Cayambe Condor Express

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Your arrival at Hosteria PapaGayo

  Come on your own or get a private transfer to Hosteria PapaGayo!

• day 2

  Ascent to the summit of the Pasochoa volcano

  The extinct volcano of Pasochoa (4,199 m) is one of the best places to observe the famous Andean condor. The ascent offers superb views of the mighty Cotopaxi and the surrounding volcanoes. Inside the crater, you can admire the last remnants of the Andean primary forest. It is an ideal hike for those new to altitude or starting an acclimatization program. Meals included: B/BL Night in the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo

• day 3

  Ascent to the summit of Iliniza Norte

  A truly magnificent climb, Illinizas is the final and perfect preparation for Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. Get ready for a steep ascent through splendid scenery, followed by an exhilarating rush to the summit. For the most adventurous only! The day begins with a good breakfast, ready for the climb! We then head to the starting point – "La Virgen," at an altitude of 4,000 m, a place where locals worship the gods of the mountain and the earth. The ascent will take 4 to 5 hours, and it will take 2 hours to descend. During the climb, you can enjoy varied views of snow-capped mountains, rainforest, and beautiful 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: B/BL Night in the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo

• day 4

  Free day

  After breakfast, you will enjoy a day of rest at Hosteria Papagayo. Optional activities, not included: hiking, visit to rose farms (Monday to Friday), biking or horseback riding. If you wish to participate in one of these activities, please contact the reception for arrangements. Bicycles are included for 5-star programs. Meals included: B/BL Night in the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo.

• day 5

  Days 5 and 6: Ascent of 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 is done during the night; this allows you to admire the sunrise from the top and offers unparalleled views of Quito to the north, Tungurahua and Chimborazo to the south. From the summit, you get a magnificent view of the snow-covered crater, where it is possible to observe steam emissions. The ascent begins either at the parking lot at 4,500 m, or at the "José Rivas" refuge at 4,800 m (depending on where you choose to spend the night: Tambopaxi or the refuge), and climbs through a mix of volcanic sand, snow, and glacier up to the summit. The climb, although not classified as technical, requires the use of professional guides and specialized equipment for glacier hiking. The ascent takes between 6 and 8 hours, while the descent requires 2 hours. ** Day 6: Accommodation in Cotopaxi National Park (B / L / D) We offer you 2 options for spending the night. Please consult your travel agents to choose your preferred location: - Hosteria Tambopaxi, located at 3,800 m altitude - José Rivas Refuge, located at 4,800 m altitude Upon returning from the summit of Cotopaxi, we will head to Hosteria Papagayo. There, you will leave your climbing equipment and have lunch to celebrate your experience (lunch included in the 5-star package)!

• day 6

  Day 7: free day

  After breakfast, you will enjoy a day of rest at Hosteria Papagayo. Optional activities, not included: hiking, visit to rose farms (Monday to Friday), cycling or horseback riding. If you wish to participate in one of these activities, please inquire at the reception for arrangements. Bicycles are included for 5-star programs. Meals included: B/BL Night in the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo.

• day 7

  Days 8 and 9: Ascent of Chimborazo

  At 6,310 m, Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador! Start your ascent at midnight for a final summit that lasts about 12 hours. The day includes a training session, a dinner, and a night at the refuge (4,850 m). This challenging climb offers climbers the opportunity to go beyond 6,000 m! (In case of bad weather or eruptions, we will climb Antisana instead, which has a similar level of difficulty). **Day 8: Night at the Chimborazo refuge (B / BL / D)** After returning from the summit of Chimborazo, we will head to Hostería PapaGayo. There you will leave your climbing equipment and enjoy a good meal to celebrate your experience (lunch included in the 5-star package)! Meals included: lunch, dinner, midnight half-dinner, breakfast.