Day 1
Pick-up at the hotel in Quito, transfer (2 hours) to the start of the trail, located at an altitude of 3848 m. From there, a well-marked trail leads through farmland to the Paramo area. From here the trail leads south, gradually rising to the base of the crater. The last section is the steepest and follows a mountain path to the edge of the crater. The last meters to the top are along the edge of the Pasochoa Crater (4164 m), which offers 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 of Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Rumiñahui and Artisana. The descent goes back along the same path. After returning to the starting point, the group will be taken back (2 hours) to Quito.
Overnight at the hotel.
Ascent: 516 m / Descent: 516 m / Maximum altitude: 4164 m / Activity duration: 5 hours
Meals included: Picnic
Day 2
Meeting at the hotel in Quito, transfer (2 hours) to the beginning of the trail to the parking lot at an altitude of 4150 m. From the campsite, the hike goes through the "paramo" terrain, making its way through the changing vegetation to the moraine. The climb is very straight, but the distance to be covered is considerable anyway. There is a lot of climb during the hike, which is great for acclimatization and preparation for higher peaks. Pichincha are three peaks located on the western ridge just above Quito. Guagua Pichincha (4794 m) is the highest and youngest of the three peaks. The other two are Rucu Pichincha and Padre Encantado (The Enchanted Father) a little lower. Guagua is also the site of the last eruption in 1999, but geologists consider it safe to climb. Guagua and Rucu are very popular climbers due to their location on the outskirts of the capital and easy access.The return journey along the path of the ascent. Further from the parking lot, a 2-hour drive along the beautiful “Volcano Avenue” to a mountain house located near the town of El Chaupi (2930 m).
Night in a mountain house.
Ascent: 644 / Descent: 644 m / Highest altitude: 4794 m / Duration of activity: 6 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast, short transfer (1 hour) to the upper parking area, located at an altitude of 3680 meters. From here, the group will follow the “paramo” (Andean Highlands) trail, which turns into a rocky moraine as you climb. The terrain becomes steeper, reaching a well-marked ridge that rises into the valley separating the twin peaks and where the Nuevos Horizontes hut (4677 m) is located. Upon arrival, the mountain guide will give appropriate instructions for the next day's climb and help you prepare all the necessary equipment. The Nuevos Horizontes Hut, a very basic accommodation with one large area where both the bunk beds and the kitchen are located. The hut has basic services such as a kitchen, dining tables and toilets.
Overnight at the hostel with sunbeds.
Ascent: 817 m / Maximum altitude: 4677 m / Activity duration: 3-4 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 4
The ascent starts immediately from the Nuevos Horizontes hut (4677 m). The route goes to the saddle and further north. The ascent itself is very panoramic as it follows the south ridge of the mountain with breathtaking scenery on both sides. During the ascent there will be short sections with easy climbing before we reach the top of North Iliniza (5126 m). North Ilinis is one of the twin peaks of the Ilinis massif. It is the easier of the two from a technical point of view, but still requires physical climbing. Depending on logistics, weather conditions and the team's fitness, the descent can be made along the same trail or along the northern ridge, down a large scree, turning into a circular route. Back at the campsite, the team will be transferred (2-3 hours) to the city of Quito or the city of Papallacta for a day's rest.
Overnight at the hotel.
Ascent: 449 m / Descent: 1266 m / Maximum altitude: 5126 m / Duration of activity: 8 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic
Day 5
Today we have a rest day to recuperate and prepare for the decisive ascent. You can choose Quito or Papallacta, but this must be decided in advance. There is plenty to do in the capital or at the hot springs of Papalkta.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 6
After a good rest day, the team will prepare for one of the best climbs in Ecuador: the Artisana Volcano! The group will depart from Quito or Papallakta and drive about 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions, to Artisana's high camp (4500 m), located at the foot of the volcano on the western slope. Transport will stop right at the campsite, which is very convenient. The idea is to get there in the afternoon and use the afternoon to prepare for the ascent. The guide will provide all necessary assistance and instructions for the ascent. Early dinner and good rest before night test.
Night in tents.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Today we have a very early rise and breakfast, around midnight. We begin our ascent. At the beginning, our guides will take you along the moraine to the edge of the glacier. After preparing and dividing the group into teams with a ratio of 2 participants to one guide, the ascent will begin at the picturesque Artisana glacier. One of the hardest parts of climbing is finding the route, as this is one of the most rarely visited volcanoes and the "standard route" is rarely marked, therefore, the guides must be well versed in the sea of seracs and snowy fields. Our goal is the main peak of Artisana (5704 m), the highest of the four, and also the most accessible. The climb, although not technically difficult, presents a series of obstacles, which makes the climb really fun. The ascent is very beautiful as the glacier has beautiful shapes and colors. This is definitely one of the best climbs in the country! The top offers a fantastic panoramic view of the neighboring volcanoes: Sincholagua, Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, Cayambe, and to the east the mighty Amazonas.
We descend along the ascent path to the upper camp. After packing and having a good rest, transport will take the group back to Quito (2 hours).
Ascent: 904 m / Descent: 904 m / Highest altitude: 5704 m / Duration of activity: 12 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic
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