Dear Client
This invoice is for your mountain climbing expedition in Ecuador
Ilinizas and Cotopaxi
$1080
The other 2.9% fee will automatically be added when you process your card
Thanks,
The Ecuador Eco Adventure team
Hotels, lodges and mountain refuges.
Attack pack 20 -30 lters
Snow gogles
suggested $10 or more
Arrival in Quito (2,850m)
Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your basecamp hotel in Quito. Quito, the highest capital in the world, sits at an altitude of 2,850 meters. This beautiful Andean city is surrounded by towering volcanoes and offers an ideal location to begin your acclimatization process. Relax at your hotel and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Free Day in Quito (2,850m)
Today is a free day to explore the colonial charm of Quito at your own pace. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic center, visit iconic sites like the Basilica del Voto Nacional, Plaza de la Independencia, and the famous La Compañía de Jesús Church. The cable car ride up to Cruz Loma at 4,100 meters can be an excellent way to gently continue acclimatizing while enjoying breathtaking views of the city and surrounding peaks.
Today, you will embark on your first acclimatization trek to the summit of Rucu Pichincha, an extinct volcano overlooking Quito. The adventure begins with a ride on the Teleférico cable car, which brings you up to 4,100 meters. From here, you will hike up to the summit of Rucu Pichincha at 4,696 meters, providing panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape. This 5-6 hour trek is excellent for acclimatization and offers moderate difficulty. Return to Quito in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening.
Trek to La Virgen to Refuge (4,700m)
In the morning, transfer to the Iliniza Ecological Reserve, where your journey to the Iliniza peaks begins. You will start your trek from La Virgen (3,900m), hiking up towards the Iliniza Norte Refuge at 4,700 meters. The hike offers impressive views of the twin peaks, Iliniza Norte (5,126m) and Iliniza Sur (5,248m), as well as the surrounding paramo ecosystems. Arrive at the refuge and settle in for the night, preparing for the summit push.
Transfer to Wasi Andina Lodge
Summit day begins early with an ascent of Iliniza Norte. The climb is relatively non-technical but requires sure-footedness and stamina due to the altitude. Reaching the summit at 5,126 meters will reward you with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and the Avenue of Volcanoes. After descending back to the refuge for breakfast, you will be transferred to Wasi Andina Lodge, a beautiful resting spot where you can enjoy a well-deserved break after your summit. Spend the afternoon recovering and soaking in the tranquil mountain atmosphere.
Afternoon Transfer to Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750m)
Take the morning to relax and recover at Wasi Andina Lodge. You can enjoy short nature walks around the area or simply rest and refuel. In the afternoon, transfer to Tambo Paxi Lodge, located at the foot of Cotopaxi. Nestled in the Cotopaxi National Park, at 3,750 meters, Tambo Paxi offers a cozy environment for climbers preparing for the Cotopaxi ascent. Spend the evening resting and making final preparations for the next day’s climb.
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the parking lot at 4,600 meters, where your final approach to the Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864m) begins. A 45-minute hike will bring you to the refuge, where you’ll spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and preparing for the summit attempt. Cotopaxi, standing at 5,897 meters, is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and offers a challenging yet rewarding climb. Rest at the refuge and ensure your gear is ready for the early start the next day.
Cotopaxi Summit (5,897m) – Return to Quito or Baños
Summit day begins around midnight as you make your ascent under a blanket of stars. The summit window is between 6-8 AM, allowing you to catch the sunrise from the top of Cotopaxi. The climb is physically demanding but offers one of the most exhilarating experiences in the Andes. Standing at the summit of Cotopaxi at nearly 6,000 meters, you will be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch across Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes. After celebrating at the summit, you will descend to the refuge for breakfast.
In the late morning, transfer back to Quito