- Dates: 18 – 26 January 2025 (9 Days / 8 Nights)
Day 1 – 18 Jan (Sun): Arrival in Quito (2,850 m / 9,350 ft)
Airport pick-up and private transfer to Quito Basecamp Hotel, located in the heart of the capital. Guests can rest and prepare for the start of the expedition.
Day 2 – 19 Jan (Mon): Walking Tour of Colonial Quito (2,850 m / 9,350 ft)
Guided walking tour of Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Explore the city’s most iconic and marks including the Basilica, Plaza Grande, La CompañÃa Church, and La Ronda Street.
Day 3 – 20 Jan (Tue): Guided Trek to Rucu Pichincha Summit (Start: 4,000 m / Summit: 4,698 m / Elevation gain: ~700 m)
The acclimatization hike begins with a cable car ride to 4,000 m, followed by a guided trek to the summit of
Rucu Pichincha. This provides excellent preparation for the upcoming climbs, with panoramic views of the Andes.
Day 4 – 21 Jan (Wed): Rest & Acclimatization at Tambopaxi Lodge (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)
Transfer to Tambopaxi Lodge, located inside Cotopaxi National Park. A peaceful day to rest and acclimate at altitude, surrounded by wildlife and volcano views. No hiking scheduled.
Day 5 – 22 Jan (Thu): Ascent to José Rivas Refuge (Car park: 4,600 m → Refuge: 4,800 m / Elevation gain: 200 m)
After lunch, transfer to Cotopaxi car park and begin a 45-minute trek to José Rivas Refuge. Final gear check and
rest at the refuge before the summit attempt.
Day 6 – 23 Jan (Fri): Cotopaxi Summit Climb and Transfer to Chimborazo (Refuge: 4,800 m → Summit: 5,897 m / Elevation gain: 1,097 m)
The summit push starts at midnight. After 6–8 hours of climbing, the group aims to reach the summit between 6:00–8:00 AM. After descending to the refuge for breakfast, return to Tambopaxi Lodge to pack. In the afternoon, transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (approx. 4,000 m).
Day 7 – 24 Jan (Sat): Rest Day at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,000 m / 13,123 ft)
A full day dedicated to recovery and acclimatization in the high-altitude setting of Chimborazo National Park. No scheduled hiking to allow full preparation for the next summit.
Day 8 – 25 Jan (Sun): Trek to Chimborazo High Camp (Car park: 4,800 m → High Camp: 5,300 m / Elevation gain: 500 m)
Transfer to the Chimborazo car park and begin a 2-hour hike to the high camp domes at 5,300 m. Early dinner and rest in preparation for the final summit night.
Day 9 – 26 Jan (Mon):
Chimborazo Summit Push
(High Camp: 5,300 m → Veintimilla Summit: 6,230 m, optional Whymper Summit: 6,310 m / Elevation gain: ~1,000 m)
The climb begins around midnight, aiming to reach Veintimilla Summit by 6:00–7:30 AM.
If time, weather, and physical condition permit, the team may proceed to Whymper Summit — the highest point in Ecuador.
After descending to high camp and packing up, return to basecamp.
In the afternoon, transfer back to Quito or opt for a drop-off in Baños.
End of services.
What’s not included
• Backpack
• Sunglasses
• Inner layer gloves
• Tips
• Personal items (socks)