Responsible Tourism

Heights of Ecuador

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The adventurous things you will be doing.

Your very own mountaineering adventure awaits - tackle some of Ecuador's great volcanoes: Imbabura (4,630m), Illiniza North (5,100m), Cotopaxi (5,897m) and Chimborazo (6,310m), the latter Ecuador's highest and largest mountain which is the furthest point from the centre of the earth due to the equatorial bulge.
Our climbing trip through the Ecuadorian highlands offers you an introduction to the glories of high altitude mountaineering and for those with previous experience it is a perfect chance to extend their high altitude experience, whilst enjoying some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Andes. Ease of access makes the volcanoes of Ecuador particularly attractive to those with a limited time frame providing an adequate period is allowed for acclimatization. You will experience all of the earth's ecological zones from subtropical to arctic by climbing in the fabulous Avenue of Volcanoes.
The breathtaking views and sense of achievement make all the effort well worthwhile. Coupled with colonial cities, colourful markets and time to relax in both tropical Baños and the highland capital of Quito this superb trip provides any fit outdoor person with the perfect all round expedition.
No previous mountaineering experience is required although some prior experience would be preferred to attempt the peaks on this tour. Climbing equipment, i.e. plastic boots, crampons and ice-axe can be rented in Quito. Instruction in its use is given by our experienced mountain guides.

The itinerary.

Day 1 Arrival in Quito
Day 2 City tour of Quito's old town (UNESCO world heritage) and visit to the equateur as you acclimatize (2800m)
Day 3 Traditional market day in Otavalo - a colourful spectacle not to be missed! For a little action in the afternoon, take a walk around the scenic Cuicocha Lagoon. Overnight in Ibarra.
Day 4 An early start today for an acclimatisation climb to Imbabura (4,630m). Overnight in Quito.
Day 5 A drive south-west along the Panamericana, with beautiful views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Walk through an enchanted forest to the campsite at Illinizas.
Day 6 Climb Illiniza Norte (5,120 m). It is a fairly short ascent and a good test to see how you are developing with the altitude and also as preparation for Cotopaxi. Hacienda la Estación, a beautifully restored traditional hacienda.
Day 7 We arrive at Cotopaxi National Park. Trekking in the area, setting up camp, acclimatising, preparing for climb.
Day 8 Trek to Cotopaxi's Jose Rivas refuge (4,800m) Rest and final instructions, testing equipment and brief. Rest body and mind to leave at 2am towards the highest active volcano summit in the world!
Day 9 Climb Cotopaxi (6-7 hrs). Climb up on to the glacier itself and wind your way through the crevasse field. Traverse round and ascend up onto the summit dome finally gaining the top as the sun rises. High above the clouds a whole circle of volcanoes should be clearly seen including Illinizas, Antisana, Altar and possibly even Cayambe. Descend (only few hrs) and overnight at delightful Hacienda near Riobamba.
Day 10 A much needed rest day. You can either do some laundry, relax in the gardens and day rooms at the hacienda or take the 20 minute journey into town. Hacienda, near Riobamba.
Day 11 Journey towards Chimboraza (6,310m). From Carrel refuge (4,800m) trek to Whymper Hut (5,000m). Rest for an early start.
Day 12 Up at midnight to start the trek that soon turns into an ice path. After climbing through the night the First Summit should be reached by sunrise. The spectacle of the mountain casting its shadow in front of the rising sun is unforgettable. The views are be spectacular in good conditions, sometimes even to the Pacific Ocean (climb 8-9 hrs). Descent and continue to Baños.
Day 13 A much-needed free day in Baños. Time to relax or make use of some of the variety of options on offer. Baños attracts a great number of visitors and there are many souvenir shops, market stalls and operators offering white water rafting. horse-riding and mountain biking amongst many other adrenalin-infused activities. Today is also used as a spare summit day.
Day 14 Free morning in Baños before returning to Quito.
Day 15 Transfer to airport.

The benefits you bring in taking this tour. 

All Andean Trails activities are governed by our high respect for the environment and the people who live in it. We aim to make a positive impact both in the UK and in the Andean countries we work in (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Guyana, Cuba). We agree with the principals of sustainable development and specifically promote environmentally aware and responsible travel in the Andean countries, in order to preserve the heritage of the people who live there and to help protect their environment.

Throughout Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina Guyana and Cuba we work together with local people, paying them a fair price, and putting money into the local economy. We do this by using local agents, local trek staff and experienced and qualified local mountain and cultural guides who have an in-depth knowledge of their own country.

We use locally owned services such as hotels and restaurants, paying a fair price for those services. We buy fresh local produce for all of our treks from markets and small shops in each departure town. In preference we choose local over imported goods. We use public transport whenever possible and feasible.

We are committed to working in conjunction with local communities in all the countries in which we operate.

In addition to this, we have been able to support the Huchuy Yachaq community project in the marginalised neighbourhood of Hermanos Ayar, on the outskirts of Cusco, with the help of everybody who has travelled with Andean Trails since 1996.

Every year we donate a percentage of our profits to this community project.

The project has been set up by volunteer social workers and teachers to provide much needed social and educational support to the children and families of this neighbourhood. Children are encouraged to attend study and games sessions held each afternoon and participate in holiday projects. Our contributions so far have paid for educational books and games, tables and chairs, improvements to the structure of the basic community owned building and the addition of functioning toilets, materials for the children to take to school, school books, holiday programmes.

We contribute a minimum of USD 3000 each year so that all of the community's 110 children can get to and from school and have all the books and materials they need.

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