Day 1
Meeting at the hotel in Quito, transfer (2 hours) to the start of the trail located at an altitude of 3848 m. From this place we begin our acclimatization hike to the Pasochoa volcano (4164 m). A well-marked trail leads through agricultural land to the paramo zone. Here the trail heads south, gradually climbing up to the base of the crater. The last section is the steepest, along the mountain path we climb to the edge of the crater. The last meters to the summit of the Pasochoa volcano pass along the rim of the crater with a beautiful view of the Machachi Valley, also known as the "Volcanoes Avenue", and the highlands to the west. On clear days, there is a beautiful view of the volcanoes Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Ruminahui and Artisana. Descent along the same path to our starting point. Next, the group will be transferred (2 hours) to a mountain lodge Ilinizas near the town of El Chaupi (2930 m).
Night at the mountain house.
Ascent: 516 m / Descent: 516 m / Maximum altitude: 4164 m / Activity duration: 5 h.
Meals included: picnic, dinner
Day 2
Today we make an ascent to the North Iliniza Volcano (5126 m), one of the two peaks of the Iliniz massif. The North Summit is technically easier, but still requires physical strength. The ascent begins after a 1-hour drive from the mountain lodge to the parking place located at an altitude of 3680 meters. From here the group will follow the paramo trail (Andean highlands), which turns into a rocky moraine as it climbs. The terrain will become steeper when we reach a clearly visible ridge that rises into the valley that separates the two peaks, where the hut of Nuevos Horizontes (4677 m) is located. After a short break in the hut, the hike continues towards the pass and then north. The climb itself is very panoramic as it follows the southern ridge of the mountain with breathtaking scenery on both sides. Depending on the weather conditions and the physical form of the team, the descent can be carried out along the same path or along the northern ridge, along a large talus, turning into a circular route. Back at the parking place, the team will be transported back to the mountain lodge.
Night at the mountain house.
Ascent: 1266 m / Descent: 1266 m / Maximum altitude: 5126 m / Activity duration: 7-9 h.
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 3
After a good rest and a well-deserved breakfast, a 3-hour transfer will take the group to the Cayambe parking place (4350 m). Next, there will be a 1-hour trekking to the Kayambe mountain hut. Here is a short break for a snack, and then continue trekking for another 30 minutes, first down, and then a little up to the lower part of the glacier, which is located directly in front of the hut. Once there (4680 m), the team will equip themselves and follow the guide's instructions on using crampons, ice ax, rope and all the necessary technical equipment for the ascent. This is by no means an alpine course, it is just a short introduction to the technique required to climb. This activity will also improve acclimatization due to physical activity at altitude. After training, the team will return to the parking place and move to the city of Kayambe to spend the night at a lower altitude (2600 m) and in the comfort of a cozy hotel before trying to climb.
Ascent: 330 m / Descent: 330 m / Highest altitude: 4680 m / Activity duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic.
Day 4
A light relaxing morning at the Cayambé hotel, and then in the afternoon transfer (1 hour) back to the upper parking place. Again a short walk to the Roales-Oleas-Berge hut (4621m), a very beautiful hideaway with all the basic services such as a restaurant, toilets and dorms with bunk beds. The rest of the day is preparation for the ascent. The guides will provide detailed instructions on all aspects of the ascent and help with all the equipment. An early dinner will be served and then rest until the guides call for breakfast, usually around midnight.
Overnight at the hut.
Ascent: 271 m / Highest altitude: 4600 m / Activity duration: 1 hour
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5
The departure time from the hut will be determined by the mountain guides depending on the physical condition of the team and the weather forecast, usually between 23:00 and 2:00. Breakfast will be served 1 hour before departure. The group will start climbing from the hut up the moraine for about 1.5-2 hours. Once at the edge of the glacier, the group will put on their gear and split, in the case of a large group, into smaller teams in a range of 2 clients for 1 guide. Climbing Kayamba is quite long and requires endurance and considerable mental strength. The Kayambe glacier is the largest ice massif in the country, its passage is not technically difficult, but there are cracks and several ice slopes that make the route interesting. The first part of the glacier is a gentle descent to a rocky formation called Picos Jarrin, from there the route follows the main ridge that leads to the summit. There are several icy areas and crossings on the ridge. The main obstacle on the higher side of the mountain is altitude, so persistence is key. The weather on Cayamba is changing rapidly as it is located on the eastern ridge overlooking the Amazon, so this is also a determining factor for a successful ascent. The ascent takes an average of 7-8 hours. The top of the Kayambe volcano (5790 m), breathtaking beauty. The descent follows the same path and usually takes 3-4 hours. Back at the huts and after the whole group is reunited, the team will descend to the parking area and return to Quito (3 hours).
Ascent: 1169 m / Descent: 1440 m / Highest altitude: 5790 m / Activity duration: 10-12 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic.
- Article "Peru, Colombia, Ecuador - Hot Three" - read