ESEN

Ecuador expeditions

Our flagship program of three summits in seven days and eight mountains, each with its altitude, elevation gain, climbing time and difficulty level. Pick yours, or tell us about your experience and we'll recommend one.

Greenstep team in the mountainsBest seller
Flagship program · Ecuador

3 Summits in 7 Days

Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in seven days, with rest days between climbs so you arrive acclimatized for Ecuador's highest summit.

Duration7 days / 6 nights
Altitudes5126 · 5897 · 6263 m
Departs fromMachachi and Riobamba
GuidesASEGUIM-certified

Includes: Transport · Cotopaxi and Chimborazo refuges · dinner, breakfast, hot drinks and a pre-climb snack at Cotopaxi and Chimborazo · ASEGUIM guides · permits · technical equipment.

My level
Sorted from easiest to hardest
Ecuador

High mountain

Scale starting at 4500 m. Color: 1 to 5 · 6 to 7 · 8 to 10 · to be confirmed

Photo of Carihuairazo
Ideal for getting started
Difficulty4/10

Carihuairazo

10 km from Chimborazo, it is considered ideal for getting started in high-altitude mountaineering: the first 5,000-meter peak for many climbers. From its summit you can see Chimborazo.

Altitude5018 m
Elevation gainabout 800 m
Climbing timeabout 5 h
Departs fromRiobamba

Includes: Guide (minimum 1 per 2 participants) · Transport · Equipment · Shared camping tents · Sleeping mat · Entry permit · Camping stoves

Photo of Iliniza Norte
To get started in mountaineering
Difficulty5/10

Iliniza Norte

Inside the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. A mix of basic climbing and rocky trails up to the summit cross, with views of Iliniza Sur. It can be done in a single day (full day) or in two days, sleeping at the refuge.

Altitude5126 m
Duration1 day (full day) or 2 days
Elevation gain1300 m (1 day) · 430 m from the refuge (2 days)
Departs fromMachachi

Includes: Guide · Transport · Equipment · Entry permit · and, on the 2-day option, refuge accommodation, dinner and breakfast

Photo of Tungurahua
Active volcano
Difficulty7/10

Tungurahua

Known as the “Throat of Fire”. Steep slopes, changeable weather and varied volcanic terrain.

Altitude5023 m
Elevation gain to the summitabout 1100 m
Climbing timeabout 5 h
Departs fromRiobamba

Includes: Guide · Transport · Equipment · Refuge accommodation · Entry permit

Photo of Cayambe
Equator line
Difficulty7/10

Cayambe

Third-highest peak in the country and the only volcano in the world on the equator line: its summit is in the northern hemisphere and its base in the southern.

Altitude5790 m
Elevation gain to the summitabout 1200 m
Climbing timeabout 6 h
Departs fromMachachi

Includes: Guide (minimum 1 per 2 participants) · Transport · Equipment · Refuge accommodation · Reserve entry permit · Dinner, breakfast and hot drinks available

Photo of Cotopaxi
Second-highest in Ecuador
Difficulty7/10

Cotopaxi

One of the most famous and active volcanoes in South America, about 50 km south of Quito, with an almost perfect cone.

Altitude5897 m
Elevation gain to the summitabout 1100 m
Climbing timeabout 6 h
Departs fromMachachi

Includes: Guide (minimum 1 per 2 participants) · Transport · Equipment · Refuge accommodation · Reserve entry permit · Dinner, breakfast, hot drinks and a snack before the summit climb

Photo of Iliniza Sur
Technical
Difficulty8/10

Iliniza Sur

One of the most technical summits in the country: rocky terrain, glacier and crevasses on the way to the top. Requires mountaineering skills.

Altitude5248 m
Duration2 days / 1 night
Elevation gain to the summitabout 550 m
Departs fromMachachi

Includes: Guide · Transport · Equipment (with technical ice axes) · Refuge accommodation · Entry permit · Dinner, breakfast and hot drinks

Photo of Chimborazo
Highest in Ecuador
Difficulty9/10

Chimborazo

The closest point to the sun. Considered the most demanding in the country because of its long ridge. It requires previous experience, very good fitness and being acclimatized; we suggest climbing another snow-capped peak first, such as Cotopaxi.

Altitude6263 m
Elevation gainabout 1400 m
Climbing timeabout 8 h
Departs fromRiobamba

Includes: Guide (minimum 1 per 2 participants) · Transport · Equipment · Refuge accommodation (optional High Camp, at extra cost) · Reserve entry permit · Dinner, breakfast, hot drinks and a snack before the summit climb

Photo of Antisana
Experience required
Difficulty8/10

Antisana

Between the provinces of Napo and Pichincha, it is one of the most technical mountains in the country. Not recommended for beginners.

Altitude5758 m
Elevation gain to the summitabout 960 m
Climbing timeabout 7 h
Departs fromMachachi

Includes: Guide (minimum 1 per 2 participants) · Transport · Equipment (with technical ice axes) · Shared camping tents · Sleeping mat · Entry permit · Camping stoves

On the Ecuador climbs

What your expedition includes

Professional guideAt least 1 guide for every 2 participants.
TransportTransfers during the expedition.
EquipmentHigh-mountain equipment (see list).
Refuge or tentAccommodation in a refuge or tents, depending on the mountain.
Entry permitReserve entrance fee included.
MealsDinner, breakfast and hot drinks.

What's included may vary by mountain; each details page has its full list and its essentials (what you bring).

Not sure where to start?

Tell us about your experience and your dates. We'll recommend the mountain and the acclimatization plan that suit you best.