Climbing in Ecuador

Ecuador is a popular destination for climbers because it’s a county that provides the full experience. From natural beauty to cultural traditions to easy travel and of course its snow-capped summits, it is easy to craft your perfect climbing vacation in Ecuador. Journey to the tallest peaks and witness scenic views. For example, attempt to summit Cotopaxi, one of the most famous peaks in South America and the highest active volcano in Ecuador. PapaGayo offers some of the best climbing programs as well as a relaxing beautiful place to stay in between climbs.

  • Perfect place to acclimatize to the altitude
  • Daily departures to every mountain in the surrounding area
  • Proper equipment and certified guides
  • First-class facilities in Papagayo, an Andean hacienda
  • Restaurant with healthy nutritious meals
  • Leisure facilities in the hacienda: gym, sauna, hot tub, and yoga classes
  •  All inclusive packages
  • Self-guided trail around the hacienda

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Tours Ideas

Tour 1

Climbing Cotopaxi Tour

Cotopaxi Volcano

Climbing Ilinizas tour

Ilinizas 

Climbing Corazon Volcano1

Corazon Volcano

Climbing Pasochoa Volcano Tour

Pasochoa Volcano

The valley of giant mountains
8 days 7 nights

Day 1: Hosteria Papagayo: Transfer in to Hosteria Papagayo from Quito.

Day 2 Climbing Pasochoa: Pasochoa is considered the easiest of the acclimatization climbs. Keep an eye out for wildlife here, such as foxes, pumas, birds, horses and especially the Andean condor. This volcano has been inactive since the last ice age. On a clear day, you can have a good view of majestic Cotopaxi and other surrounding volcanoes. The crowning moment of Pasochoa is the humid cloud forest found inside the crater of the volcano.

Day 3: Climbing Corazon Volcano: Corazon is another popular acclimatization hike. The name Corazon means “heart” in Spanish, named accordingly due to the shape of the mountain. Majority of the hike is through the grasslands of the Paramo and the peak is a rock formation that requires a bit of climbing. With clear weather, the view from the summit of the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.

Day 4: Climbing Ilinizas: Ilinizas North is the perfect last climb before Cotopaxi. This climb begins at around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) at “The Virgin,” named accordingly due a statue of the Virgin Mary. The end of the climb just before the summit is fairly steep with some thrilling rock climbing. It takes around 4 - 5 hours to reach the summit and 2 hours to descend. From the top, savor the view of surrounding mountains and the mystical blue-green lake that lies at the base.

Day 5: Relaxation day:  We have scheduled two relaxing activities today. Ecuador is one of the largest exporters of roses in the world, so a visit to a rose plantation is a must. On the rose plantation tour, you have the opportunity to witness the entire process from planting to exportation and appreciate the variety of roses and their colors. Admire these gorgeous roses that stand from 2 - 5 meters tall. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an outdoor yoga class among the beautiful grounds of PapaGayo.

Day 6: Cotopaxi Climbing: At 5,897 m (19,347 ft), Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in Ecuador. Summiting Cotopaxi is an overnight experience, as climbers depart around midnight from the Jose Rivas refuge (15,750 ft / 4,800 m). It is a surreal experience to watch the sunrise from the summit. The view from the peak is truly unmatched with Tungarahua and Chimborazo looming over the horizon. From the peak, you can also peer into the magnificent snow-capped crater. Although the climb is not highly technical, it does require proper climbing equipment and an accredited guide. The ascent takes between 6 - 8 hours and the descent takes around 2 hours

Day 7: Cotopaxi Summit: On this day, you will be at the summit of Cotopaxi at around 6:00am. After your descent, you will be taken back to PapaGayo where you can rest. In the afternoon, you will have a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare a traditional Ecuadorian dish.

Day 8: Transfer out: Sadly, our adventure is over. You will have a transfer from PapaGayo to Quito.

Included: 

  • Lodging at Hosteria Papagayo (except day 6 that you will camp)
  • Climbing with a specialized and bilingual guide
  • Camping equipment
  • All meals, except dinners on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
  • Cooking classes on day 5
  • Transfers in/out to Quito

Not Included: 

  • Airplane tickets
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Extra activities

Shorter tours

Challenge of the Andes
7 days 6 nights

Transfer in to Hosteria Papagayo from Quito

Hosteria Papagayo Ecuador

Pasochoa is considered the easiest of the acclimatization climbs. Keep an eye out for wildlife here, such as foxes, pumas, birds, horses and especially the Andean condor. This volcano has been inactive since the last ice age. On a clear day, you can have a good view of majestic Cotopaxi and other surrounding volcanoes. The crowning moment of Pasochoa is the humid cloud forest found inside the crater of the volcano.

Climbing Pasochoa Volcano Tour

Ilinizas Norte is the perfect climb to do before Cotopaxi. This climb begins at around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) at “The Virgin,” named accordingly due a statue of the Virgin Mary. The end of the climb just before the summit is fairly steep with some thrilling rock climbing. It takes around 4 - 5 hours to reach the summit and 2 hours to descend. From the top, savor the view of surrounding mountains and the mystical blue-green lake that lies at the base.

Climbing Ilinizas tour

We have scheduled two relaxing activities today. Ecuador is one of the largest exporters of roses in the world, so a visit to a rose plantation is a must. On the rose plantation tour, you have the opportunity to witness the entire process from planting to exportation and appreciate the variety of roses and their colors. Admire these gorgeous roses that stand from 2 - 5 meters tall. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an outdoor yoga class among the beautiful grounds of PapaGayo.

At 5,897 m (19,347 ft), Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in Ecuador. Summiting Cotopaxi is an overnight experience, as climbers depart around midnight from the Jose Rivas refuge (15,750 ft / 4,800 m). It is a surreal experience to watch the sunrise from the summit. The view from the peak is truly unmatched with Tungarahua and Chimborazo looming over the horizon. From the peak, you can also peer into the magnificent snow-capped crater. Although the climb is not highly technical, it does require proper climbing equipment and an accredited guide. The ascent takes between 6 - 8 hours and the descent takes around 2 hours.

Climbing Cotopaxi Tour

On this day, you will be at the summit of Cotopaxi at around 6:00am. After your descent, you will be taken back to PapaGayo where you can rest. In the afternoon, you will have a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare a traditional Ecuadorian dish

Climbing tours | Ecuador | Cotopaxi

Sadly, our adventure is over. You will have a transfer from PapaGayo to Quito.

Included: 

  • Lodging at Hosteria Papagayo (except day 5 that you will camp)
  • Climbing with a specialized and bilingual guide
  • Camping equipment
  • All meals, except dinners on days 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • Cooking classes on day 6
  • Transfers in/out to Quito

Not Included: 

  • Airplane tickets
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Extra activities

Climbing to the Cotopaxi Ecuador

Climbing Corazon Volcano

Ilinizas Noth and Cotopaxi
6 days 5 nights

Transfer in to Hosteria Papagayo from Quito

Ilinizas Norte is a perfect climb to do before Cotopaxi. This climb begins at around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) at “The Virgin,” named accordingly due a statue of the Virgin Mary. The end of the climb just before the summit is fairly steep with some thrilling rock climbing. It takes around 4 - 5 hours to reach the summit and 2 hours to descend. From the top, savor the view of surrounding mountains and the mystical blue-green lake that lies at the base.

Climbing Ilinizas tour

We have scheduled two relaxing activities today. Ecuador is one of the largest exporters of roses in the world, so a visit to a rose plantation is a must. On the rose plantation tour, you have the opportunity to witness the entire process from planting to exportation and appreciate the variety of roses and their colors. Admire these gorgeous roses that stand from 2 - 5 meters tall. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an outdoor yoga class among the beautiful grounds of PapaGayo.

At 5,897 m (19,347 ft), Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in Ecuador. Summiting Cotopaxi is an overnight experience, as climbers depart around midnight from the Jose Rivas refuge (15,750 ft / 4,800 m). It is a surreal experience to watch the sunrise from the summit. The view from the peak is truly unmatched with Tungarahua and Chimborazo looming over the horizon. From the peak, you can also peer into the magnificent snow-capped crater. Although the climb is not highly technical, it does require proper climbing equipment and an accredited guide. The ascent takes between 6 - 8 hours and the descent takes around 2 hours.

Climbing in Ecuador tours

On this day, you will be at the summit of Cotopaxi at around 6:00am. After your descent, you will be taken back to PapaGayo where you can rest. In the afternoon, you will have a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare a traditional Ecuadorian dish.

Climbing tours | Ecuador | Cotopaxi

Sadly, our adventure is over. You will have a transfer from PapaGayo to Quito.

Included: 

  • Lodging at Hosteria Papagayo (except day 4 that you will camp)
  • Climbing with a specialized and bilingual guide
  • Camping equipment
  • All meals, except dinners on days 1, 2, 3
  • Cooking classes on day 5
  • Transfers in/out to Quito

Not Included: 

  • Airplane tickets
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Extra activities

Ilinizas North Ecuador

Climbing in Ecuador tours

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What to expect when you climb mountains in Ecuador?

Papagayo is ideally located within the Avenue of Volcanoes giving you up-close access to many volcanoes that are a short drive from the hostería. Visitors arrive daily to Ecuador to climb the country’s impressive mountains. Brag-worthy mountain climbs and spectacular panoramic views are at your fingertips, and Papagayo is a tranquil place to rest between your hiking expeditions.

The most well-known volcanoes are Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in Ecuador, and Chimborazo, the closest point to the sun from the center of earth. A 40-minute drive from Papagayo, Cotopaxi stands at 19,347 ft (5,897 m). A common day trip is hiking to the Jose Rivas refuge (at 15,750 ft / 4,800 m) where climbers can enjoy refreshing hot chocolate and empanadas. Not far from the refuge is the glacier, which is a short 650 ft (200 m) up from the refuge. Past the glacier, climbers are required to have an accredited guide and proper equipment.

Adventure-seekers wanting to summit Cotopaxi must do so with a certified guide, and Ecuadorian law requires that there must be one guide for every two people. After spending the evening in the Jose Rivas refuge, climbers ascend around midnight and arrive to stunning views at the summit in about 6 hours. Back at Papagayo, a celebratory lunch awaits you! You deserve it after you just summited Cotopaxi in all her grandeur. (Note: not everyone is guaranteed to summit as it largely depends on weather conditions).

Given the high altitude at Cotopaxi, it is highly recommended to acclimatize with a series of climbs prior to climbing Cotopaxi. We offer acclimatization programs that will adequately prepare you to summit Cotopaxi and/or Chimborazo. For example, the 7-day Cotopaxi Llama Express program takes you to 3 mountains before your ultimate challenge, Cotopaxi. Climbers will summit Pasochoa, Corazon, and Illinizas North before tackling Cotopaxi. The 10-day Chimborazo Prince Challenge program is for thrill-seeking climbing enthusiasts, taking you to the same mountains in the Cotopaxi Llama Express program and then culminating in climbing Chimborazo. These programs can be completed by everyone, from people with no experience to experienced climbers.

Surrounded by 9 volcanoes

At Papagayo, you have access to 9 nearby volcanoes. Descriptions of the other volcanoes are included below:

  • Pasochoa: Keep an eye out for wildlife here, such as foxes, pumas, birds, horses and especially the Andean condor. This volcano has been inactive since the last ice age, and it is considered an easy acclimatization hike. On a clear day, you can have a good view of majestic Cotopaxi and other surrounding volcanoes. The crowning moment of Pasochoa is the humid cloud forest found inside the crater of the volcano.
  • Corazon: The name Corazon means “heart” in Spanish, named accordingly due to the shape of the mountain. Majority of the hike is through the grasslands of the Paramo and the peak is a rock formation that requires a bit of climbing. With clear weather, the view from the summit of the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.
  •  Ilinizas North & Ilinizaas South: Ilinizas is a pair of volcanic mountains, and these twin mountains vary in difficulty. Ilinizas South maintains the humidity, and therefore has a glacier and snow. Because of this, Ilinizas South is a challenging technical climb and requires climbing equipment and a certified guide as mandated per Ecuadorian law. Ilinizas North is a great climb if you are looking for challenging non-technical ascent. Both mountains provide truly magnificent views.
  • Rumiñahui: A volcano that has long been extinct, Rumiñahui is composed of three peaks. The view from Rumiñahui is splendid as you are able to see Corazon, Ilinizas, and the mighty Cotopaxi. The trail winds through the wispy grassland of the Paramo, and among the scenic views you can find wildflowers, rabbits, deer, and foxes. Pay attention and you might see a condor!
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