16 Day Ski Tour in Cayambe, Cotopaxi , and Chimborazo

Day 1: Arrival to capital of Quitocity in Ecuador - South America

1. Quito
   3h
   Arrive into Quito (9,500 feet/2,896 meters) in the evening. Our guides will pick you up and bring you to our hotel, a local family-run place close to excellent restaurants and the tourist center of the city. (Saturday)

Day 2: Explore and Organize Quito city, meet local team and guides

1. Quito
   6h
   Explore the colonial section of Quito. This historical city is famous for its beautiful churches, president’s palace, and ever-present views of the glaciated peaks that surround it. After touring for half the day, we spend the afternoon preparing for our acclimatization climb on Pinchincha, practicing fixed line techniques, and organizing all our ski and climbing gear.

Day 3: Quito -Private transport Acclimatization Hike - Trekking to Pinchincha’s 15,700-foot (4,785 meter) Summit, back to Quito

1. Rucu Pichincha
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Our first acclimatization hike. We ride the telepherique from the center of the city to 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) on Rucu Pinchincha. Two hours of hiking brings us to the rock ridge, which we climb, conditions permitting to Pinchincha’s 15,700-foot (4,785 meter) summit. This climb is a proud peak on its own and it is also important acclimatization for bigger peaks.

Day 4: Quito city -Private transport Acclimatization Hike - Trekking to summit Fuya Fuya (4,263m/13,986ft), Drive to Otavalo

1. Otavalo
   9h
   Leaving Quito behind, you head north towards the town of Otavalo and the ancient stratovolcano known as Mojanda. Towering above the lake that fills the old crater of Mojanda lies the craggy summit Fuya Fuya (4,263m/13,986ft). This marks another wildly beautiful acclimatization hike on our path to the glaciated giants to come. Descending down to the famous textile town of Otavalo, you will be treated to historic luxury at the 18th century Hacienda Pinsaqui.

Day 5: From Otavalo city - Drive to Cayambe and skills practice, stay on Refugio Cayambe

1. Cayambe
   9h
   You are now ready to head to the bigger mountains. Driving east from Otavalo, you will wind up the lower flanks of the massive Cayambe (5,790m/18,996ft). The rugged stone edifice of the Refugio perched on the ridge will give you shelter and warmth during the days to come. After settling into our bunk rooms, you will spend the afternoon up on the glacier learning about the fundamentals of footwork, balance and other techniques needed to climb these big peaks. You’ll be welcomed back to the refugio with hot drinks and fantastic food prepared by the wonderful staff.

Day 6: From Refugio/Hut - Skills day on the Glacie with Local Ecuatorian Mountain Guides - Back to Refugio

1. Cayambe
   10h
   We spend the morning reviewing the skill set that we will need for climbing and skiing Cayambe. This day includes instruction on crevasse rescue, advanced glacier travel, and ski touring techniques. We spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, eating, and getting to bed early for the summit of Cayambe.

Day 7: Refugio/Hut - Climbing and Ski Tour Cayambe (5,790m/18,996ft) Summit day, return private transport drive to Otavalo city

1. 16h
   Your training is ready for the test. After a midnight wake-up with hot drinks and snacks, you’ll climb rock steps onto vast glaciers. The crunch of crampons, the rope’s sway, and dawn breaking above the clouds define the ascent. Higher up, the glacier becomes more complex, requiring navigation around crevasses and drop-offs. At nearly 19,000 ft (5,790 m), Cayambe’s summit rewards you with stunning views of Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Chimborazo. The ski descent follows the climbing route, weaving through crevasses and sweeping glaciers. After the thrilling descent, you’ll return to Otavalo and the peaceful Hacienda Pinsaqui.

Day 8: Otavalo City – Private Transport, Local Market Stop & Afternoon Rest in Quito

1. Quito
   8h
   After a casual morning and tasty breakfast we depart the Hacienda and head back to Quito. No visit to Otavalo is complete without a stop at the famed Saturday market. Otavalo is renowned for its colorful textiles, and the kaleidoscope of vivid color at the Saturday market is the place to see them. You’ll see a vast number of different vendors selling everything from textiles and clothing to spices and other foods. This is a fantastic place to find a few keepsakes from your time in Ecuador. After you’ve seen the sights and sounds of the market, it’s time to return to Quito and your flight home. For those staying on for the extension, the fun is only getting started!

Day 9: From City Quito - Private transport drive to Cotopaxi, Base Camp on Refugio Hut

1. Cotopaxi National Park
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Any remaining Cayambe-only team members depart Quito for home. After breakfast, climbers staying on for the extension head up to the flanks of Cotopaxi and prepare for their climb in the coming days.

Day 10: Today we stay in a Lodge on the base of Cotopaxi and we are doing Skills day with Local Mountain Guides & back to Lodge

1. Cotopaxi National Park
   9h · Admission ticket included
   Waking up in the beautiful Tambopaxi lodge, you’ll be treated to incredible views of Cotopaxi rising across the valley. Today you’ll hike up the flanks of Cotopaxi and receive training in more advanced climbing and rescue techniques and ideas. Returning for an early dinner and warm bed, it’s time to climb the second big peak of the trip.

Day 11: From Refugio/Lodge - Summit Day to Volcanoe Cotopaxi 5,897 m - Back to Hacienda Lodge

1. Cotopaxi National Park
   18h · Admission ticket included
   Waking up around 1am, you’ll have some hot drinks and snacks and set out for the summit of Cotopaxi. This climb will use all the skills you learned on Cayambe as we travel on snow and ice up to the rim of the volcano. The final section of climbing will be the most difficult before you are rewarded with a stunning summit. Like Cayambe, the ski descent typically follows the ascent route. After the massive ski descent you’ll find yourself driving to the beautiful Hacienda La Cienega.

Day 12: From Hacienda Lodge - Drive to Chimborazo Base Camp Refugio/Hut

1. Mount Chimborazo
   8h · Admission ticket included
   After a morning of breakfast at Hacienda La Cienega, we drive south to a wilderness lodge below Chimborazo called the Chimborazo Lodge. The lodge is owned by one of Ecuador’s original mountain guides – his stories, home, and excellent food will prepare us for our final climb.

Day 13: Refugio/Hut - Trekking to Move to High Camp, overnigh on Domos or Tents

1. Chimborazo Province
   8h
   Today we’ll move to the El Castillo camp at the base of Chimborazo’s glacier, 2 hours hike from the car. This camp is perched high on the mountain, and gets its name from “El Castillo”, the castle-like rock formation adjacent to the camp. From camp, you will see the glaciated route to the summit rise up in front of you, giving the team plenty of time to scout a good ski descent for the next day.

Day 14: High Camp - Summit Day to Volcanoe Chimborazo 6,263 m - Ski tour and drive private car and back to Quito

1. Quito
   18h
   Your final, and most challenging, climb. The route quickly climbs the glacier, on which the ice is often broken by many crevasses as well as almost vertical ice steps. Eventually you will reach the Castillo ridge and follow it over moderate ground to the summit. After taking photos and enjoying the views from the tallest point in Ecuador, it’s time to click into your skis for the highest ski descent in the country. Evening finds the team back in Quito for a final celebration dinner.

Day 15: In case of bad weather we have an extra day for Climbing Vocanoe Chimborazo

1. Chimborazo Province
   18h
   We’ve built in an extra day for weather etc.

Day 16: From Quito private transport to airport - Back to Head home

1. Quito
   3h
   Fly home from Quito. After a great time with you, we ending our services in Quito Ecuador.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness