, the guides arrive with the necessary gear, and after a final equipment check, we depart towards José Rivas Refuge on Cotopaxi (4,864 m).

Transport to Jose Rivas Refuge

DepartureTambo Paxi Lodge

DestinationJose Rivas Refuge, Cotopaxi

The drive takes us through the rugged landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, offering stunning views of the páramo and volcanic terrain. We reach the car park at 4,780 m.

Trek to Jose Rivas Refuge

Begin a 40 to 50-minute trek up a steep, sandy trail from the car park at 4,780 m to the refuge. Upon arrival, settle in, acclimatize, and take time to relax.

Upon arrival at Jose Rivas Refuge, settle in, acclimatize, and relax before the night climb.

Dinner at Jose Rivas Refuge

Dinner is served at 5:00 PM, providing much-needed energy for the upcoming ascent.

Rest and Preparation for Night Climb

After dinner, rest and prepare for the night climb, aiming for a midnight departure towards the summit of Cotopaxi at 5,897 m.

Jose Rivas Refuge

Day 3 - Cotopaxi Summit and Descent to Chimborazo

Summit Cotopaxi, Descend and Transfer to Chimborazo

Cotopaxi Summit Climb

The climb starts at 12 midnight, guides team up and prepare for the climb, which takes about 6-7 hours to the summit (5970 m). After taking the challenge of reaching the summit we have some time in the summit for pictures, then we return safely down to the refuge.

Breakfast at Jose Rivas Refuge

We have breakfast here before departing out of Cotopaxi National Park.

Drive to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge

DepartureCotopaxi National Park

DestinationChimborazo Basecamp Lodge

Drive to Chimborazo to rest, in Chimborazo basecamp lodge. All meals are included.

Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge

Rest at Chimborazo basecamp lodge after the drive from Cotopaxi.

Meals at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge

All meals are included at Chimborazo basecamp lodge.

Day 4 - Chimborazo Basecamp Leisure and Acclimatization

Leisure and Acclimatization at Chimborazo Basecamp

Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge

After a well-deserved rest, in Chimborazo basecamp lodge, clients have a free day of leisure and recovery at 3900 m, for acclimatization prior to the climb.

Dinner at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge

Dinner is served here at 7 pm.

Day 5 - Chimborazo Refuge and Preparation for Climb

Lunch, Briefing, and Rest at Chimborazo Refuge

Lunch at Chimborazo Refuge

We meet the team at 12 midday for lunch, where there will be a small briefing.

Drive to Carrell Refuge

DepartureChimborazo Basecamp Lodge

DestinationCarrell Refuge

After lunch we drive to Carrell Refuge. After settling in, team can relax and take pictures or just rest.

Carrell Refuge

After settling in at Carrell Refuge, team can relax and take pictures or just rest.

Dinner at Carrell Refuge

Dinner is served at 5 pm, right after we rest for the afternoon and evening till 11 pm.

Preparation for Climb

Team will prep for climb at 10:30 pm-11 pm.

High camp upgrade available for $150 additional.

Day 6 - Chimborazo Summit and Return to Riobamba

Summit Chimborazo and Conclude in Riobamba

Chimborazo Summit Climb

After 6-7 hours of climbing, the optimal summit window occurs between 6:00 and 7:30 am, with 7:30 am being the latest time climbers should aim to reach the top of either Vintimilla or Whymper.

Descent to Refuge

DepartureChimborazo Summit

DestinationRefuge

Following the summit, climbers are escorted back to the Refuge, a journey that takes approximately 3 hours.

Breakfast at Refuge

Breakfast is served upon return to the Refuge.

Drive to Riobamba

DepartureRefuge

DestinationRiobamba

From the Refuge, you will be driven to Riobamba where your adventure with us concludes.

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Map

1. Quito

Quito, Ecuador

2. Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

3. Tambo Paxi Lodge

Tambo Paxi Lodge, Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

4. Jose Rivas Refuge

Jose Rivas Refuge, Cotopaxi, Ecuador

5. Cotopaxi Summit

Cotopaxi Summit, Ecuador

6. Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge

Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge, Chimborazo, Ecuador

7. Carrell Refuge

Carrell Refuge, Chimborazo, Ecuador

8. Chimborazo Summit

Chimborazo Summit, Ecuador

9. Riobamba

Riobamba, Ecuador