Ecuador Volcanoes
Chimborazo (20,701FT / 6,310M) - Cotopaxi (19,347FT / 5,897M) - Cayambe (18,993FT / 5,789M) | EcuadorClimbing Ecuador Volcanoes
- Worldwide Expeditions
- Pack Weight: 35 lbs
- 9 or 16 days
- Gallery
- Dates & Pricing
A mountaineer’s paradise, Ecuador’s Volcanoes offer climbers an opportunity to take on three of the world’s great peaks in one 16-day period. Nowhere else on earth are high-altitude peaks so easily accessible from the front country. With 30 years of experience in Ecuador, Alpine Ascents offers the foremost climbing program in the region, balancing ideal acclimatization, rich cultural experiences, and luxury accommodations for climbers ascending the country’s three most iconic volcanoes: Cotopaxi (19,347 feet), Cayambe (18,993 ft), and Chimborazo (20,548 feet). Our expeditions here are led by either hand picked Ecuadorian guides or US-based Alpine Ascents guides.
This expedition suits climbers with experience on moderate-altitude peaks, like Mount Rainier or Mount Baker, who are ready to explore higher elevations. Our Ecuador program has long served as a steppingstone toward more advanced climbs, such as Denali, giving climbers a fantastic opportunity to build confidence at altitude.
Key Components
Guide Leadership: Every trip is led by a US-based senior guide or Ecuador-based UIAGM-certified mountain guide
Guide Ratio: A low climber-to-guide ratio (1:1 on Chimborazo, 2:1 on Cayambe and Cotopaxi)
All-Inclusive Logistics: All in-country transportation, lodging, and meals
Ecuador Experience: More than 30 years of guiding experience on the Ecuador Volcanoes
Distinctive Stays: Exceptional lodging at hot springs resorts, historic haciendas, and climber refugios
Cultural Excursion: A city tour of Quito, including historical monuments and its UNESCO World Heritage historic center
Gear Support: A full-service gear department for expert equipment support and rentals
Cotopaxi Climb:We offer the option of a 9 day Cotopaxi Climb program.
Acclimatization Schedule: A curated itinerary that builds in proper acclimatization and flexibility
I have been a client of Alpine Ascents for 20 years.
I have participated in many local (PNW) climbs, mountaineering courses, bigger mountain (Denali, Aconcagua) climbs and international climbs (Kilimanjaro.) I would have to say that from an overall trip experience, this has to be my favorite. Although the emphasis of the trip is the summits of the three volcanoes; every other detail (food, lodging, travel, side tours, acclimatization) was outstanding. The way the trip was laid out, with the gradual acclimatization, was spot-on. It was thoughtfully coordinated to ensure success. The trip was long enough for me to truly disconnect from the normal humdrum of Utah life yet not so long as to start being redundant or boring. The itinerary was well laid out and I was even thinking that my husband, who no longer climbs, would have enjoyed the scenery, lodging and food from a “non-climbing” spouse point of view. Outstanding overall experience.
This trip should be advertised more, it surpassed all of my expectations in the best way possible.
It felt like a great stepping stone after the Rainier 8 day course to learn how to travel with gear, get acclimated, and get experience moving at higher elevations without moving into a space that was really technical. The accommodations, food, and just the beauty of Ecuador made it a really special experience.
The hot springs were an absolute gem.
David’s recon work and changing the itinerary slightly to spend an additional rest day at a lower altitude in Banos was spot on – all of us made it on to Chimborazo.
The food was outstanding.
The hotels, refugios and in-transit dining was authentic and abundant. I never, ever went hungry! The snacks and actual mountain food was great. The guides asked what our preferences were and did a great job accommodating everyone both with our mountain snacks and the other meals we had. I think that having an Ecuadorian guide (Camilo) and driver (Victor) we were able to sample and enjoy many, many excellent meals that they were able to coordinate, based on their personal knowledge.
A high end, well organized expedition.
Everything from the luxury accommodations to the excellent restaurants to the decision making on the mountain were A+, as we have come to expect from AAI over the years.
This trip was incredible.
The itinerary was perfect, the food was delicious, and everyone we interacted with (guides, driver, logistics manager, etc) were all professional, but also very personable. The trip was so rewarding, and sold me on future expeditions.
About the Ecuador Volcanoes
Each climb in this Ecuadorian volcano trilogy stands out for its unique character and landscape. Cayambe (18,996 feet/5,790 meters), the only peak on Earth whose summit rests directly on the equator, offers a rare chance to stand at the highest and coldest point on zero latitude. Cotopaxi (19,347 feet/5,897 meters), one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, is an iconic glacier climb surrounded by sweeping páramo terrain and Andean wildlife. Our journey culminates with Chimborazo (20,548 feet/6,263 meters), the highest mountain in Ecuador, whose summit stands farther from the center of Earth than any point on the planet.
Beyond the summits, Ecuador’s landscapes are incredibly diverse. Andean volcanoes rise above vast rolling páramo, glaciers spill into ancient lava flows, and lush cloud forests drop away into the Amazon Basin. Climbers move through vibrant ecosystems filled with wildflowers, condors, and grazing alpacas, while indigenous culture and small mountain haciendas bring warmth and depth to the journey. Few places in the world pack such dramatic environmental contrast in so compact a region.
The Alpine Ascents Way
Climbers summit each peak in a single push, challenging themselves on big, glaciated terrain by day and recovering in comfort by evening, with warm meals, comfortable lodges, and Ecuadorian hospitality. Our long-standing relationships and close collaboration with a trusted local outfitter contribute to a smooth, well-supported expedition and a uniquely enjoyable introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.
The Ecuador expedition begins in Quito (9,350 feet), where Alpine Ascent staff greet climbers at the airport and transfer them to our hotel by private van. After a welcoming breakfast and trip orientation, we spend our first day acclimatizing while exploring the historic streets, markets, and plazas of Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center.
From Quito, our expedition moves into the mountains by private van, gradually ascending to higher elevations. The itinerary follows a thoughtful acclimatization progression as we climb three iconic glaciated volcanoes: Cayambe (18,996 feet/5,790 meters), Cotopaxi (19,347 feet/5,897 meters), and Chimborazo (20,548 feet/6,263 meters). Each climb offers a distinct glacier environment, captivating geology, and remarkable summit experience.
What makes the Alpine Ascents program truly exceptional is the level of care and quality our guides build into every step of the trip. Conservative climber-to-guide ratios—1:1 on Chimborazo and 2:1 on Cayambe and Cotopaxi—allow for individualized pacing, coaching, and decision-making on summit day. Every expedition is led by either a US-based senior Alpine Ascents guide or a certified Ecuadorian guide—both of whom are handpicked, trained, and fully integrated into our program standards. Combined with a well-paced 16-day acclimatization schedule, this approach leads to a high level of success and a climbing experience that feels supported, unhurried, and enjoyable.
Beyond the climbs, this expedition showcases Ecuador’s diverse landscape as it unfolds dramatically from glaciated peaks to tropical rainforests. Climbers stay at exceptional mountain lodges and haciendas, including two nights at the Papallacta hot springs. Resting in comfort between climbs and enjoying Ecuadorian hospitality make this one of the most enjoyable and rewarding mountaineering experiences in the world.
Cotopaxi Climb
The Cotopaxi Climb trip is a focused, nine-day introduction to high-altitude mountaineering in Ecuador, centered on an ascent of Cotopaxi with acclimatization on Corazón and Iliniza Norte. While the full Volcanoes of Ecuador expedition (three summits) offers the most comprehensive progression for developing climbers, we recognize that not everyone can commit to a 16-day itinerary.
We’ve designed this streamlined program for climbers seeking a shorter time commitment without sacrificing thoughtful acclimatization or summit success. At nine days, the Cotopaxi Climb is the shortest itinerary that still allows for a responsible, risk-aware approach to high altitude. It’s an excellent option for those eager to experience big Andean peaks, glaciated climbing, and the rewards of climbing above 19,000 feet within a more compact schedule.
Ecuador Volcanoes Blog
More from the blog
Breathwork for Mountaineering Performance
Ask A Guide: Top 4 Questions About Climbing in Ecuador
Ecuador Volcanoes FAQ
Climbers should have completed our 6-Day Cascades course or similar, or have equivalent experience. Strong performance on a 3-Day Baker or Rainier climb is also suitable. Basic knowledge of ice axe use, cramponing, self-arrest, and glacier travel is required, as slopes reach up to 45 degrees.
This expedition is physically demanding. We highly recommend being in excellent physical condition, focusing on heavy cardiovascular endurance and leg strength to manage multiple high-altitude summit pushes.
Trips are led by US-based Alpine Ascents Senior Guides or Ecuador-based IFMGA/UIAGM-certified guides, alongside experienced local guides. We maintain a 2:1 ratio on Cayambe and Cotopaxi, and a 1:1 ratio on Chimborazo for maximum safety and individual support.
The primary climbing seasons in Ecuador run from November through February and June through July, offering the most favorable weather windows and stable mountain conditions.
We maintain small group sizes, typically ranging from 6 to 10 climbers, allowing for a personalized experience, efficient team movement, and high safety standards.
During mountain pushes, you will share comfortable mountain huts or expedition tents. In towns and cities, lodging is based on double occupancy in historic haciendas, 3-star hotels, and hot spring resorts (single-room supplements are available upon request).
On average, climbers carry packs weighing 30 to 35 lbs. because mountain huts and vehicle access eliminate the need to haul heavy overnight camp gear on most legs of the climb.
Required technical gear can be rented directly through Alpine Ascents. All rental items are mailed to climbers prior to departure, and climbers clean and mail them back to our Seattle office following the expedition.
In towns and haciendas, you will enjoy freshly cooked local and international cuisine. On the mountain, nutritious, high-carbohydrate meals such as pasta, rice, and hot cereals are prepared in mountain huts to maintain energy at altitude.
Water is boiled by kitchen staff or treated using purification solutions and SteriPens. Safe bottled water is also readily available during town stays and at high-altitude mountain lodges.
Yes. While all standard meals are provided, we encourage climbers to bring personal high-energy snacks such as energy gels, chews, electrolyte powders, or favorite snack bars for summit days.
You will fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador. Our local representatives or guides will meet you upon arrival and arrange your airport transfer to the team hotel.
U.S. citizens generally do not require a visa for tourist stays under 90 days, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Always check current entry requirements before departure.
Cell phone reception and Wi-Fi are available in Quito, local towns, and most lodges. On the mountains, lead guides carry satellite phones and emergency communication devices for team safety.
