Ecuador · Technical

Iliniza Sur

Rocky terrain, glacier and crevasses up to the summit. One of Ecuador's most technical mountains.

5248 mDifficulty 8/102 days / 1 night · refuge

Altitude5248 m

Approach to the refugeabout 800 m · about 3 h

Refuge to the summitabout 550 m

Duration2 days / 1 night

Difficulty8/10

Departs fromMachachi

Description

Inside the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, Iliniza Sur (5248 m) is one of the most technical summits in the country: rocky terrain, glacier and crevasses on the way to the top. Requires mountaineering skills.

It is done over two days: on the first we climb to the Nuevos Horizontes refuge, where we sleep, and the summit is climbed in the early morning of the next day, with dinner and breakfast included. Because of the technical skill it demands, the equipment includes technical ice axes.

What's included

High-mountain guide (minimum 1 per 2 participants; we adjust it to your group)

Transport

Mountain equipment (see list)

Accommodation at the Nuevos Horizontes refuge

Reserve entry permit

Dinner, breakfast and hot drinks

Technical equipment provided by Greenstep

Semi-rigid high-mountain boots

Waterproof jacket and pants

Gaiters

Crampons

Harness

Carabiner

Gloves

Helmet

Headlamp (batteries not included)

Technical ice axes (2)

Sleeping bag for temperatures below 0 °C

50 L backpack

Essentials

What you need to bring.

Base layer (thermal lycra)

Mid layer (fleece or down)

Base-layer gloves

Double socks: one compression and one merino wool

Summit pack (30 L maximum)

Hydration

Energy bars or dried fruit and nuts

Sunscreen

UV protection glasses

Buff, balaclava or cap (not cotton)

○Trekking shoes: you can use the high-mountain boots we already includeOptional

You bring it; it is not included. Without these items the summit climb cannot take place.

Itinerary

Approximate distances and elevation gains.

Day 1

Meet in Machachi

Meeting with the Greenstep team, a quick equipment check and technical briefing.

Day 1

Approach to the refuge

Transfer to La Virgen (3900 m) and a hike of about 3 hours, with about 800 m of elevation gain, to the Nuevos Horizontes refuge.

Day 1

Refuge: dinner and rest

We settle into the refuge, have dinner (included) and rest.

Day 2 · early morning

Summit climb

In the early morning we leave the refuge for the summit, with about 550 m of elevation gain over rocky and glacier terrain. The exact departure time is set on the day of the activity.

Day 2

Descent, breakfast and return

We return to the refuge, have breakfast (included), descend to La Virgen and return to Machachi, our starting point.

Important notes

We depart from Machachi. We can also arrange transport from other cities at an additional cost: ask a Greenstep team member.

We do not include accommodation outside the mountains (for example in Machachi): only the refuge.

Good physical preparation and good hydration.

Have travel or mountain insurance.

Gallery

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