Program 3 days / 2 nights
Stay 2 to 3 days in Quito or around before starting this program to acclimatise slowly, the hikes take place between 3900 and 4800 meters.
Day 1:
Departure from Quito at 8 am in private vehicle towards the Guagua Pichincha, through the valley of Lloa to reach the place to start the trail at 4000 m. from here is about 2 hour hike up to the shelter built by the Civilian Defense, located at 4,550 m altitude. Box lunch in the shelter. Hike uphill along the edge of the crater to observe volcanic activity and then to the summit at 4784 m. Magnificent view of the crater.
Dinner and night in a property in the countryside at 3200 meters above sea level (cabin with beds for 6 people or nights in tent), spectacular view on the volcano Cotopaxi from the camp site.
Hiking time: approx. 4 hours total
Terrain: sandy trail and rocky near the top and occasional snow
Unevenness: From 300 to 780 meters - Flexible
Day 2:
After breakfast, departure to the Cotopaxi National Park and climbing of central peak of Rumiñahui volcano (4721 meters) by following the trail from Lake Limpiopungo. Panoramic view of Cotopaxi National Park.
Picnic during hike.
Back to our camp at Ticatilin near the Cotopaxi National Park.
Dinner and night in a property in the countryside at 3200 meters above sea level (cabin with beds for 6 people or nights in tent), spectacular view on the volcano Cotopaxi from the camp site.
Walking time: about 7 hours
Type of terrain: sandy trails and rocks in the upper part of the volcano and occasional snow
Unevenness: 900 meters
Day 3:
Early in the morning, we leave our camp and continue to the town of Chaupi, in our private transport drive us uphill to the place called "The Virgin", at 3900 m. which is the area where we will start hiking up for about 3 hours to the refuge of Iliniza at 4700 m. of altitude.
After a quick rest in the refuge, we'll use the necessary technical equipment (harness and helmet) and clothing and beginning the ascent by a trail of volcanic sand and rocks and some of snow possibly, to reach the summit of North Iliniza (5126 m.), participants need to have some mountain experience.
Box lunch during ascension, immediately after reaching summit, start the descent walking by the northeastern flank to get back to the parking area at the Virgin.
Return to Quito late afternoon.
Hiking / Climbing time: 9 to 10 hours
Type of terrain: sandy trails, rocks and some seasonal snow
Unevenness: 1220 meters
NOTE: It is also possible to carry out this program in 4 days / 3 nights by climbing the North Illiniza in 2 days (night in a refuge at 4750 m).
This option allows a better acclimatization to the altitude for those who then want to climb the Cayambe, Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.
This 4 Days program also makes it possible to cut the walking and climbing of the North Illiniza in 2, thus avoiding a steady walk and climbing of 9 hours.
Acommodation - Hotel and Lodge / Cruise
Nights in a property in the countryside at 3200 meters above sea level (cabin with beds for 6 people or nights in tent), spectacular view on the volcano Cotopaxi from the camp site.
Practical advices
Stay 2 to 3 days in Quito or around before starting this program to acclimatise slowly, the hikes take place between 3900 and 4800 meters.
Equateur Voyages Passion
hiking / climbing
- Challenging
Intermediate 
All range 
