11 Day Climb Rucu Pichincha Iliniza Norte Cotopaxi Chimborazo

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Quito (2,850 m)⌄

   From: Mariscal Sucre International Airport → To: Quito hotel (2,850 m) Arrive in Quito, the world’s highest capital. Transfer to your hotel, relax, and take in panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes. Ideal start for acclimatization. Overnight in Quito.

   Overnight: Hotel in Quito

2. 2Quito Free Day (2,850 m → 4,100 m)⌄

   Optional day trip within Quito: historic center, Basilica del Voto Nacional, Plaza de la Independencia, La Compañía de Jesús. Optional cable car ride to Cruz Loma (4,100 m) for gentle acclimatization and breathtaking views of the city and Andes.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel in Quito

3. 3Quito - Private transport - Rucu Pichincha Summit (4,696 m)⌄

   From: Quito → To: Teleférico (4,100 m) → To: Rucu Pichincha Summit (4,696 m) → Return to Quito (2,850 m) Take the Teleférico cable car to 4,100 m, then hike 5–6 hours to the summit of Rucu Pichincha. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. Overnight in Quito.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel in Quito

4. 4Transfer to Iliniza Norte Refuge (4,700 m)⌄

   From: Quito (2,850 m) → To: La Virgen (3,900 m) → To: Iliniza Norte Refuge (4,700 m) Morning transfer (~2.5 hrs) to La Virgen, start trek to Iliniza Norte Refuge. Views of Iliniza Norte (5,126 m) and Iliniza Sur (5,248 m). Overnight at refuge.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at refuge.

5. 5Summit Iliniza Norte (5,126 m) & Transfer to Wasi Andina Lodge (3,900 m)⌄

   From: Iliniza Norte Refuge (4,700 m) → To: Iliniza Norte Summit (5,126 m) → To: Iliniza Norte Refuge → To: Wasi Andina Lodge (3,900 m) Early morning summit attempt. Return to refuge for breakfast. Transfer (~1 hr) to Wasi Andina Lodge for rest. Overnight at lodge.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at lodge.

6. 6Transfer to Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750 m)⌄

   From: Wasi Andina Lodge (3,900 m) → To: Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750 m) Morning at leisure for rest or short hikes. Afternoon transfer (~1 hr) to Tambo Paxi Lodge at Cotopaxi National Park. Prepare for Cotopaxi climb. Overnight at lodge.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at lodge.

7. 7Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864 m)⌄

   From: Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750 m) → To: Cotopaxi Parking Lot (4,600 m) → To: Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864 m) Short drive to parking lot, then hike 45 minutes to refuge. Acclimatization and preparation for summit. Overnight at Cotopaxi Refuge.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Cotopaxi Refuge.

8. 8Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m) & Transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp (4,800 m)⌄

   From: Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864 m) → To: Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m) → To: Cotopaxi Refuge → To: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,800 m)** (~5 hr drive) Summit begins around midnight, sunrise at 6–8 AM. After descent, drive to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge. Overnight at lodge.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at lodge.

9. 9Rest & Acclimatization at Chimborazo Basecamp (4,800 m)⌄

   Location: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge Full day to rest and acclimatize before summit. Optional self-guided trails. Meals included. Overnight at basecamp.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at basecamp.

10. 10Chimborazo Carrel Refuge (5,000 m)⌄

    From: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,800 m) → To: Carrel Refuge (5,000 m)** Breakfast at lodge, free morning. Lunch at basecamp. Afternoon drive to Carrel Refuge. Rest and final preparations for summit. Dinner at 17:00. Optional High Camp upgrade available.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: Overnight Refugio or Optional High Camp upgrade available.

11. 11Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m) & Return to Quito (2,850 m)⌄

    From: Carrel Refuge (5,000 m) → To: Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m) → To: Carrel Refuge → To: Basecamp → To: Quito (2,850 m)** (~5–6 hr drive) Summit climb starts around midnight. Ascend 6–7 hours to top of Chimborazo. Return to refuge for breakfast, then drive back to Quito where services conclude.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

    Overnight: Hotel in Quito