11 Day Climb Rucu Pichincha Iliniza Norte Cotopaxi Chimborazo

Day 1: Arrival in Quito (2,850 m)

1. Quito
   3h
   From: Mariscal Sucre International Airport → To: Quito hotel (2,850 m)
   Arrive in Quito, the world’s highest capital. Transfer to your hotel, relax, and take in panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes. Ideal start for acclimatization. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: Quito Free Day (2,850 m → 4,100 m)

1. Quito
   3h
   Optional day trip within Quito: historic center, Basilica del Voto Nacional, Plaza de la Independencia, La Compañía de Jesús. Optional cable car ride to Cruz Loma (4,100 m) for gentle acclimatization and breathtaking views of the city and Andes.

Day 3: Quito - Private transport - Rucu Pichincha Summit (4,696 m)

1. Quito
   6h
   From: Quito → To: Teleférico (4,100 m) → To: Rucu Pichincha Summit (4,696 m) → Return to Quito (2,850 m)
   Take the Teleférico cable car to 4,100 m, then hike 5–6 hours to the summit of Rucu Pichincha. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. Overnight in Quito.

Day 4: Transfer to Iliniza Norte Refuge (4,700 m)

1. Illiniza Ecological Reserve
   6h · Admission ticket included
   From: Quito (2,850 m) → To: La Virgen (3,900 m) → To: Iliniza Norte Refuge (4,700 m)
   Morning transfer (~2.5 hrs) to La Virgen, start trek to Iliniza Norte Refuge. Views of Iliniza Norte (5,126 m) and Iliniza Sur (5,248 m). Overnight at refuge.

Day 5: Summit Iliniza Norte (5,126 m) & Transfer to Wasi Andina Lodge (3,900 m)

1. Reserva Ecologica Los Ilinizas
   12h · Admission ticket included
   From: Iliniza Norte Refuge (4,700 m) → To: Iliniza Norte Summit (5,126 m) → To: Iliniza Norte Refuge → To: Wasi Andina Lodge (3,900 m)
   Early morning summit attempt. Return to refuge for breakfast. Transfer (~1 hr) to Wasi Andina Lodge for rest. Overnight at lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750 m)

1. Cotopaxi National Park
   7h · Admission ticket included
   From: Wasi Andina Lodge (3,900 m) → To: Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750 m)
   Morning at leisure for rest or short hikes. Afternoon transfer (~1 hr) to Tambo Paxi Lodge at Cotopaxi National Park. Prepare for Cotopaxi climb. Overnight at lodge.

Day 7: Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864 m)

1. Cotopaxi Province
   5h
   From: Tambo Paxi Lodge (3,750 m) → To: Cotopaxi Parking Lot (4,600 m) → To: Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864 m)
   Short drive to parking lot, then hike 45 minutes to refuge. Acclimatization and preparation for summit. Overnight at Cotopaxi Refuge.

Day 8: Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m) & Transfer to Chimborazo Basecamp (4,800 m)

1. Chimborazo Province
   6h
   From: Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864 m) → To: Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m) → To: Cotopaxi Refuge → To: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,800 m)** (~5 hr drive)
   Summit begins around midnight, sunrise at 6–8 AM. After descent, drive to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge. Overnight at lodge.

Day 9: Rest & Acclimatization at Chimborazo Basecamp (4,800 m)

1. Chimborazo Province
   6h
   Location: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge
   Full day to rest and acclimatize before summit. Optional self-guided trails. Meals included. Overnight at basecamp.

Day 10: Chimborazo Carrel Refuge (5,000 m)

1. Chimborazo Province
   8h
   From: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,800 m) → To: Carrel Refuge (5,000 m)**
   Breakfast at lodge, free morning. Lunch at basecamp. Afternoon drive to Carrel Refuge. Rest and final preparations for summit. Dinner at 17:00. Optional High Camp upgrade available.

Day 11: Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m) & Return to Quito (2,850 m)

1. Chimborazo Province
   18h
   From: Carrel Refuge (5,000 m) → To: Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m) → To: Carrel Refuge → To: Basecamp → To: Quito (2,850 m)** (~5–6 hr drive)
   Summit climb starts around midnight. Ascend 6–7 hours to top of Chimborazo. Return to refuge for breakfast, then drive back to Quito where services conclude.

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