Ecuador is a dreamworld. Scenes from a Japanese anime film by Studio Ghibli appear in real life wherever you turn. Vivid colours, greens, whites and blues, snow topped volcanoes, pristine lakes in surreal mountain backdrops and at the centre, Quito, the second highest capital city in the world at just under 3000m, a city of 8m people with a rich cultural and alpine heritage where four and five thousand metre mountains overlook the city. Dmitry Tokarev and Neal Goldman invite you to join them on this Dreamworld adventure; to wonder at the awe and beauty of these landscapes, experience the famous South American 'onda' and tackle some of the most beautiful high altitude ascents on the continent. We have designed a trip that showcases the best scenery, hikes and climbs in Ecuador from the serene Cuicocha to the North, culminating at Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak and the closest point on earth to the sun. The best of the best: this is a totally unique Ecuador Adventure, delivered in the best style imaginable with all the best accommodation and logistic options and best guides for your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Ecuador has some of the best mountain accommodations in South America and we have chosen all the best lodges and hotels for your comfort and enjoyment. In Quito, we have chosen the leading hotel, Casa Gangotena, a Relais & Châteaux for your final night in this amazing country.
On this adventure we have distilled what we consider to be the best of the Ecuadorean high-mountain experience into an action packed 14 day adventure of hiking and alpine climbing, culminating in the ascent of the great Chimborazo, while limiting driving time between mountains and increasing altitude incrementally.
Ecuador has a long history of producing world class climbers and fully certified guides through the ASEGUIM, a member of the IFMGA, the global standard for mountain guiding certification. We have assembled a top team of guides, known for their adherence to best practices, safety, athletic ability and easy company.
Our expedition medic Alejo Lazzati is one of South America's leading high altitude first responders and also teaches first aid at the guide school in Ecuador. He accompanies the adventure as an IFMGA guide and for your safety and extra peace of mind, while the itinerary has been specifically designed for appropriate acclimatisation to altitude.
One of the most beautiful places in Ecuador, Cuicocha is an ancient crater lake in the shadow of the Cotachi Volcano and the perfect place to start your adventure.
Climb the non-technical 4000m mountains Fuya Fuya, Rucu Pinchincha and Corazon. Rucu Pinchincha, 4696m lies on the edge of Quito and offers incredible panoramic views over the city and its surrounding valleys and peaks.
Illinza Norte and Cotopaxi are absolute classics of the Ecuadorean climbing scene and offer challenging but achievable 5000m ascents while Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Reaching its lofty summit is a much lauded achievement for Quitoans.
Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest peak and the closest point on earth to the sun due to the equatorial bulge. Reaching its summit at 6263m is an exhilarating experience and climbers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes.’
Quito was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 and is known for its colonial architecture and cultural heritage which blends indigenous and Spanish colonial influences.
Oliver is a certified Mountain Leader, experienced adventurer, and alpinist.
The True Summit Adventures founder is also an Ecuador superfan, having spent a significant amount of time in Quito and its surrounding high mountains.
He has climbed most of the region's big peaks, with the exception of El Altar (high on his bucket list) and Cayambe (after turning back due to the risk of avalanche on his first attempt and high winds on his second).
Oliver loves climbing Chimborazo, his favorite mountain is Antisana, but perhaps his best day in 'Andes Norte' was when he ran from his apartment building in downtown Quito to the summit of Rucu Pinchincha and back in 10 hours 45 minutes.
In his opinion this sums up the magic of Ecuador, where it's possible to run from the centre of a vibrant city of eight million people, to the summit of a mountain nearly 5000m, in less than 12 hours.
Quito-native Andres is one of the most-experienced and most-talented IFMGA guides in South America. He is one of only a handful who have full certification, having completed ski seasons in Argentina, the US, and France.
Andres was the 'Director Tecnico de la Escuela de Guias' between 2006 and 2012. He continues to instruct there, and as such is responsible for developing the next generation of IFMGA guides in Ecuador and Bolivia.
A highly talented, multi-disciplined climber, he is equally at home on rock, ice, big wall and the climbing walls of Quito, but his real passion is high altitude ascents via new or difficult routes.
His best day in the mountains was on the fearsome and super technical Cayesh (5721m) in Peru.
Alejo is another team member with full IFMGA certification, having done ski seasons in Chamonix, Barriloche and the USA.
He joins True Summit Adventures as one of the most experienced high altitude first responders in South America.
He has been climbing the high mountains in Ecuador since his early teens, and when not guiding in Ecuador is regularly found in Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia.
Camilo is one of the most-liked and well-respected guides in Ecuador, and after spending a short amount of time in his company, it's easy to see why.
His enthusiasm and sense of fun is infectious and he is a great addition to any expedition or team.
Camilo has been traveling and climbing as long as he can remember. It was this passion which led him to study tourism at university before completing the UIAGM International Mountain Guide Program.
He has been working as a guide in Ecuador and Peru since 2012, loves photography, creating new adventure itineraries, climbing novel routes, and helping people turn their climbing dreams into a reality.
Camilo lives in central Quito where he dotes on his one daughter.
Roberto is one of the most experienced IFMGA guides working in South America and regularly guides in Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Nepal and Kyrgyzstan. Colombian by birth, Roberto is now based in Quito
The Best of Ecuador. A 'North to South' itinerary, that has been designed to showcase the best of Ecuador and its high mountains while limiting drive time between mountains, optimising acclimatisation and choosing only the best accommodations.
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Welcome to Ecuador and to the adventure of a lifetime.
On arrival into Quito International Airport guests will be met by a True Summit team member and driven to our first stop on this epic itinerary; San Pablo del Lago and the first of the incredible lodges we are using; Hacienda Cusin.
We dive straight into some of the most beautiful scenery in Ecuador with an acclimatisation hike around the beautiful Cuicocha lake.
Cuicocha is extraordinary, encompassing a 3km-wide 'crater lake' at the foot of Cotacachi volcano.
Afterwards we return to Hacienda Cusin for a second night.
Distance: 12.5 km
Time: 5 to 6 hours
Altitude gain: 400m
Starting at the Mojanda Lakes, a series of high altitude crater lakes, the initial section is a gentle uphill walk through paramo grasslands and increasingly rugged terrain.
The final section is steep with some some scrambling, but the views from the top our out of this world with far reaching views of the avenue of volcanoes including Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana and Imbabura.
Afterwards, the transport will take us to the second lodge, Hacienda Rumiloma.
Type: Hike
Distance: 4km
Time: 4 hours
Altitude gain: 500m
Moving North to South on the itinerary and increasing the altitude of the hikes incrementally at the same time; Rucu Pinchincha is an Ecuadorean classic on the outskirts of Quito that offers a non technical hike, albeit with some scrambling to nearly 4700m.
From the summit, there are impressive views of the city and surrounding valley.
On descending it is back to Rumiloma for a second night.
Distance: 5km
Time: 5 to 6 hours
Altitude gain: 750m
Aiming to leave Rumiloma by 8am there is a 90 minute drive South to the small Andean town of El Chaupi where the ascent of the beautiful Corazon begins, so called because of its heart shape.
The final 4000er before the 5000m ascents begin, hiking Corazon is moderately challenging with some steeper rocky sections and spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes including Cotopaxi, Illiniza and Ruminahui.
Distance: 12km
Time: 8 hours
Altitude gain: 1000m
Although Illiniza's National Park teems with springs, streams, rivers and lakes, it is best known for its twin volcanoes of the same name - Illiniza North and South.
In a saddle between the twin volcanoes is the Nuevos Horizontes refuge which sits at 4700m. Leaving the vehicles at 3950m, it is a 3 - 4 hour hike through upper moorland to the refuge.
It may be one of the more basic refuges in Ecuador, but the food served here by "Gato", its custodian (so called because of his cat-like eyes) is amongst the best.
Mules and ponies will transport your main bag (s) to the refuge.
Distance: 8km
Time: 4 hours
Altitude gain: 700m
Illiniza Norte, the first 5000'er, is an epic, but largely non technical climb over rock with some steeper scrambling sections close to the summit; crampons and use of a rope may be required, depending on conditions.
Typically climbers leave the refuge at 5am after a short breakfast. The route descends on the other side of the mountain where transport will be waiting to take guests back to Hacienda El Porvenir for a second night.
Distance: 5km
Time: 6 hours
Altitude gain: 530m
After 4 summits it is time to take a pause in the expedition and recover.
The rest day involves moving to Cotopaxi National Park where accommodation is at the famous Tambopaxi Lodge, the only lodge inside the national park.
On route there is the chance to stop at the famous indigenous markets where they sell the alpaca wool scarves and ponchos.
After lunch at Tambopaxi it is time to begin the ascent of the mighty Cotopaxi with a 90 minute hike to the Jose Rivas Refuge from where the summit push will begin, early the following morning.
The refuge, the oldest and largest in Ecuador is often busy with local / foreign climbers and elite athletes from all over the world, who have been drawn to Cotopaxi for climbing or training.
This is the most prized summit for Ecuadoreans.
Distance: 1.5km
Time: 1.5 hours
Altitude gain: 200m
An Andean Classic no doubt and an epic alpine climb over snow and ice.
The climb begins around midnight to take advantage of firmer snow conditions, leading participants up steep glacier slopes using crampons and ice axe's to the summit at 5,897 meters.
Reaching the top at sunrise offers breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding Andean peaks.
On descending, guests and guides return to Tambopaxi for a second night.
Grade: PD (Peu Difficile) /PD+
Distance: 1.5km
Time: 6 to 7 hours
Altitude gain: 1100m
A second rest day after the efforts on Cotopaxi and a transfer to the Chimborazo region where accommodation is at the incredible Chimborazo Lodge, located at 4000m at the base of the Chimborazo volcano, in the historic Totorillas Valley.
Chimborazo Lodge is one of the most incredible mountain accommodations in the world with a unique character and history.
Built and owned by famed guide Marco Cruz, the hotel is part mountain lodge and part museum, a highlight is the Reinhold Messner suite, home to the ice axe used for his famous Nanga Parbat ascent.
After lunch, a gentle morning at Chimborazo Lodge and transferring into the National Park itself there is a short 2 hour hike to the semi permanent high camp of Chimborazo at 5000m.
For anyone not attempting Chimborazo and alternative hike will be planned followed by a second night at Chimborazo Lodge.
Distance: 4km
Time: 2 hours
Altitude gain: 200m
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and the furthest point from the centre of the Earth, surpassing Mount Everest by 2km due to the planet's equatorial bulge.
Reaching its lofty peak is an incredible experience that takes patience and endurance, but unlike the much climbed Cotopaxi, is rarely considered by Ecuadorians and the route to the summit is uncrowded.
After descending, it is time to return to Quito for the final night and celebrations dinner.
Grade: AD (Assez Difficile)
Distance: 8km
Time: 8 to 10 hours
Altitude gain: 1263m
Departure Day.
We hope this epic experience of Ecuador and its beautiful mountains and mountain culture lives long in the memory.
Drivers will be on hand for airport transfers, or stay on in Ecuador and visit the Amazon, Cloud Forest or Galápagos Islands.
Hacienda Cusin, located near Otavalo in Ecuador, offers historic charm and elegant accommodations set amidst beautiful gardens and Andean scenery. This 17th-century estate features cozy rooms and gourmet dining.
Nestled on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano near Quito, Rumiloma is one of the best lodges in Ecuador and offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the Andean landscape. Combining rustic charm with modern comforts, this boutique hotel provides spacious suites with excellent, Quechua inspired dining.
Hacienda El Porvenir, located in Ecuador's Cotopaxi region, offers rustic yet comfortable accommodations on a working farm surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes.
The Illiniza's refuge is basic, but homely, with accommodation in a communal bunk room. The refuge's custodian, "Gato," produces some of the best high altitude food in the Andes.
Another great accommodation pick, forming an almost dream-like Andes escape. Built in the shadow of Chimboazo, alpacas roam the surrounding grassland, and the stars shine brightly each night. Part mountain hotel and part museum, the Meissner suite contains the ice axe the great man used to conquer Nanga Parbat.
The Chimborazo High Camp is a semi-permanent camp situated at 5400m. It consists of several dome tents housing the accommodation and communal eating areas.
Casa Gangotena, a Relais & Châteaux property, situated in the heart of Quito's historic center, offers luxurious accommodations in a beautifully restored colonial mansion. This boutique hotel features elegant rooms, gourmet dining, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Guests can explore Quito's rich cultural heritage, with its nearby museums, churches, and plazas, making Casa Gangotena an ideal base for discovering the vibrant history and charm of Ecuador's capital.
All Transfers in Ecuador
All Accommodations
All Meals
IFMGA Guides; Max. 2 Guests Per Guide
Iridium Satellite Phone
High Altitude First Responder
Mules and Porters
International Flights
Entrance Visa
Insurance
Alcoholic Drinks
Tips to the IFMGA Guides and Porters
Ideally you would have completed a high altitude trek to Kilimanjaro or Aconcagua, or have experience of a lower but more technical mountain like Mont Blanc. If you have very good fitness, endurance, or are an experienced adventurer, but lack altitude or alpine experience you are still welcome to join this expedition.
Ecuador is an amazing country and its people are very friendly. However, like most Central and South American countries there are some risks posed by extreme poverty and economic migration. Recent bad news from the country has highlighted the dangers in the port city of Guayaquil and it is best to be careful when traveling in Quito at night. Especially in the historic centre.
Absolutely. An amazing experience and highly recommended.
Chimborazo is a big mountain and like any 6000er has a high altitude gain between the high camp and summit. A good level of fitness and perseverance is required to reach its summit.
Yes, it is possible. Please let us know what you require.
The US dollar has been used in Ecuador since 2000, when it replaced the sucre after a long period of economic instability.
Please come fit and ready for long days to give yourself the best chance of summiting the higher mountains.
Although it is possible to rent and buy technical equipment in Ecuador it is better to arrive with everything you need. The quality of rental gear in South America tends to be lower than you would find in France or Switzerland.
I had an excellent trip to Ecuador with True Summit. In the the different climbs in each area progressed and built well on the previous climbs. While we were in Ecuador the accommodation was great with Rumiloma and Chimborazo Lodge particular highlights. The trip was adapted as per the needs of the group with an excellent group of guides! 10/10 would definitely recommend!
Ed Kelsey-Browne
What is it like to climb in Ecuador?
Oliver Browne · Wed 1 Mar 2023
Climbing the highest mountains in Ecuador - what is it like and what to expect?
