mountain adventures in ecuador

Explore the Mountains and Volcanoes of Ecuador

The Andes mountains of Ecuador rise to over 6,000 meters and include many snow-capped volcanic peaks to scale, as well as offering some great hiking, trekking, mountain biking, and horse-back riding activities. If you can do it on a mountain, you can do it in Ecuador!

The table below shows all the major volcanoes and mountain activities in Ecuador. Contact us for details on any that you would like to know more about.

True Ecuador Travel functions as a social enterprise - generating income to invest in social and environmental projects for indigenous and marginzalized communities around Ecuador. Your support helps us to fulfill our mission!

Name Information Important Duration
Cotopaxi Volcano Climb the 2nd-highest volcano in Ecuador and have an amazing climbing experience with an incredible crater and landscape view when reaching the summit of the Cotopaxi volcano. With its 5897m Cotopaxi is considered one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. It’s perfectly symmetrical cone, covered in a thick blanket of snow and ice, gracefully rises from a beautiful paramo plateau. The climb up to the summit of Cotopaxi is not highly technical, but it does require a pre-climb glacier travel course. You will take part in such a course the afternoon before the ascent. The course includes the use of crampons, ice axes and ropes. Leaving from the refuge around midnight climbers begin the ascent of the volcano arriving at the top of Cotopaxi after sunrise at 6am. The climb up to the summit of Cotopaxi is not highly technical, but it does require a pre-climb glacier travel course. 2 days
Cayambe Volcano With our 2-day tour you will be able to Conquer the 3rd Highest Volcano in Ecuador, enjoy breathtaking views and complete a successful climbing experience. The altitude of Cayambe is 5790m and the volcano is located in the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve in the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes, 70 km north-east of Quito. The climb takes between 5 – 7 hours, while the descent will be around 2 hours. Reaching the top may be very technical and requires knowledge and mountaineering experience. However the effort of Climbing the Immense Glacier and its Massive Ice will be Totally Worth it! Depending on your condition and experience you will arrive by sunrise at the summit. This will allow you to enjoy an incredible view of the landscape of the northern hills of Quito, the surrounding cities and lagoons such as Lago San Pablo and Laguna Cuicocha. The climb takes between 5 – 7 hours, while the descent will be around 2 hours. Reaching the top may be very technical and requires knowledge and mountaineering experience. 2 days
Illinizas North Experience this full day adventure by climbing the Illinizas North peak and gain experience for Ecuador´s highest summits such as Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. This climbing tour leads you to the Illinizas volcanoes. They are located 55km (34 miles) southwest of Quito. Illinizas South (5250m/17224 ft) is famous for being the sixth highest mountain in the country, whilst Illinizas North (5126m/16817ft) is the eighth highest in Ecuador. They once were one volcano but today the two peaks are separated by a saddle of about 1km. Both peaks offer one of the most enjoyable climbing experiences in Ecuador and South America. For the experienced hiker or soft climber the northern peak is a truly fun climb with some heart-stopping scrambles thrown in. It offers great opportunities to observe volcanic craters, the Paramo and the whole Avenue of Volcanoes. The climb takes approx. 6 hours going up to a height of 5126m (16817 ft). It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude. Thus we recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3000m (9842 ft). 1 day
Ilinizas South The Illinizas South climbing tour is an amazing experience for ice climbers as an acclimatization mountain. The 2-day tour is recommended before hiking the Highest Peaks of Ecuador. The Illinizas mountains are two peaks located 55km (34 miles) southwest of Quito. Illiniza Sur (5250m/17224 ft) is famous for being the sixth highest mountain in the country, whilst Illiniza Norte (5126m/16817 ft) is The Eighth Highest in Ecuador. The southern peak is de glaciating; caused by global warming it is affecting its ice condition. Because of this, the southern peak is reserved for experienced ice climbers only. Hence Expertise in Ice Techniques is Required for this climb. The southern peak suggests several challenging and demanding routes. This 2-day climb starts at night from the Refuge “Nuevos Horizontes” at the altitude of 4670m (15321ft). The Gulliver Expeditions tour includes a professional bilingual guide, mountain base support and rescue, equipment, transportation and more. Additional Information Climbing high altitudes needs previous training, if you are not correctly acclimatized you can suffer from different altitude illnesses. We strongly recommend to make acclimatization programs before you can reach the highest peaks in Ecuador. 2 days
Antisana Volcano Antisana is an impressive and beautiful 5755m high volcano and the 4th highest volcano in Ecuador. It is located in the Antisana Ecological Reserve along the western margin of the Cordillera Real, 50km south-east of Quito. The Mountain has 4 peaks and massive ice forms. Therefore reaching the top is a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the impressive volcanoes in the Andean Mountains. The climb takes between 6 – 8 hours, while the descent will be around 3 hours. The climb itself is considered very technical and requires knowledge and experience in mountain climbing. However the landscape at sunrise is incredible with the reflection of the volcano in the surrounding lagoons inside the reserve. With a bit of luck you will also have incredible views of other surrounding volcanoes such as the Cotopaxi, Illinizas, Chimborazo, etc. Antisana Volcano Additional Information We also offer you our Climbing and Glacier Course in Ecuador for the ones that do not have experience in glacier climbing. Climbing high altitudes needs previous training. If you are not correctly acclimatized you can suffer from different altitude illnesses. We strongly recommend to make an Acclimatization Program before climb the highest peaks in Ecuador. 2 days
Chimborazo Volcano Climb up the Chimborazo, which is the highest volcano in Ecuador and reach the closest point to the sun in a 2-day climbing tour after you acclimatize with our pre climbing activities. Its located 150km (93.2 miles) southwest of Quito. The ancient and extinct volcano’s rounded bulk testifies it’s great age. It is an extremely massive mountain which volcanologists claim is composed of the remains of two volcanoes. The timetable for climbing Chimborazo is similar to the one of the Cotopaxi Climbing Tour, but it involves a long climb of approximately 12 hours. It also includes a glacier training session, dinner and a night at the refuge (4800m/15748 ft). The climb is a real challenge and offers climbers the opportunity to break the magical 6000m barrier (19685 ft). If you would like to raise the chance for reaching the summit and you need to acclimatize to high altitudes we suggest our Acclimatization Packages to prepare you physically and ensure that you will fully enjoy your climbing experience! Chimborazo Volcano Additional Information We also offer you our Climbing and Glacier Course in Ecuador for the people that do not have experience in glacier climbing. Climbing high altitudes needs previous training. If you are not correctly acclimatized you can suffer from different altitude illnesses. We strongly recommend to make an acclimatization program before you can reach the highest peak in Ecuador. 2 days
Rumiñahui Volcano Reach the Rumiñahui volcano summit and experience an active day trip, acclimatize and Enjoy the Wonderful and Stunning Landscapes of Ecuador. Rumiñahui is a long extinct volcano located in the Cotopaxi National Park south of Quito. The three high peaks are called Rumiñahui North (4,712 m), Rumiñahui Central (4,631 m) and Rumiñahui South (4,696 m). This tour is an excellent acclimatization climb activity with an exciting finish and epic views onto the mountains El Corazon, Illinizas, Sincholagua, and the majestic Cotopaxi. The weather in the area is very unpredictable so appropriate warm clothing is recommended. The climb is approx. 4-5 hours; reaching a height of 4712m. It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude, we recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3000m. 1 day
Corazon Volcano This full day experience is part of the acclimatization tours that will prepare you to climb the highest volcanoes such as the Cotopaxi and the Chimborazo. The Corazon volcano is located about 40km (24 miles) southwest of Quito in the “Illinizas Ecological Reserve”. The ascent is an easy hiking tour through the Paramo vegetation and perfect for acclimatization, as well as for people who simply want to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Cotopaxi and its nearby volcanoes with the valley below. The hiking route is straight forward and requires no rock equipment or experience. Climbing Corazon is perfect for a first approach to altitude. Pre-conquest ruins have been reported on the northeast slopes but they are very overgrown and have yet to be investigated. The weather in the area is very unpredictable and you must be prepared with warm clothing. The hike takes approx. 3-5 hours reaching a height of 4199m (15984, 25 ft.). It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude, we recommend acclimatizing at least one day around 3000m (9842ft). 1 day
Pasochoa Volcano Pasochoa Volcano Description Hike up to the crater of the Pasochoa and experience a great full day activity which is the perfect preparation for bigger adventures and the highest volcanoes as the Chimborazo and the Cotopaxi. The Pasochoa volcano is a beautiful, 4199 meter (13776 ft) high volcano. The trek is an excellent acclimatization climb, which can be used to prepare for more challenging climbs such as the Cotopaxi and the Chimborazo. The highlight of the Pasochoa trek is its humid cloud forest, that lies inside an extinct volcanic crater near Quito. We find over one hundred species of birds and fifty species of original Andean trees. The trek is relatively gentle, going through amazing paramo grasslands and cloud forests. During the trek you will have the opportunity to see the stunning Andean wildlife, including bulls, horses, hummingbirds, the viridian metal tail, mountain tanagers, red crested cotinga and the occasional andean condor. Located in a steep gorge heading up the Pasochoa volcano, this lovely area escaped cultivation and thus is one of the few patches of highland forest remaining in its original state. Inside the crater you can see the last remnants of the primary Andean forest. This original forest and other vegetation, including an enormous variety of flowers, once covered the entire Quito basin. The extinct volcano of Pasochoa (4199m – 13776 ft) is one of the best places to see the famous Andean Condor. The climb offers wonderful views of the mighty Cotopaxi and the surrounding volcanoes. This is a perfect first hike for those who are new to altitude or those who are beginning an acclimatization program. The hike takes approx. 3-5 hours reaching an altitude of 4199m (13776ft) and then hiking back. It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude, we recommend acclimatizing at least one day around 3000m (9842ft). 1 day
El Altar Off the beaten track, El Altar is a demanding climb that can be an exciting challenge for experienced mountaineers. Its nine summits offer many technical routes, and unlike the other mountains, trips to El Altar require a week. The reward is the vast, impressive scenery, which you’ll enjoy almost on your own. Off the beaten track, El Altar is a demanding climb that can be an exciting challenge for experienced mountaineers. ?
El Altar Volcano 2-day climbing trip in Ecuador Join me in this challenging 3-day climbing tour to El Altar (5320 m) in Ecuador! This extinct volcano is the fifth highest mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes. Climbing its summit involves some technical climbing. So, if you are an experienced mountaineer, join me and let’s spend 3 great days! We will enjoy a spectacular view of the crater below. Also, the sights of Chimborazo an Sangay in the background. Climbing its summit involves some technical climbing. So, if you are an experienced mountaineer, join me and let’s spend 3 great days! 2-3 days
Illiniza, Altar and Chimborazo 15-day climbing expedition Illiniza, Altar and Chimborazo are the most important peaks of Ecuador with very technical and challenging ascent routes. During these 15 days of guided expedition you have to use all your ice climbing skills on Illiniza South’s ice walls. Then, you will climb the Altar, one of the most technical peaks of the northern Andes. Finally, the trip ends with an ascent of Chimborazo‘s frost wall. This climbing expedition towards the summits of Illiniza, Altar and Chimborazo will be carefully progressive. That’s why we’ll start with some acclimatization climbs. • Challenging ascent routes • One of the most technical peaks • Carefully progressive • Starting with acclimatization climbs 15 days
Climbing Illiniza Sur, Altar-Obispo and Chimborazo Ecuador is home to many renown peaks. It is the case for example of Illiniza Sur, Altar-Obispo and Chimborazo. They are the protagonists of this adventure. This is a very technical expedition for expert climbers. In fact, it is more technical than what people generally expect. The trip lasts 8 days. I particularly like it for advanced climbers that want to discover some of the most renowned and remote volcanoes from Ecuador. This is a very technical expedition for expert climbers. In fact, it is more technical than what people generally expect. I particularly like it for advanced climbers that want to discover some of the most renowned and remote volcanoes from Ecuador. 8 days
Cotacachi Volcano Description: We leave before sunrise and ascend with private transport to an altitude of 4.000m (13.100ft). From there we start our 3-4 hour climb through páramo grasslands and alpine zones, until we reach the snow line at an altitude of app. 4.750m (15.600ft). We will have a rest there and enjoy the spectacular Andean panorama. Finally, we will descend and return in private transport. Note: For safety reasons we do not ascend to the very top at 4.939m (16.200ft) for safety reasons. Difficulty: moderate-difficult Total Duration: 8-10 hours Note: There is a 2-day version of this tour (LCT-7a) with one night of camping. Guide, private transport, snack, park entry RECC Mandatory: good walking shoes, sun protection, fleece/warm layer, water (min. 1 liter), rain coat, some fitness, acclimatization to altitude Recommended: camera, hiking poles Optional: binoculars Day Tour (8-10 hours)
Cotacachi Volcano Description: We leave around midday and ascend with private transport to an altitude of 3.500m (11.500ft). From there we start our 2-3 hour hike through páramo grasslands until we reach our campsite. There, we enjoy the sunset views and lights, and after dinner we will rest for the following day when we climb the last part (ca. 3 hours) to an altitude of app. 4.750m/15.600ft (for safety reasons we do not ascend to the very top at 4.939m/16.200ft). We will have a rest there and enjoy the spectacular Andean panorama. Finally, we will descend and return in private transport and have lunch. Difficulty: moderate-difficult Total Duration: 2days/1night 2 days – 1 night
Imbabura Volcano 3.300m (10.800ft). We will start our climb (5-6 hours) through an area of páramo grasslands with spectacular views of the city of Ibarra and snow-covered Cayambe. At higher altitudes the trail becomes rockier and we will walk around the volcano crater until we reach the top at 4.610m (15.125ft). After a rest and a well-deserved snack, we descend (3-4 hours). Difficulty: moderate-difficult Total Duration: 10-12 hours Note: We also offer this tour in a 2-day version (LCT-8a) with one night of camping. Mandatory: good walking shoes, sun protection, fleece/warm layer, water (min. 1,5 litres), rain coat, fitness, acclimatization to altitude Recommended: camera, hiking poles Optional: binoculars Day Tour (10-12 hours)

Contact us for more information!