This is a perfect trip for those who aspire to climb Denali or other Himalayan peaks, and a great cultural journey to a fascinating part of the world.

The entire trip, including travel to and from the US is only 12 days, so this is an action packed adventure from start to finish. The trip is led by Paul Cormier, who has decades of climbing experience in the Ecuadorian Andes and extensive first hand knowledge of these peaks.

Please contact us if you would like to arrange a custom trip to climb Pico de Orizaba.

Course Information

The following info may change for future trips.

Here’s our itinerary:

Day 1: Travel from the US to Quito, Ecuador. Lodging in Charles Darwin Hotel.

Day 2: City tour and again lodging in Charles Darwin Hotel.

Day 3: Acclimate on Guagua Pichincha (15,696 ft, approx. four hours). There is also a possibility to climb Padre Encantado (15,370 ft). Both are easy non-technical summits. Over night at Llovizna lodge in El Chaupi.

Day 4: Early morning visit to the virgin in El Chaupi, then a one hour drive, followed by a three hour hike to the Illinizas refuge (4700m). Rest, then continue to summit of Illiniza Norte 5160m. This day is around 10 hours. Return to El Chaupi and we pick up the gear and continue to La Hacienda Los Mortinos, which is very close to the Cotopaxi national park.

Day 5: After a morning rest, hike to the Tambopaxi Hosteria (3750m).

Day 6: Summit climb on Cotopaxi, descend then return to Quito.

Day 7: Rest day and reprovisioning.

Day 8: Travel to Antisana base camp.

Day 9: Summit climb on Antisana, return to basecamp.

Day 10: Pack up and travel to the village of Papallacta, which is famous for its hot springs. Overnight in Papallacta.

Day 11: Return to Quito in the afternoon.

Day 12: Fly home.

Mountains, Cliffs, & Routes

Ecuador volcanoes:

  • Cotopaxi – 19,347′
  • Antisana – 18,714′
Difficulty

Intermediate to Advanced

Length

12 Days

Season

Varies

Inquire

Have a question about Cotopaxi and Antisana Climb?