Cayambe Cóndor Express

¡Climb Ecuador’s most iconic mountains!

Nature Adventure Eco Mountain

Cayambe Cóndor Express - Main photo of the trip

Cayambe Cóndor Express - Photo 2 of the trip

Cayambe Cóndor Express - Photo 3 of the trip

Cayambe Cóndor Express - Photo 4 of the trip

Cayambe Cóndor Express - Photo 5 of the trip

This 9-day mountain climbing program will provide you with ideal acclimatization and will significantly increase your chances of climbing some of the highest volcanoes in South America.

Trip Description

During these 9 days, you will be accompanied by a qualified and bilingual guide to summit Ecuador’s most famous volcanoes: Fuya Fuya, Imbabura and Cayambe, and finish on the summit of Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador and in the world, measured from the center of the Earth and, for that reason, the point closest to the Sun! Enjoy spectacular views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, which will undoubtedly leave you breathless.

Accomodation

Comfortable hostels and shelters

Stay program

day 1
His arrival at the PapaGayo Inn
Travel on your own or get a private transfer to the PapaGayo Inn!
day 2
Ascent to the summit of the Pasochoa volcano
The extinct Pasochoa volcano (4.199 m) is one of the best places to observe the famous Andean condor. The ascent offers magnificent views of the imposing Cotopaxi and the surrounding volcanoes. Inside the crater you can admire the last vestiges of the primary Andean forest. It is an ideal hike for those discovering altitude or starting an acclimatization program. Meals included: breakfast, lunch (box lunch) Night on the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo
day 3
Ascent to the summit of Iliniza Norte
A truly magnificent climb, l’Illinizas is the final and perfect preparation for Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. Get ready for a steep ascent through a splendid landscape, followed by an exciting dash to the summit. Reserved for the most adventurous! The day begins with a good breakfast: ready for the ascent! Then, we head to the starting point, “La Virgen,” at an altitude of 4 000 m, a place where the inhabitants venerate the gods of the mountain and the earth. The climb will take 4 to 5 hours, and 2 hours will be needed to descend. During the ascent, you will be able to enjoy varied views of snow-capped mountains, the tropical rainforest, and magnificent green lagoons. Temperatures will be around 5 degrees Celsius and, for the last part of the climb, we will use ropes and harnesses to help us. Meals included: breakfast, lunch (box lunch) Night on the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo
day 4
Day off
After breakfast, you will enjoy a day of rest at Hostería Papagayo. Optional activities not included: hiking, visit to the rose farms (Monday to Friday), cycling or horseback riding. If you wish to participate in one of these activities, please go to the reception for its organization. Bicycles are included in the 5-star programs. Meals included: breakfast, lunch (box lunch) Night on the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo
day 5
Days 5 and 6: Ascent to Cotopaxi
Climbing the summit of Cotopaxi is one of the most famous and exciting ascents on the continent. It is the highest active volcano in the world (5,897 m). The ascent to the summit takes place at night (23:30); this makes it possible to admire the sunrise from the top and offers unparalleled views over Quito, to the north, as well as over Tungurahua and Chimborazo, to the south. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the snow-covered crater, where it is possible to observe steam emissions. The ascent begins either from the parking lot at 4,500 m or from the «José Rivas» refuge at 4,800 m (depending on the place chosen to spend the night: Tambopaxi or the refuge), and then continues through a mix of volcanic sand, snow, and glacier to the summit. The ascent, although it is not considered technical, requires the accompaniment of professional guides and the use of specialized equipment for glacier travel. The climb lasts between 6 and 8 hours, while the descent requires 2 hours. ** Day 6: Accommodation in Cotopaxi National Park Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner We offer you 2 options to spend the night. Please consult your travel agents to choose the desired option: - Tambopaxi Lodge, located at an altitude of 3,800 m - José Rivas Refuge, located at an altitude of 4,800 m
day 6
Day 6: Descent of Cotopaxi
On the way back from the Cotopaxi summit, we will head to Hostería Papagayo. There, you will leave the climbing equipment and enjoy a champagne lunch to celebrate your experience (optional).
day 7
Day 7 : Free day
After breakfast, you will enjoy a day of rest at Hostería Papagayo. Optional activities not included: hiking, visit to the rose farms (Monday to Friday), cycling or horseback riding. If you wish to participate in any of these activities, please check at reception to arrange them. Meals included: breakfast, lunch Night on the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería Papagayo
day 8
Days 8 and 9: Ascent to Chimborazo
At 6 310 m, Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. Start your ascent at midnight (duration: approximately 12 hours)! The day includes a training session, a dinner and a night at the refuge (4 850 m). This difficult ascent offers mountaineers the opportunity to surpass 6 000 m. (In case of bad weather or eruptions, we will climb Antisana instead, which presents a similar difficulty). **Day 8: Night at the Chimborazo refuge (breakfast, lunch, dinner, midnight dinner, breakfast box the next day)**
day 9
Day 9: Descent of Chimborazo
Back from the Chimborazo summit, we will head to the PapaGayo Inn. There, you will leave the climbing equipment and you can enjoy a good meal to celebrate your experience (optional). Congratulations!