Nestled in a lush Andean valley, giant volcanoes beckon adventurers from all over the world. Are you ready to climb them all? Embark on an epic 10-day adventure, scaling not one, not two, but five awe-inspiring volcanoes. This journey leads you through the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes, where expert guidance, acclimatization, and skill-building pave the way for successful ascents. Amidst the striking volcanic terrain and vibrant vegetation, you’ll climb Corazon, tackle Illinizas Norte, and take your pick between Cayambe and Cotopaxi. Finally, stand atop Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak, and the closest you’ll ever be to the Earth’s outer limits.
Embark on a 10-day adventure Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. Climb five remarkable peaks with experienced local mountaineering guides. Your journey includes a transfer from Quito to your accommodation and back, where you'll stay at a comfortable hosteria. During your ascents of Cotopaxi or Cayambe, you'll rest in a mountain refuge, and for the Chimborazo climb, you'll camp under the stars in tents. All your meals are covered, both at your hosteria and the mountain refuge. Plus, all the technical mountaineering equipment is provided for a more hassle-free experience.
Your adventure begins as you arrive in the vibrant city of Quito. After meeting your experienced guides, the group will be transferred to your comfortable accommodation. Once settled in, you’ll do an extensive gear check and have an in-depth discussion about the exciting journey ahead. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your fellow adventurers and your guides over a delightful dinner. As anticipation fills the air, you’ll retreat to your cozy bed, resting up for the exciting hike awaiting you tomorrow.
After a hearty breakfast, the day kicks off with a transfer to the trailhead. Today’s adventure involves acclimatizing to the altitude while hiking to the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, situated at 12,841 feet (3,914 meters). The lagoon, a well-kept Ecuadorian secret, is nestled high in the Andes within a typical indigenous community. The three-hour journey to this natural wonder takes you along the Panamericana Highway, passing through picturesque landscapes before ascending a regional road to the village of Quilotoa. The crater measures 2 miles (3 kilometers) in diameter, boasting a circumference of approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) . The emerald-green hue of the lake’s water is a result of volcanic minerals, and you’ll notice the water’s color changing throughout the day as the sunlight dances upon it. After a day of hiking in this enchanting environment, return to your comfortable accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Fuel up with another delicious breakfast, for today, you’ll set your sights on Corazon Volcano. Located approximately 24 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Quito in the “Illinizas Ecological Reserve,” this climb is a relatively easy hiking excursion through the Paramo vegetation. It’s an ideal opportunity to acclimatize while relishing the beautiful surroundings and vistas of Cotopaxi and its neighboring volcanoes. The hiking route is straightforward and doesn’t require any rock-climbing equipment or experience. The hike typically takes around 3 to 5 hours, leading you to an elevation of 15,718 feet (4,791 meters). After another thrilling day of adventure, return to your accommodation to rest and savor another sumptuous dinner.
Day four starts with a hearty breakfast as you gear up for your next mountain adventure. The Illinizas, a pair of volcanic mountains situated south of Quito, await your exploration. These twin peaks are separated by a kilometer-long saddle, with Illiniza Sur rising to an elevation of 17,261 feet (5,248 meters) and Illiniza Norte to 16,817 feet (5,126 meters). Iliniza Norte, the remnant of an old volcanic edifice, offers non-technical climbing opportunities in a stunning environment. For experienced hikers or those seeking a rewarding climb with some exhilarating scrambles, the northern peak provides an excellent challenge. During the ascent, you’ll have the chance to observe volcanic craters, the Paramo, and the entire Avenue of Volcanoes. The climb usually takes approximately 6 hours and reaches an elevation of 16,817 feet (5,126 meters). After a fulfilling day, return to your comfortable accommodation and enjoy another delicious dinner.
Day five begins with another nourishing breakfast as you prepare for the initial phase of your ascent to either the Cotopaxi or Cayambe refuge, depending on your group’s preferences, skill levels, and weather conditions. The journey takes you to rustic accommodations nestled in the heart of the magnificent Andean landscapes, providing an authentic mountain experience. After a satisfying dinner, it’s time to rest and recharge for the more challenging climb awaiting you tomorrow.
Today marks the culmination of your efforts as you aim for the summit of either Cayambe or Cotopaxi. With elevations reaching 18,996 feet (5,790 meters) or 19,347 feet (5,897 meters), respectively, these mountains promise awe-inspiring vistas. Your summit attempt commences around midnight, allowing you to ascend through the night and witness the breathtaking sunrise from the top at 6 am. Both peaks offer unique challenges and rewards. Cayambe Volcano, located in the small town of Cayambe, boasts the distinction of being the third-highest mountain in Ecuador and the only major peak in the world to intersect the equator. Alternatively, Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, features a stunning snow-capped crater and an elevation of 19,347 feet (5,897 meters). The evening before your summit attempt, you’ll receive a short training session on using crampons, ice axes, and ropes. After completing your ascent, return to the refuge for a well-earned rest.
After a series of exhilarating and challenging climbs, it’s time for a well-deserved rest day. Take the opportunity to bond with your fellow climbers and your guides, engage in extra activities like bike rides or horseback riding, explore nearby attractions in Quito, or simply relax to regain your energy for the demanding climb awaiting you tomorrow.
As day eight begins, savor another delicious breakfast as you prepare for the first stage of your Chimborazo climb. The choice between the two routes depends on factors like your group’s preferences, skill levels, and weather conditions. This leg of your journey leads to a refuge in the heart of the breathtaking Andean landscapes, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and recharge for the challenging climb on the horizon. After a hearty dinner, enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Prepare for the grand finale of your adventure by summiting Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest volcano. Rising to an impressive 19,685 feet (6,000 meters), this ancient volcano offers a profound challenge. Climbing Chimborazo involves a long ascent lasting approximately 12 hours. Your journey includes a glacier training session to refine your skills, as well as a delicious dinner at the refuge, where you’ll spend the night at 15,748 feet (4,800 meters). Climbers who conquer Chimborazo have the privilege of reaching beyond the remarkable 6,000-meter (19,685-foot) altitude barrier.
Enjoy breakfast and bid farewell to your mountain accommodations. You’ll then embark on your return journey to Quito, marking the end of this unforgettable expedition. Take advantage of this last opportunity to celebrate your achievements with your fellow climbers and guides before heading to the airport. Whether you’re bidding farewell to Ecuador or continuing your travels, the memories and accomplishments of your mountain adventure will stay with you as you move forward.
PJS challenge provided experience that was like no other tour company I worked it. The company leader Perry takes pride in the services he provided and made everyone on our trip feel taken care of and above all safe. His staff was super friendly and happy to help us reach our goal. If it wasn’t for perry our trip goals would not have been reached.
Wow! What an amazing trip. Everything ran smoothly, from booking to the adventure itself. We felt truly looked after – everything was well planned. PJS were a great team. Couldn’t recommend highly enough. Will definitely be doing another PJS challenge!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
To fully participate in our guided mountaineering adventure in Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes, you must be in exceptional physical condition. While prior mountaineering/alpine climbing experience is advantageous, it’s not mandatory, but it will prove valuable for mastering the mix of climbing techniques required. These volcanic ascents present unpredictable climate shifts and challenging terrains. Expect to carry heavy loads across multiple days.
Participants should have experience with multi-day treks in high-mountain environments, which will serve as a valuable foundation for the challenges ahead. Our experienced guides will accompany you every step of the way, providing continuous support and encouragement. They will teach you the essential skills needed to navigate glacial terrain and ensure your safety throughout this awe-inspiring journey.
To prepare for this adventure, we recommend a comprehensive fitness regimen that includes cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and endurance exercises. Additionally, hiking in high-altitude areas or participating in mountaineering training courses will be immensely beneficial. Mental preparation is equally vital, as climbers should be ready to confront sudden weather changes and complex landscapes with determination and resilience.
To participate in this guided mountaineering adventure at the Avenue of the Volcanoes, prior mountaineering or alpine climbing experience is not a mandatory prerequisite. While it can be advantageous to have previous climbing experience, our expeditions primarily consist of steep treks up the sides of the volcanoes, sometimes through glaciated terrain. The climbs do not involve complicated technical ascents, but ice or rock sections can be at an angle of 45°, meaning that having experience with crampons and an ice axe is recommended.
You should be in excellent physical condition and possess the mental resilience necessary for a high-altitude ascent. The journey will challenge you with sudden climate changes and demanding landscapes, and you must be well-prepared for these hazards. A comprehensive understanding of the requirements for a successful summit is crucial.
Our guided expeditions are exceptionally strenuous and involve resistance to extreme weather conditions over extended periods. Participants may need to carry heavy loads for multiple days. To ensure your safety and success during this adventure, it is essential to have a high level of all-around fitness and experience of high-altitude multi-day treks. Keep in mind that our experienced guides will accompany you every step of the way, providing continuous support and encouragement. They will teach you the essential skills needed to navigate glacial terrain and ensure your safety throughout the journey.
All technical mountaineering equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
For backpacks and bags, you’ll need to bring:
For camping equipment, you’ll need to bring:
For footwear, you’ll need to bring:
For trekking equipment, you’ll need to bring:
For clothing, you’ll need to bring:
For toiletries, you’ll need to bring:
For personal items, you’ll need to bring:
You’ll get a chance to discuss the packing list with your guide prior to the adventure. Given the extreme weather conditions and overall challenging conditions during the trek, it is essential that you bring all the items listed above. You’ll go through an extensive gear check before the tour, giving you an opportunity to purchase or rent any missing items in Quito.
Group sizes and prices:
Mountaineering in Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
To get to Quito, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Quito Airport. From there, we recommend taking a taxi ride to the city.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place in Quito to meet, followed by a transfer to your accommodation.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountains, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.
Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Ecuador please refer to the Ecuador Travel Advisory.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
PJS challenge provided experience that was like no other tour company I worked it. The company leader Perry takes pride in the services he provided and made everyone on our trip feel taken care of and above all safe. His staff was super friendly and happy to help us reach our goal. If it wasn’t for perry our trip goals would not have been reached.