Avenue of the Volcanoes Expedition
Experience one of South America's ultimate mountaineering adventures as you journey through Ecuador's legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes. Combining progressive acclimatisation, glacier skills, and the ascent of four spectacular volcanic peaks.
Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes is one of the world's great mountaineering destinations. Stretching through the heart of the Andes, this spectacular corridor is home to snow-capped volcanoes, dramatic volcanic landscapes, emerald crater lakes, and some of the finest high-altitude climbing anywhere in South America.
This carefully designed expedition combines gradual acclimatisation with progressive climbing objectives, allowing you to build confidence and mountain skills before tackling Ecuador's highest peaks. Beginning with scenic hikes and easier volcanoes, you'll progress to the glaciated summits of Cayambe or Cotopaxi before finishing with the ultimate objective - Chimborazo (6,268m).
Suitable for experienced trekkers and aspiring mountaineers looking to take the next step, the expedition combines technical instruction, breathtaking scenery, and expert local guiding to maximise both safety and summit success.
TRIP FACTS
Activity Type:
Mountain Climb
Location:
Ecuador (see location map here)
Difficulty:
Moderate to Tough
Max Altitude:
3,914m to 6,268m
Food Choices:
Kosher, Veggie, Vegan, Nut Free, Lactose Free, Halal
Duration:
Tailor-made Itinerary
Accommodation:
Hotel & Mountain Lodge
Fitness Level:
Above Average
Grading:
D3 - E3 (see grading guide here)
Best Time to Climb:
Nov - Feb & Jun - Aug
WHY CHOOSE AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES
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Climb four of Ecuador's most iconic volcanoes
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Summit Chimborazo – Ecuador's highest mountain
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Progressive acclimatisation for improved summit success
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Learn glacier travel and mountaineering techniques
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Climb alongside experienced IFMGA/local mountain guides
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Explore the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes
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Ideal preparation for larger alpine objectives
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Fully supported expedition with carefully planned logistics
WHAT YOU WILL SEE & EXPERIENCE
This expedition is designed for adventurous hikers and aspiring mountaineers with a good level of fitness who are looking to progress into technical alpine climbing.
While the early volcanoes involve primarily trekking and scrambling, the higher peaks require glacier travel using crampons, ice axes, ropes, and mountaineering boots. Previous experience is beneficial but not essential, as glacier training and skills instruction form an integral part of the itinerary.
Quilotoa
Quilotoa crater lake is one of Ecuador’s best kept secrets. High up in the Andes, it is a large volcanic crater with a mesmerizing emerald green lake in a typical indigenous community. Quilotoa is 178km south west from Ecuador’s capital Quito, located in Cotopaxi province. The 3 hour driving route to get there follows the Panamericana Highway south as far as Latacunga, then climbs a regional road up to Quilotoa vilage. The crater measures 3km (2 miles) in diameter, with a circumference of aprox 10km (6 miles). Volcanic minerals in the crater give the lake water it’s emerald-green tint. The water colour also appears to change depending on time of day and sunlight.
Corazon
The Corazon volcano is located about 40km (24 miles) southwest of Quito in the “Illinizas Ecological Reserve”. The ascent is a relatively easy hiking tour through the Paramo vegetation. It is perfect for acclimatization, and for enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Cotopaxi and its nearby volcanoes with the valley below. The hiking route is straightforward and requires no rock equipment or experience. 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 4,791m (15,718 ft.).
Illinizas Norte
The Illinizas are a pair of volcanic mountains that are located to the south of Quito. These twin mountains are separated by a saddle that is about a kilometer long. The peaks are among the highest in Ecuador, with Illiniza Sur standing at 5248 mts is slightly taller than Illiniza Norte at 5126mts.
The volcano is excellent for those who need to acclimatize or for those who wish to have a challenging hike combined with non-technical climbing at a beautiful surrounding. For the experienced hiker or soft climber, the northern peak is a truly fun climb with some exciting 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)
Cayambe
Cayambe Volcano, or Volcán Cayambe, is located 40 miles northeast of Quito in the small town of Cayambe. The mighty Cayambe stands at 5790m and is the third highest mountain in Ecuador.
It’s the only major mountain in the world whose summit is crossed directly by the equator and the only snow-capped mountain located on the equator.
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi Climb one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s most popular volcano and not without reason. It offers an amazing climbing experience for both those new to climbing and experienced mountaineers. It is one of the world’s highest active volcanos, containing an incredible snow-capped crater, beautiful sights, and an altitude of 5,897 m (19,347 ft).
It’s a 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 proper acclimatization. You will be explained in a short course the night before the climb how to use the 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 6 am.
Chimborzo
Climb Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador, and reach the closest point to the sun in this 2-day climbing tour. Located 150 km (93,2 miles) southwest of Quito this ancient and extinct volcano’s rounded bulk will not fail to impress you. It is a massive mountain that volcanologists claim is composed of the remains of two volcanoes.
Climbing Chimborazo involves a long climb of approximately 12 hours. The tour includes a glacier training session, dinner, and a night at the refuge (4,800 m/15,748 ft). The climb is a real challenge and offers climbers the opportunity to break the magical 6,000-meter (19,685 ft) altitude barrier.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Sunday:
Arrive Quito, transfer to hotel
A Bespoke Experience
This trip can be fully tailored to suit your time, preferences, and travel style. Whether you’re planning a shorter getaway, a more immersive experience, or combining destinations, we’ll create an itinerary that works for you - with every detail thoughtfully arranged for a smooth and personalised journey.
What's included?
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Professional guide (1 guide per 2 climbers)
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Transfer from/to Hosteria
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Meals (Hosteria & Refuge)
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Refuge Cayambe/Cotopaxi
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One night in High camp at Chimborazo (Tents)
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Mountain equipment (see list)
What's excluded?
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International flights
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Tips
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Insurance
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Personal items
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Meals not included in itinerary
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Drinks
Technical Kit
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Helmet Plastic climbing boots
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Crampons
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Rope
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Climbing harness
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Locking carabiner
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Ice axe
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Thermal mittens
