6 Day Shared Climb Volcanoes Cotopaxi Chimborazo Adventure

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Fron Quito – Private transport to Tambo Paxi (4,200 m)
1 stop
1
El Tambo
At 10:00 am we depart from Quito Basecamp Hotel (or from Latacunga/Riobamba, depending on your location) and drive toward Cotopaxi National Park. On the way, we stop for lunch at Rondador Café before continuing to the park entrance. After completing the registration process, we proceed to Tambo Paxi Lodge (4,200 m), located inside the national park, where your acclimatization begins. This day is dedicated entirely to adjusting to the altitude. You may explore the surrounding trails, take short acclimatization walks, and enjoy the high Andean landscapes around the lodge. Accommodation for the night is provided in shared dormitory rooms, and dinner is included. Route/Altitude: Quito (2,850 m) → Latacunga/Riobamba → Cotopaxi National Park → Tambo Paxi Lodge (4,200 m)
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
From Tambo Paxi - José Rivas Refuge (4,870 m)
1 stop
2
Cotopaxi Province
Breakfast is served at Tambo Paxi, followed by a free morning to relax, explore the surroundings, or prepare your personal equipment. Check-out is at 12:00, and all luggage can be safely stored at Tambo Paxi while you are on the climb. The guiding team meets at the lodge between 2:00 and 3:00 pm for lunch and a complete gear check. Once everything is ready, we drive into Cotopaxi National Park toward the José Rivas Refuge (4,870 m). The vehicle reaches the parking area at 4,780 m, from where we hike approximately 40–50 minutes up to the refuge. After settling in, the group takes time to relax, hydrate, and prepare for the ascent. Dinner is served at 5:00 pm, after which we rest as much as possible before beginning the night climb. Route/Altitude: Tambo Paxi Lodge (4,200 m) → Cotopaxi National Park Parking (4,780 m) → José Rivas Refuge (4,870 m)
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
José Rivas Refuge - Cotopaxi Summit (5,970 m)
1 stop
3
Cotopaxi National Park
The ascent begins at midnight. Guides organize their rope teams, review safety procedures, and prepare for the climb. The approach to the summit of Cotopaxi (5,970 m) typically takes 6–7 hours, depending on weather and group pace. After taking on the challenge and reaching the summit, we spend a short moment at the top for photos and to enjoy the sunrise over the Andes. We then begin a controlled and safe descent back to the José Rivas Refuge (4,870 m). Breakfast is served upon arrival at the refuge, giving you time to recover and recharge before leaving Cotopaxi National Park. From here, we continue our journey by vehicle to Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,800 m), where you can rest and further acclimatize for the upcoming Chimborazo climb. Route/Altitude: José Rivas Refuge (4,870 m) → Cotopaxi Summit (5,970 m) → José Rivas Refuge (4,870 m) → Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,800 m)
16 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
From Refugio – Private transport drive to Chimborazo Basecamp (4,800 m)
1 stop
4
Chimborazo Province
After a well-deserved rest, you have the day to relax and restore energy for the next day. For acclimatization prior to the climb, there are several self-guided trails for climbers to enjoy. All meals included. Route/Altitude: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,800 m) – acclimatization day
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Chimborazo Basecamp – Private transport to Chimborazo Carrel Refuge (5,000 m) or Optional High Camp
1 stop
5
Chimborazo Province
Breakfast is served at Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge, after which clients enjoy a free morning to rest, organize their gear, or explore the surroundings. We meet again at 12:00 midday for lunch and a short briefing about the climb. Afterward, we drive up to the Carrel Refuge (5,000 m). Once settled in, the team can relax, enjoy the views, take photos, or simply rest. Dinner is served at 5:00 pm. After eating, we rest throughout the afternoon and evening until approximately 11:00 pm. Final preparations for the climb begin between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm, as teams gear up and get ready for the ascent. Note: A High Camp upgrade is available for an additional $130 total ($65 per person). Route/Altitude: Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge (4,800 m) → Carrel Refuge (5,000 m)
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
From Carrel Refuge or Optional High Camp Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m), back to Quito
1 stop
6
Riobamba
After 6–7 hours of climbing, the summit window is between 6:00–7:30 am, with 7:30 am being the latest when climbers can be at the top of either Vintimilla or Whymper. After that, climbers descend to the refuge, which takes another 3 hours. After serving breakfast, we drive you out to Riobamba, where services end. Route/Altitude: Carrel Refuge (5,000 m) → Chimborazo Summit (6,263 m) → Carrel Refuge (5,000 m) → Riobamba (2,754 m) and drive Quito.
18 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

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