Ecuador: 5 Volcano Challenge
Imagine a land where the ocean meets snow-capped peaks, where volcanoes rise from dense jungles, and where life thrives in unparalleled diversity. Spanning 100 miles by 100 miles, Ecuador packs more adventure, culture, and natural wonder into every square mile than almost anywhere on Earth. Trails weave through misty forests and past ancient villages, connecting you to a world of breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions.
On this expedition, we’ll summit three volcanic peaks over 15,000 feet—one soaring beyond 16,000. These non-technical but demanding climbs offer an incredible opportunity for adventurous trekkers to experience high-altitude mountaineering without the need for technical skills. And after each rewarding ascent, you’ll rest in charming mountain lodges, immersed in the warmth of Ecuador’s culture and hospitality.
This journey isn’t just about the peaks—it’s about stepping into a land both untamed and welcoming, where adventure meets comfort. Ecuador is off the beaten path, yet full of wonder. Join us for this one-of-a-kind Embark adventure—an experience you won’t want to miss!
Trip Highlights
- Take on Ecuador’s legendary 5 Volcano Challenge, summiting peaks over 13,000 feet—including Illiniza Norte at 16,817 feet. Experience breathtaking alpine landscapes, dramatic crater views, and the thrill of high-altitude adventure.
- Hike through Ecuador’s famous volcanic corridor, where towering peaks, misty paramo grasslands, and lush cloud forests create an unparalleled landscape. Spot Andean condors soaring above and take in panoramic views of Cotopaxi, Antisana, and more.
- After each challenging ascent, unwind in hand-picked mountain lodges with warm hospitality, delicious local cuisine, and a chance to immerse yourself in Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage. This is high-altitude adventure without sacrificing comfort.
Itinerary
Day 1
Ecuador’s capital city bears two interesting distinctions: it is the highest above sea level (9,350’) and also the closest to the Equator. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representatives and escorted to your hotel in the historic center of Quito. The rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Day 2
Our journey begins in Colonial Quito, a city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city’s many historic churches. Quito has one of the best preserved colonial centers in all of South America; its integrity was assured in 1978 when Quito became one of the first two cities in the world (along with Krakow, Poland) to be declared a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site.
This morning we visit colonial Quito. We will walk through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, La Compañía, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, which was started 5 days after the founding of the city in 1534. We will also visit the city’s famous La Ronda street, where we learn about traditional work in Colonial Quito. For our last stop, we will also be visiting the ‘Panecillo’, the hill that dominates the South of the city, and where we will be able to admire the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo and enjoy spectacular views of Quito.
Day 3
Guagua Pichincha is located at northwest of the community of Lloa, located in the south of Quito; from the hotel to start point it takes about 2 hours of driving. Since this is our first chance to stretch our legs and hike at a high elevation, we will be starting at the Guagua Pichincha Refuge. Leaving the refuge we come to the edge of this active volcano's crater, where we will be able to appreciate its vastness as we gaze down on its several geysers. Our hike continues along the rim until we reach the summit at 15,696 ft. This will be a good acclimatization day to prepare us for our coming adventures in the Andes, and if the weather is clear we will have worldclass views of the famous “Avenue of Volcanoes”, a stretch of seven peaks above 17,000 feet in elevation. After descending, we return back to our hotel in Quito.
Day 4
We take on our next peak today, the 13,776’ extinct volcano of Pasachoa. Our hike through virgin highland cloud forests and paramo grasslands will take approximately four hours to the summit. This is one of the best places to see the endangered Andean condor, soaring high above. From the summit, if it is
clear, we will have a spectacular view of the mountains surrounding Quito, the inspiring scenery of the Pasochoa crater, as well as the impressive surrounding mountain peaks : Antisana, Sincholagua, Quilindana, Cotopaxi, Ruminahui, Corazon and the twin Iliniza peaks.
After our summit, our descent takes us to the Pita river canyon, a downhill walk of about 3 hours through grasslands and low ‘Chaparro’ forests, ending at our mountain lodge situated at about 10,500 feet above sea level.
Day 5
The hike to the summit of triple-peaked Ruminahui (named after a famous Inca general and known as the park’s sentr) starts at the crystal clear Limpiopungo Lagoon, which often reflects Cotopaxi towering above. This hike will take us right into the heart of the paramo grasslands, passing small waterfalls before arriving at the scree fields and rock face below the summit.
The climb highlights the grandeur of the Andes, offering views of the nearby peaks of Sincholagua as well as Cotopaxi and even Illinzas Norte. On our descent we will pass through ‘the silent valley’ that follows the course of a number of small streams before returning to the stunning Limpiopungo Lake.
Day 6
You are free to rest today or explore some nearby trails
Day 7
The Illinizas are twin mountains and the 6th and 8th highest Ecuadorian peaks. Illiniza Sur (17,267ft) has a permanent snowfield and glacier and is suitable for experienced climbers with knowledge of technical gear and steep snow/ice ramps. Illiniza Norte, which we will tackle, requires some scrambling but is non-technical and still offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys of the Ecuadorian Andes. After an early start from the lodge and a drive to the trailhead, we hike for around 3 hours before reaching the Illiniza refuge hut, where we’ll stop for refreshments before the final hour- long push to the summit, reaching the highest point on our trekking adventure, 16,817’!
Day 8
From the lodge we will drive in our private vehicle to the parking area of the Cotopaxi mountain refuge- which sits at 16,000ft. It's approximately an hour's walk to the mountaineers' lodge, followed by another two hours to the edge of the glacier. From here, the northern side of the mountain offers a spectacular panorama. You will be able to identify (with the help of our guide) all of the ground we have covered since the first day of our adventure. From here we descend back down and transfer back to the hotel in Quito for our final night in Ecuador.
Day 9
Depart today for your flight back home
Above Costs Include:
- All international and domestic airport transfers
- All lodge based accommodations
- All park fees
- All meals and accommodations outside of Quito
- Accommodation, meals, insurance, equipment, transportation and allowances of guide and staff
Cost Does Not Include:
- Lunch and dinner in Quito
- International airfare
- Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
- Your travel insurance and overseas medical insurance coverage
- Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.
- Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents and other occurrence beyond our control
Book Volcanoes of Ecuador
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