Climb the Ecuador Volcanoes with International Mountain Guides

IMG has been leading expeditions to Ecuador since the early 80’s and the contacts and relationships we’ve built over the years make this program unique! Our Classic program includes ascents of Cayambe and Cotopaxi, and for the interested and capable climber, we offer a summit attempt of Chimborazo as an optional 3-day extension.

On our 12-day trip, we will try to sample as much of this beautiful country as possible! Our enhanced Ecuador program offers luxury hotels, haciendas and restaurants. Your journey is enriched exploring Quito before and after our ascents, visiting cathedrals and markets and sampling local cuisine. We will also sightsee the famous Indigenous market in Otavalo while spending time with local long-time friends of IMG, and your efforts on Cayambe will be rewarded with a night at the famous Papallacta hot springs! Our goal is to make this trip so much more than just a mountaineering expedition!

The Climbs

Our acclimatization schedule includes two mountains. We hike Fuya Fuya (13,986’) and Imbabura (15,190’) prior to our Cayambe attempt. Additionally, we do a basic technique review on the slopes of Cayambe and spend two nights at the Oleas–Ruales–Berge Refuge prior to our climb. After our summit bid we will drive to the jungle town of Papallacta, where we can soak in the hot springs for which this town is famous.

Cotopaxi is next, which may just be the most picturesque volcano in the world. The team will climb from the José F. Ribas Refuge located at 15,973’. After climbing Cotopaxi, we spend a night at the hacienda of La Cienega. We wrap up the trip with lunch at Hacienda San Agustin and historic Inca Ruins.

The Guides

An IMG Senior Guide leads each of these programs and is joined by some of the finest and most experienced local Ecuadorian guides.