5 Volcano Challenge

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.

We depart Quito for the community of Lloa and begin our hike from the Guagua Pichincha Refuge. This active volcano offers our first high-altitude hiking experience as we follow the crater rim, taking in dramatic views of fumaroles and the vast caldera below. In clear weather, enjoy sweeping views of Ecuador’s famed Avenue of Volcanoes before descending and returning to Quito.

Today we summit Pasochoa, an extinct volcano known for its lush cloud forests and open páramo grasslands. This hike offers one of the best opportunities to spot the endangered Andean condor soaring overhead.

From the top, weather permitting, enjoy views of Quito’s surrounding volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, Antisana, Rumiñahui, and the Iliniza peaks. We descend through the scenic Pita River canyon before arriving at our mountain lodge for the night.

Today we hike Rumiñahui, a striking triple-peaked volcano named after a famed Inca general. Starting at Limpiopungo Lagoon, often reflecting nearby Cotopaxi, we trek through expansive páramo grasslands, past small waterfalls, and into scree fields below the summit.

From the upper slopes, enjoy sweeping views of Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, and the surrounding Andes. We descend through the quiet “Silent Valley,” following gentle streams back to Limpiopungo Lagoon before returning to our lodge.

You are free to rest today or explore some nearby trails.

Today we take on Illiniza Norte, one of Ecuador’s iconic twin peaks and the highest point of our trek. After an early start and drive to the trailhead, we hike approximately three hours to the Illiniza refuge, where we pause before the final push.

The last section involves light scrambling but no technical climbing, rewarding us with expansive views across the Ecuadorian Andes. After celebrating our summit, we descend back to the refuge and return to the lodge.

From the lodge, we drive to the Cotopaxi refuge parking area. From here, we hike to the mountaineers’ lodge, followed by another ascent to the edge of the glacier.

From this vantage point on the northern side of the mountain, expansive views open across the Andes, allowing you to trace much of the terrain covered throughout the journey. After taking in the panorama, we descend and return to Quito for our final night in Ecuador.

Depart today for your flight back home.