Ecuador is one of the most underrated adventure destinations in South America, offering towering volcanoes, glacier-covered peaks, rich indigenous culture, and dramatic Andean landscapes within a relatively compact region. Home to the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” the country attracts climbers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world seeking high-altitude challenges and unforgettable scenery. 

The climbing season during the drier months provides ideal conditions for glacier travel, alpine ascents, and acclimatization in the Andes. From the bustling streets of Quito to the remote mountain refuges beneath Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, Ecuador offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are preparing for your first major mountaineering expedition or chasing new high-altitude goals, Ecuador delivers an experience that is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding.

Spend ten unforgettable days immersed in the high-altitude landscapes of Ecuador while climbing three of the country’s most iconic volcanoes: Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. This expedition combines challenging alpine ascents, glacier travel, acclimatization hikes, and breathtaking views across the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes. Beginning in Quito and progressing through the Ecuadorian Andes, the journey is carefully designed to build altitude gradually while maximizing recovery, safety, and summit success. 

Highlights include climbing the rocky ridgelines of Iliniza Norte, ascending the snow-covered glaciers of Cotopaxi under the stars, and standing atop Chimborazo: the point on Earth closest to the sun. Along the way, experience Ecuador’s mountain culture, remote refugios, volcanic landscapes, and the rewarding challenge of pushing both physically and mentally in one of South America’s premier mountaineering destinations.

Cristian is the co-founder of Montañas del Ecuador, an adventure company with over 15 years of experience in extreme sports and mountain guiding throughout Ecuador. He holds a WFR certification and an ASEGUIM guide license in Ecuador, bringing a strong mix of local expertise, safety, and professional guiding standards to every expedition.

Micaela is the founder of Move Adventures, a bilingual guide, certified athletic trainer, and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) professional with 6 years of experience in sports medicine. She has guided trekking expeditions across the Alps, Scottish Highlands, and Andes and brings 3 years of experience curating multi-day active travel experiences and mountain-specific strength training programs for explorers of all skill levels.

Chris is an experienced backpacking guide, expedition leader, and adventure photographer who has climbed Cotopaxi and Antisana in Ecuador, attempted Chimborazo, and summited multiple 6,000-meter peaks in the Himalayas as well as Mount Kilimanjaro. With years of experience leading groups in remote mountain environments, he brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion for adventure to every expedition.

Accommodation: Quito hotel
Transportation: Private airport transfer

Schedule:

• Arrivals into Quito throughout the day

• Transfer from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to the hotel

• Hotel check-in + rest after travel

Evening:

• Welcome group dinner (included)

• Full expedition briefing with guides

• Gear check + acclimatization discussion

• Early rest before heading into the mountains

Accommodation: Refugio Nuevos Horizontes (4,700m)
Transportation: Private transport to El Chaupi + approach hike

Morning:

• Breakfast in Quito

• Drive south through Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes toward El Chaupi

Afternoon:

• Hike to Refugio Nuevos Horizontes

• Acclimatization hike + altitude adaptation

• Technical gear review and mountain briefing

Evening:

• Dinner at the refuge (included)

• Early recovery and hydration focus

Accommodation: Hotel near Cotopaxi National Park
Transportation: Private transfer after climb

Schedule:

• Pre-dawn alpine start

• Summit attempt of Iliniza Norte

• Rocky ridge climbing with panoramic Andean views

Afternoon:

• Descend back to trailhead

• Transfer toward Cotopaxi region

• Hotel check-in + recovery

Evening:

• Group dinner + rest

• Recovery and preparation for glacier climbing phase

Accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge

 Transportation: Private transfer inside Cotopaxi National Park

Morning:

• Breakfast at lodge

• Light acclimatization hike inside Cotopaxi National Park

Afternoon:

• Recovery-focused day with active movement and stretching

• Wildlife viewing + volcanic landscapes

Evening:

• Dinner at Tambopaxi Lodge

• Early sleep before Cotopaxi approach day

Accommodation: José Rivas Refuge (4,864m)
Transportation: Short transfer + approach hike

Morning:

• Breakfast at Tambopaxi

• Transfer to Cotopaxi trailhead

Afternoon:

• Hike to José Rivas Refuge

• Technical glacier skills session:

• crampons

• ice axe

• rope systems

• glacier safety

Evening:

• Early dinner (included)

• Rest before midnight summit push

Accommodation: Chimborazo Lodge
Transportation: Private transfer to Chimborazo province

Schedule:

• Midnight alpine start

• Glacier ascent of Cotopaxi under headlamp

• Summit attempt at sunrise

Afternoon:

• Descend to refuge

• Recovery meal + transfer south toward Chimborazo region

Evening:

• Arrival at Chimborazo Lodge

• Recovery + hydration focus

Accommodation: Refugio Carrel (4,800m)
Transportation: Private transfer to refuge

Morning:

• Breakfast at Chimborazo Lodge

• Scenic drive toward Chimborazo Reserve

Afternoon:

• Light acclimatization hike near refuge

• Rest and preparation for high camp push

Evening:

• Dinner at refuge

• Final summit briefing for Chimborazo

Accommodation: High Camp (~5,300m)
Transportation: Hiking approach only

Morning:

• Breakfast at Refugio Carrel

• Hike to high camp on Chimborazo

Afternoon:

• Technical preparation and final summit planning

• Rest, hydration, and altitude management

Evening:

• Early dinner

• Sleep/rest before midnight summit push

Accommodation: Hotel in Riobamba area
Transportation: Private transfer after descent

Schedule:

• Midnight summit start

• Glacier ascent toward the highest point in Ecuador

• Sunrise views across the Andes

Afternoon:

• Descent from summit

• Transfer to Riobamba for showers and recovery

Evening:

• Final group dinner (included)

• Celebration of expedition completion

We begin our final day together with a smooth transition back toward Quito, reflecting on the journey as we make our way from the mountains to the capital.

Transportation: Private transfer to Quito Airport

Morning:

• Breakfast in Riobamba

• Drive back north toward Quito

Schedule:

• Airport drop-off at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Flights Recommended:

• Flights departing after mid-afternoon are recommended to allow comfortable transfer timing.