Ascension Cotopaxi & Chimborazo - 12 days

Visit to the Équateur capital, Quito. The city is nestled on verdant hills and enjoys privileged climatic conditions. Its rich past is reflected through its churches and colonial buildings. Head to the viewpoints for a sweeping view of the city or go directly to its colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Church of the Company, the San Francisco Cloister and the Cathedral are all pearls of Baroque art to discover on site.

You will then head to the Los Chillos Valley before beginning the acclimatization hike to Ilalo volcano. Explore one of the last virgin forests in Équateur, then climb to the country's backbone to enjoy a panoramic view, with the two mountain ranges as a backdrop.

This morning, you head west from Quito. After about ten kilometers, you find yourself at the gates of the Guagua Pichincha volcano. This volcano is still active, as evidenced by the fumaroles and sulfur deposits. After an approach phase, you follow a trail skirting the 6 km wide crater to the summit, at 4,794 m altitude.

Next, you head towards the city of Machachi, the gateway to Cotopaxi National Park.

Heading this morning to the Cotopaxi National Park. As you gain altitude, the high plateau gives way to an Andean landscape dominated by the Cotopaxi volcano. The starting point of the hike is located at the level of the laguna Limpiopungo. It is a shallow lake, frequented by many local and migratory bird species. It is not uncommon to see bulls drinking there.

You take a trail along a ridge in the paramo, then climb a poorly marked spur and scree slopes in order to reach the ridges of Rumiñahui. Just opposite, Cotopaxi emerges, ringed with fumaroles and eternal snow.

You arrive at the village of El Chaupi, whose inhabitants are considered the guardians of the Illinizas. All around are pastures and agricultural land.

In the afternoon, you take the road to El Chaupi where you will settle for the night at Illiniza Lodge before the next day's ascent.

Drive to the La Virgen site, the starting point for the ascent. Illiniza Norte is located in the western cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes. It is a colossal peak with volcanic hues, bristling with lava pinnacles. Under normal conditions, the trail serving it is free of ice, which facilitates its ascent. It is an acclimatization stage. Its summit offers a vantage point from which to contemplate Illiniza Sur and Cotopaxi.

Head towards the village of Saquisilí, known for its Thursday market. You spend the morning visiting the town. Its market has eight distinct and colorful sections. Vegetables and fruits, clothing, livestock, utensils, etc. are distributed across the different squares.

In the afternoon, you set off for the Cotopaxi refuge to prepare for the conquest of Équateur's second highest peak (5,897 m).

You leave the refuge at night for a first approach hike. This is followed by a trek across snow-covered slopes, up to the stone wall of "Yanasacha", just below the summit. You go around it.

You climb the final steep slope leading to the summit. Your efforts are rewarded by the spectacular sight of the crater. Weather permitting, you will have a panoramic view of the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

In the morning, you descend gently from the summit and rejoin the Hacienda Tambopaxi within the park for the rest of the day.

You leave the refuge at midnight to climb the last kilometers separating you from the summit of Chimborazo at 6,300 m. This is the moment to apply climbing techniques, particularly crampon use, as two-thirds of the route takes place on the glacier. You climb the Thielmann glacier in order to reach Veintemilla peak. The slopes are sometimes covered with hard ice and open onto passages at 45°. After one final effort, you find yourself at the summit! Take advantage of this privileged moment and savor, in clear weather, the view of the avenue of volcanoes.

Take the same route to return to the refuge. A vehicle is waiting for you there to then take you to Baños for two days of relaxation.

Visit to the thermal spa town of Baños. Located at 1800 meters altitude in a subtropical zone, the city boasts numerous hot water pools due to its proximity to Tungurahua volcano. In the morning, explore the tropical fruit plantations. Then enjoy a relaxing bath in the town's thermal springs, a day of relaxation after the effort!