ROCK- and MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

Rock Climbing is an adrenaline sport that forces you to challenge not only your physical strength and stamina, but also your mental toughness and endurance. The Andes Mountains that run through Ecuador behold excellent opportunities for rock climbing. The routes offer a wide range of difficulties suitable for either novices or experts. Climbing trips range from one to four days. If you are looking to hone your climbing skills or simply learn the basics, you can take one of our climbing classes. All guides are professionally trained and licensed and practice the sport according to International Safety and Security Standards.

HALF-DAY TRIP

• Workshops: Safety Instruction; Climbing Skills and Techniques; Ropes, Harness and Knots
• Practice Bouldering
• Rock Climbing

Trips are tailored to participants interests and skill level

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING - VOLCANOS

THE ANDES MOUNTAINS

In Ecuador, there are two main ranges of the Andes Mountains: One in the jungle and the other further west. The two ranges meet in the north at el Nudo de Pasto and in the south at el Nudo de Sabanilla. In the Amazon, as in comparable parts of Peru and Columbia, there is a third sector of the Andes called the Range of the Condor.

TUNGURAHUA

Tungurahua is an active volcano located just outside of Baños in the eastern Andes. It is one of the most popular climbing challenges sought out by mountain trekkers, climbers, and tourists. The summit is topped by a small glacier and volcanic material. Throughout the year, it is possible to see volcanic activity like gases and spume sputtered from the mouth of the volcano.

COTOPAXI

Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, is located 60 km south of Quito. The immense National Park spans 33,393 hectares and occupies three provinces: Cotopazi, Pichincha and Napo. The park is notable for flora and fauna as well as mountains and lagoons, and is one of the most photographed areas in all of Ecuador. The volcano Cotopaxi reaches 5,897 meters making it the perfect high altitude ascent, suitable for both beginners and experienced mountain climbers.

CHIMBORAZO

The Chimborazo Nature Reserve, 58,560 hectares, is the epitome of tranquility, fresh air, diverse fauna and beautiful nature. The area is dedicated to the development and production of alpacas. The reserve occupies parts of the provinces of Chimborazo, Bolivar and Tungurahua. Situated near the city of Riobamba, the volcano Chimborazo peaks at 6,310 meters. Also worth climbing is the 5,030 meter peak, Carihuairazo (see below). A rock and ice climb makes Chimborazo one of the more technical and physically challenging ascents in the Ecuadorian Andes. Also located in the Nature Reserve and worth climbing is Carihuayrazo, which has a grand and enormous north-facing crest with two dominant peaks.

EL ATLAR

El Altar consists of multiple peaks that remain after the final explosion years ago. The highest peak (5,319 meters) was summated only once in 1963 by a group of Italians. The attractions of El Altar include more than just several challenging peaks. Scattered throughout the extinct volcano are brilliantly colored lagoons, animals and the valley of the Condors.

TUNGURAHUA (5, 016 meters) - 1 DAY TRIP

• 1 hour drive to Sangay National Park
• 3 to 4 hour hike to the refuge Nicolas Martinez at 3,800 meters
• Lunch
• Descend to Pondoa

Return to Baños by car or by bike (tourist preference)

COTOPAXI - 1, 2 & 3 DAY TRIPS

* Minimum of 2 persons necessary for this trip.

DAY 1

• 3 to 4 hour drive to Cotopaxi National Park
• 30 minute hike (200 meters) from the jeep to the refuge Jose Rivera at 4,800 meters
• 1 to 2 hour climbing instruction and practice in rock and ice near refuge
• Dinner
• Sleep

DAY 2

• Breakfast
• Depart from refuge at midnight
• 6 to 8 hours ascent
• Reach the summit at sunrise
• 2 to 3 hour descent
• Lunch
• Return to Baños

INCLUDED: Transportation, Food, Equipment, Certified Guide

NOT INCLUDED: Entrance fees to the park and the refuge

CHIMBORAZO - 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT

* Minimum of 2 persons necessary for this trip.

DAY 1

• 9 am Departure from Baños
• 2 hour drive to Riobamba
• Optional visit to the indigenous community "La Chorrera"
• Arrive to first refuge
• 30 minute trek to the second refuge at 5,000 meters
• Lunch
• 1 to 2 hour climbing instruction and practice in rock and ice near refuge
• Dinner

DAY 2

• Breakfast
• Depart from refuge at midnight
• Ascent to first peak, Veintimilla at 6,267 meters
• Ascent to second peak at 6,310 meters
• Climbing time ranges from 7 to 8 hours in total
• Return to Refuge
• Lunch
• Return to Baños

INCLUDED: Transportation, Food, Refuge Fee, Equipment, Instructional Climbing Workshop, Certified Guide

EL ALTAR - 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

* Minimum of 2 persons necessary for this trip.

DAY 1

• Departure from Baños
• Drive to La Candelaria, the main entrance to Sangay National Park
• Hike to the Valley of Callanes
• Lunch
• Hike through the lowers hills of El Altar
• Prepare Campsite
• Dinner

DAY 2

• Breakfast
• 2 hour hike to El Pedregal
• Prepare Campsite
• Lunch
• Ascent to the crater and view the Yellow Lagoon
• Return to Campsite
• Dinner

DAY 3

• Breakfast
• Hike to the Hacienda de Releche
• Take a bus or private transport back to Baños

INCLUDED: Transportation, Food, Shelter, Equipment, Certified Guide

NOT INCLUDED: Entrance Fee to the National Park

CARIHUAYRAZO - 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT

* Minimum of 2 persons necessary for this trip.

DAY 1

• Departure from Baños to the main entrance of the Chimborazo Nature Reserve (approximately 3 hours)
• Hike to the base of the glacier
• Prepare Campsite
• Lunch
• Instructional Climbing Workshop
• Prepare Equipment
• Dinner

DAY 2

• Snack
• 6:00 am Departure
• Ascend the glacier and summit the main peak
• Return to Campsite
• Breakfast
• Return to Baños

INCLUDED: Transportation, Food, Shelter, Equipment, Certified Guide

NOT INCLUDED: Entrance Fee to the National Park