Itinerary

The trip is split into 2 parts, the Ecuador Adrenaline Overload and then the Mountain Climbing Adventure.

The first Seven Days

Day 1: Arrive to Quito, transfer from airport to hostel.
Day 2: Quito City Tour
Day 3  White Water Rafting
Day 4: Cotopaxi Bikes
Day 5: Mount Up! Horseback riding
Day 6: Quilotoa Lagoon
Day 7: Biking in Antisana NP

The complete itinerary of the first 7 days can be seen here.

The Mountain Climbing Adventure

Day Eight: Pasochoa 4,199m (13,700ft) (B,L,D)

• 7:30, A sumptuous breakfast of your choice will be served bright and early in preparation for your first climb.
• 08:15, We will depart by car to the base of Pasochoa.
• 09:45, The first climb begins. Make sure to take your camera, as this hike provides many beautiful photo opportunities!
• 12:30, Reach summit. A packed lunch will also be served to keep your energy up.
• 15:00, Upon returning to PapaGayo you will be rewarded with a delicious slice of cake and a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

Day Nine: Ilinizas Norte 5,126m (16,800ft) (B,L,D)

• 06:30, A delicious breakfast of your choice will be served bright and early in preparation for your climb.
• 07:00, We will depart by car to the base of the Illinizas.
• 08:30, We will begin our ascent to the rugged peaks of the Illinizas, taking a break for an energy packed lunch and of course to take in the magnificent views these mountains provide!
• 12:00, Lunch
• 13:30, Reach the summit
• 16:30, Upon returning to PapaGayo a delicious slice of cake and a steaming coffee/ tea will be waiting for you.

Day Ten: Day Off at PapaGayo 3,200m (B,L,D)

• 08:00, A giant breakfast of your choice will be served in preparation for your day.
• 10:00, Optional hiking or biking in the area of PapaGayo or relax in the Hosterias gardens… You can take a lunch box or have lunch after the tour at PapaGayo.
• 19:00, A delicious dinner will be served at PapaGayo.

Tour Schedule (Note: All times are approximate, except starting time).

Day Eleven: Cotopaxi Preparations 4,800m

• 08:00, A giant breakfast of your choice will be served in preparation for your day.
• 10:00, Pick up from PapaGayo and check equipment.
• 11:00, Depart for Cotopaxi National Park (entrance fee: $2).
• 12:00, Arrive at the parking lot at 4,500m and begin hike up to “Jose Rivas” refuge.
• 13:00, Reach refuge at 4.800m.
• 14:00, Lunch.
• 15:00, Explanation on the climb:
• Crampon techniques.
• Ice axe use.
• Self arrest.
• Roped team travel.
• Pressure breathing.
• 17:30, Dinner.
• 18:30, Sleep.
• 23:30, Wake-up, eat a small snack and gear up for climb.
• 24:00, Begin climbing!

Day Twelve: The Final Climb Cotopaxi 5,897m (19,300ft) (B,L)

• Sunrise, Depending on your climbing experience, you will arrive at the Summit of Cotopaxi for a magnificent display of colors as the morning sun begins to flood the sky.
• 10:00, Arrive to the Refugio, after a successful climb, enjoy much deserved snacks.
• 11:30, Leave Cotopaxi National Park towards PapaGayo.
• 13:00, For an addition $10 local payment, a delicious and relaxing lunch will be served back at PapaGayo, complete with a well diserved beer.
• 14:30, Stay at PapaGayo or return to Quito perhaps order some new legs at this point.

The trip ends here, you can then do some onward travel, with the Ultimate Ecuador Trip, take a trip to the Galapagos Islands or even head in to the Amazon Rainforest. Talk to us about adding further legs to your Journey.

Please note: Programme includes the night before the first climb (Day 7).