Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
Day 1 Accommodation in double/twin rooms with private bath. In the afternoon we visit the old town in the south of Quito, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1978 by UNESCO. In the evening we have a detailed briefing about the trip from the guide.
Day 2 Pasachoa is an extinct volcano not far from Quito. The hike up to the summit takes around 6 hours, and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the high Andean peaks around and of the steep plunging drop off into the heart of the collapsed crater, which is filled with ancient Andean vegetation. This is an excellent peak for seeing birds particularly the Andean condor. (B, B/L)
Day 3 Guagua Pichincha stands right above the city of Quito. It has a long history of eruptions. From the edge of the paramo, where we start walking, it takes around 4 hours to reach the summit. The final section is a rocky scramble. (B, B/L)
Day 4 Leave Quito in the morning and drive to the north using the Pan-American road to reach Cayambe town, then we take the mountain road passing the Hacienda Piemonte to the refuge at 4,600m. (B,B/L,D)
Day 5 The Glacier school includes two practical sessions on the mountain. During the practical sessions the following subjects are taught:
•Use of equipment
•Knots and harnesses
•Different walking techniques: French/ American/ Basic front-pointing/ Traversing
•Roping up techniques: two and three person parties
•Team travel
•Crossing snow bridges
•Anchors: general and in poor snow conditions
•Ice screws
•Abseiling
•Self rescue: Prussic/ Jumar/ Other procedures
•Moderate ice climbing with top rope
You will also learn different knots and their uses, roping up techniques, and the principles of self rescue using various techniques such as Jumar and Prussic. While in the refuge we also discuss high altitude medicine and basic first aid. (B,B/L,D)
Day 6 Half day glaciar school, afternoon rest. Overnight at refuge (B,B/L,D)
Day 7 We start climbing at midnight. After a small breakfast we set off for the top (5,789 m). If the weather and physical conditions are good we reach the summit in 4-5 hours. From there you enjoy a spectacular view of the Andes. (B,B/L,D)
Day 8 A chance to rest and relax, explore Quito and the surrounding area. (B)
Day 9 Today we drive to the Refuge on Cotopaxi - “Jose Rivas” (4.800 m.). We drive for about 2 hours to the car park at 4,600 m and from here we walk to the refuge in approximately 1 hour. We have an early dinner and bed. (B,B/L,D)
Day 10 Day walk Runinahui. (B,B/L,D)
Day 11 We start climbing at midnight. After a small breakfast we climb through the magnificent glaciers to the summit of Cotopaxi (5,897m) in approx. 6-7 hours then return to the hut. In the afternoon we drive to Riobamba. Transfer to the Hotel. (B,B/L)
Day 12 Rest day today. A chance to catch up on your sleep, and explore Riobamba. (B)
Day 13 We drive towards Chimborazo. Lunch on the way. The Whymper refuge is about a 30 min. walk from the car park (5,000m). If the weather conditions are good there’s time for an acclimatization walk in the afternoon. Dinner and bed. (B,B/L,D)
Day 14 The climb of Chimborazo begins at midnight, and if the weather is good and you are fit and strong the climb takes between 8-9 hours. Returning to the refuge takes 4-5 hours. Afterwards we head back to Quito.
Day 15 This is a buffer day - If the weather conditions weren’t good yesterday this gives a second opportunity to climb Chimborazo. Otherwise we make a day trip to Papallacta hot springs, an ideal place to go for a short walk on the paramo and to relax in the hot springs. In the afternoon we drive back to Quito.
Day 16 Transfer out. End of services.
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