After a relaxing journey to the airport, you leave Germany early in the morning and fly towards Ecuador. Finally, the time for preparation and training is over – the anticipation of tackling the country's highest peaks is immense. You land in Quito in the late afternoon, but you bypass the capital for now. Instead, you travel directly to the charming Andean town of Otavalo. Here, at an altitude of 2,530 meters, you'll find it easier to acclimatize than in Quito, which is even higher. After the long journey, it's time to settle into the hotel, put your feet up, and recharge. In the evening, you'll enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with your group. Overnight stay at Hotel Acomca or similar accommodation.

After your first Ecuadorian breakfast, you'll set off on an excursion to the deep blue Cuicocha Lagoon. This eerily tranquil crater lake lies at an altitude of almost 3,100 meters, has a diameter of about 3 kilometers, and is up to 200 meters deep. It was formed by a massive eruption over 3,000 years ago. Two small islands rise from the middle of the lake, their shape reminiscent of a guinea pig's back – hence the name "Cuicocha," which means "guinea pig lake" in the indigenous Kichwa language. On a clear day, you can also admire the mighty Cotacachi volcano (4,944 m), which rises behind the lagoon. A hike along the shore will lead you to magnificent viewpoints. If you wish, you can hike the entire lake on a roughly 14-kilometer loop trail in about three and a half hours. With a bit of luck, you might spot a hummingbird sipping nectar from the colorful blossoms or see a majestic Andean condor circling overhead. In the afternoon, you'll return to Otavalo, where you'll visit the famous artisan market. One of the oldest markets in South America, it dates back to the Inca era. While it's open daily, it reaches its peak on Saturdays. Here, you'll find an overwhelming variety of handcrafted goods: colorful ponchos, woolens, blankets, blouses, sweaters, intricate beadwork, carvings, paintings, and much more. Equally fascinating is the traditional clothing of the Otavaleños: women wear elaborately embroidered blouses, long woolen skirts, headscarves, belts, and linen sandals, while men wear their characteristic felt hats, blue ponchos, and calf-length trousers. This is how your first full day in Ecuador, filled with impressions of nature, culture, and tradition, comes to an end. Overnight stay at Hotel Acomca or similar accommodation.

In the morning, you drive up a bumpy cobblestone road to the three Mojanda lagoons, which lie like turquoise gemstones among the rolling hills of the Páramo. This typical highland steppe, stretching between 3,500 and 4,500 meters in altitude, is characterized by resilient tussock grasses, impressive rosettes, lichens, and mosses that often reach an astonishingly old age. Right next to the largest lagoon rises your mountain destination for today: the jagged peak of the extinct volcano Fuya Fuya (4,263 m). Your ascent begins at an altitude of around 3,750 meters and initially leads through dense, golden-yellow páramo grass. Shortly before the summit, a few larger rocks await, which you overcome with some easy scrambling. After about two hours, you reach your first summit of this trip. From the top, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the lagoons, the surrounding páramo landscape, and the neighboring peaks. After an approximately one-hour descent, you will continue to the capital city of Quito, where you will spend the evening at your hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar accommodation.

Today you'll have time to explore Quito (2,850 m) – one of South America's most beautiful capital cities – in detail. The city stretches approximately 50 kilometers north-south through a narrow Andean valley and is framed by majestic mountains. When the Spanish arrived here in 1526, Quito was an important Inca city. However, the Incas destroyed it to prevent it from falling into the hands of the conquerors. From 1536 onward, the Spanish built a new city on the ruins, which to this day is characterized by churches, monasteries, and magnificent colonial buildings. In 1978, Quito's historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with your guide, you'll take a walking tour through the old town. The starting point is the Plaza Grande, the main square with its palm trees and historic buildings. Here you'll find, among other things, the Presidential Palace, the main cathedral, the City Hall, and the Archbishop's Palace. Next, you'll visit the magnificent Church of La Compañía de Jesús with its striking green and gold domes, considered one of the most beautiful churches in the city. Afterward, you'll stroll across the cobblestone San Francisco Square with the oldest church in the country and the adjoining monastery, which forms Quito's largest colonial complex. Via the colorful cobblestone street "La Ronda," with its small shops and cafes, you'll reach Santo Domingo Square with its impressive church. To conclude your visit to the old town, climb the towers of the Basilica del Voto Nacional. At a height of 115 meters, a fantastic view over Quito awaits you. The minibus will then take you to El Panecillo viewpoint, crowned by the 41-meter-high statue of the Virgin of Quito – the city's iconic landmark. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes that await you in the coming days. Afterward, you'll continue to the famous Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument. This 30-meter-high, trapezoidal monument with its bronze sphere marks the 0° latitude. In the adjacent Intiñan Museum, you'll learn fascinating facts and see experiments that impressively demonstrate that you are indeed standing on the equator. In the evening, a stroll through the La Mariscal nightlife district is worthwhile, where numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés await you. Overnight stay at the Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar accommodation.

Today you'll use the day to further acclimatize and simultaneously climb your second summit of the trip – Rucu Pichincha (4,696 m), Quito's local mountain. You'll start early in the morning to have the best chance of clear views, as the Andes often become overcast later in the day. You'll take the cable car from around 3,050 meters up to almost 3,950 meters to the Cruz Loma viewpoint. Even from here, you'll be treated to a phenomenal panoramic view of Quito and – weather permitting – of the surrounding volcanoes Cotopaxi (5,897 m), Antisana (5,753 m), and Cayambe (5,790 m). Your hike to the summit begins in Cruz Loma. The trail initially climbs moderately, following wide paths through the typical páramo landscape with its grasses and cushion plants. As you approach the summit, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky. You ascend more steeply across a sandy, rocky scree field, requiring some easy scrambling in places where you may need to use your hands. After about three hours, you reach the summit of Rucu Pichincha and can enjoy the fantastic view and celebrate your second successful climb in Ecuador. The descent follows the same route back to the cable car, which will take you back down to the valley. There, your transfer will be waiting to take you south along the Pan-American Highway and the famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to your next accommodation – the comfortable Chuquiragua Lodge & Spa at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters, at the foot of the Corazón and Illiniza volcanoes. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Today your third summit is on the agenda – the Corazón volcano, whose name translates to "heart." While its shape doesn't exactly resemble a heart, this striking rock formation is an impressive destination. Early in the morning, you'll be driven up to approximately 3,800 meters to begin the tour before the clouds typically roll in. From there, you begin your ascent through the rolling grassy slopes of the Páramo, which are now familiar to you. You then reach the rocky, sandy southwest ridge, which you follow steadily upwards through increasingly scree-covered terrain. Several small rocky outcrops line the path until, after about four to five hours, you finally reach the spacious summit. At the summit cross, you enjoy the view and celebrate your third success of this trip. From here, you can already see Illiniza Norte – your next destination. During the ascent, you'll encounter a few slightly exposed and narrow rock steps. Should you feel unsure about any of them, your mountain guide will, of course, be there to assist you. The descent back to the lodge takes about two hours. There you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Overnight stay at the Chuquiragua Lodge & Spa.

In the morning, you'll give your body a break to recover from the two summit ascents of the past few days. After lunch, you'll begin the next stage: Today's hike won't take you to the summit, but first to the Refugio Nuevos Horizontes at 4,700 meters. This overnight stay at higher altitude is an important step in preparing you optimally for the two major goals, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. The small, simple refuge is spectacularly situated on the saddle between the two peaks of Illiniza Norte (5,126 m) and Illiniza Sur (5,245 m). It accommodates around 25 guests, is simple yet cozy, and has its own unique charm. You first drive to the La Virgen parking area at 3,960 meters, which serves as the base camp for climbing the Illiniza peaks. Locals revere this place, as they offer sacrifices to the mountains and earth gods here. Even from here, you can impressively see the twin peaks and the striking saddle between the two Illinizas. From La Virgen, you ascend steadily uphill on well-trodden paths. The trail initially leads you through the familiar páramo with its grasses and rosette plants, before the terrain becomes rockier and more scree-covered. Without any technical difficulties, you reach the refugio after about two to three hours. You carry your own personal luggage for the night, while porters transport the communal equipment. If you still have energy in the afternoon, you can take a short trip to the nearby Laguna Verde before spending the evening in the dormitory of the Refugio. Overnight stay at Refugio Nuevos Horizontes.

Early in the morning, you slip out of your sleeping bag, fortify yourself with a small breakfast, and set off towards the summit of Illiniza Norte by the light of your headlamp. The path starts off easy, before a steep slope of sand and scree leads you up to the south ridge. After a short descent, you traverse a section where you must pay particular attention to your footing. Finally, you reach a rocky gully that requires climbing at grade II difficulty. Some sections are exposed and can be slippery due to fresh snow or icy conditions. In such sections, you rope up, or your mountain guide will fix a rope if necessary. After two to three hours, you'll reach the summit cross at 5,126 meters – your first 5,000-meter peak of this trip. From up here, a magnificent panorama of the entire "Avenue of the Volcanoes" unfolds before you. The Cotopaxi opposite, with its almost perfect conical shape, is particularly striking. The neighboring Illiniza Sur is also impressive, its glaciated summit clearly demonstrating how much more challenging it is to climb. After the obligatory summit photo, you'll carefully descend through the rocky gully before a rapid descent over loose volcanic sand. After another two to three hours, you'll reach the La Virgen parking area again. From here, your transfer will take you directly to the idyllically situated Tambopaxi Lodge (3,750 m) in Cotopaxi National Park. There, you can enjoy fantastic evening views of Cotopaxi and relax after a long day. Overnight stay at Tambopaxi Lodge in a shared room (double or single rooms are available for an additional fee).

Today, the focus is on recovery, giving your body ample time to prepare for the upcoming ascent of Cotopaxi – your first glaciated peak. Depending on the group's preferences, you can take a short excursion in the area surrounding the lodge in Cotopaxi National Park or simply enjoy the peace and quiet and the spectacular scenery right outside your door. The golden-green slopes of Cotopaxi are covered in typical páramo vegetation, providing habitat for wild horses, llamas, Andean foxes, condors, and even spectacled bears. A particularly beautiful excursion is a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon, idyllically situated at the foot of Rumiñahui (4,636 m). Alternatively, a visit to the Inca ruins of Pucará del Salitre is worthwhile. This former military fortress dates back to the late 15th century and still offers an impressive glimpse into Inca architecture. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace will find the perfect place to recharge and enjoy the tranquility of the Andes in the area surrounding the lodge. Overnight stay at Lodge Tambopaxi in a shared room (private rooms are available for an additional fee).

The excitement is building, as your mountain journey is now entering one of its most thrilling and beautiful phases. After a leisurely breakfast, you leave the idyllically situated Tambopaxi Lodge and drive up to the Cotopaxi parking area at 4,580 meters. Suddenly, it stands directly before you – one of the most beautifully shaped volcanoes on Earth, a classic stratovolcano whose perfect cone inevitably captivates you. From here, you'll hike for about one to one and a half hours over loose volcanic sand to the Refugio José Ribas at 4,864 meters. You'll carry your own backpack with everything you need for the climb. At the hut, you'll leave your luggage, settle into your shared room, and have lunch. In the afternoon, you'll set off with your mountain guide up to the glacier, where a short ice climbing training session awaits. Here you'll learn or refresh your skills in using crampons and ice axes, ensuring you're perfectly prepared for tomorrow's summit attempt. After dinner, you'll go to bed early, as the night will be short and the big day is fast approaching. Overnight stay at the José Ribas mountain hut on Cotopaxi (shared room).

Cotopaxi is currently in a quieter phase and has been open to climbers since summer 2024. However, should this change before your trip and a climb become impossible, we will adjust the program accordingly. In this case, we will opt for the equally impressive Cayambe (5,790 m). This volcano is very similar to Cotopaxi in its height and the nature of its ascent route, thus representing an equally viable alternative. In this scenario, you will leave Cotopaxi National Park today and drive via the small town of Cayambe up to the Ruales Oleas Bergé refuge. The following day, you will then attempt the ascent of Cayambe.

Around midnight, your alarm clock rings – the big day has arrived! After a small, fortifying breakfast, you strap on your headlamp and step out into the darkness. Like the German geologist Wilhelm Reiss and his Colombian partner Angel Escobar, who first climbed Cotopaxi in 1872, you set off for one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth. First, you'll hike for about an hour along scree-covered paths to the start of the glacier at an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters. There, you'll put on your full ice climbing gear and continue roped up. Technically, the route isn't very difficult, but the length of the tour and, above all, the high altitude make it a demanding alpine climb. Thanks to the careful acclimatization you've already completed, you'll be well prepared. Your mountain guide will decide on the exact ascent route depending on the conditions, but one thing is certain: you'll be traversing steep snow and firn fields and avoiding enormous crevasses. Shortly before the summit, the slope reaches an angle of up to 40°. After five to six hours, you've made it – you're standing at 5,897 meters atop Ecuador's second-highest mountain. The summit plateau is expansive and offers a breathtaking view into the enormous crater, which measures 800 by 500 meters and is around 350 meters deep. With a bit of luck, plumes of steam will rise, reminding you that you are indeed standing on an active volcano. The panorama is unparalleled: Chimborazo, Illiniza, Cayambe, Antisana, El Altar, and Tungurahua lie at your feet. After a leisurely break at the summit, you'll begin your descent, which will take you back to the hut in two to three hours. There, you'll pack up your gear and continue down to the parking area, where the minibus will pick you up. In the afternoon, you'll reach your accommodation near Cotopaxi National Park – an ideal spot to celebrate your achievements so far. Overnight stay at Hotel Cuello de Luna or similar accommodation.

After a leisurely breakfast, you leave your beautiful hacienda and set off for your next major destination – the mighty Chimborazo (6,268 m). But before you get there, a scenic highlight awaits: the Quilotoa crater lake. From Latacunga, you turn off the Pan-American Highway and drive through a picturesque highland region dotted with small indigenous villages. At an altitude of approximately 3,900 meters, you finally reach the caldera, which has a diameter of about three kilometers. A spectacular sight unfolds before you: the emerald-green lake lies some 400 meters below in the crater, reflecting the light impressively. On a clear day, you can even see the peaks of the Illinizas and Cotopaxi in the distance. You'll have time to explore the surroundings on a hike along the crater rim and enjoy various viewpoints. If time allows, you can also descend to the crater lake (approximately 30 minutes down, about an hour's climb back up). The caldera and the lake were formed over 800 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. Upon your return, you might want to try a regional specialty: cuy – grilled guinea pig. While it may sound unusual, this dish is considered a traditional delicacy in Ecuador. Afterwards, you'll continue your journey via Ambato until you reach your beautifully situated lodge at the foot of Chimborazo. Here you can relax in a special atmosphere and recharge for the upcoming climb. Overnight stay at the Chimborazo Lodge Marco Cruz (approx. 4,000 m).

In the morning, you enjoy the idyllic atmosphere of Chimborazo Lodge one last time. Llamas and alpacas, often grazing right in front of the lodge, offer perfect photo opportunities. Afterward, you pack your gear and continue driving up the road. At the Chimborazo National Park visitor center, you register and continue your journey to the Carrel Refuge at an altitude of approximately 4,850 meters – the end of the road. Here, the excitement noticeably increases as the majestic mountain draws ever closer. Chimborazo was considered the highest mountain in the world in the time of Alexander von Humboldt, who was the first to attempt its ascent in 1802. Today, we know that while it is not the highest mountain above sea level, its location on the equator makes it the highest point on Earth when measured from the Earth's center. The summit was first reached in 1880 by the Englishman Edward Whymper and the Italian Jean-Antoine Carrel. The classic Whymper route via the west face is largely avoided today due to the high risk of rockfall. Instead, you'll follow the safer, albeit longer, route via the west ridge, past the striking rock massif of El Castillo – the so-called "Arista de El Castillo". Since the route from the Carrel Hut would be very long, you'll ascend today to a well-established high camp at approximately 5,280 meters. This strategy shortens the summit push the following day and significantly increases your chances of success. Your backpack will only carry your personal equipment needed for the climb. If desired, you and other participants can book an additional porter who will also transport your gear to the high camp for an extra charge. After approximately three hours of ascent, you'll reach the high camp, where you can enjoy a unique panoramic view. In the evening, you'll retire early to your sleeping bag to be ready for the summit attempt the next morning. Overnight stays are in dome tents with mattresses (shared occupancy) at the high camp; basic toilets are available.

Around midnight, you set off for Ecuador's highest peak – the majestic Chimborazo. After the successful ascent of Cotopaxi, it's already clear which participants are best suited to which mountain guides in a rope team. Even though the night was short, you're highly motivated, well-prepared, and optimally acclimatized to the altitude. Now, your willpower and mental strength are what count most. The first 200 to 300 meters of elevation gain lead along a scree-covered path where you'll test your sure-footedness. Afterward, you reach the glacier, put on your full ice climbing gear, and continue the ascent roped together. Initially, you'll traverse flatter sections, but the climb becomes increasingly steep. Numerous small switchbacks lead you up slopes with inclines of up to 45° – here, secure footing with crampons is absolutely essential. The ascent seems strenuous and endless, and due to the glacier's gradient, the summit remains hidden for a long time. But eventually, the glacier levels out, and after 6 to 8 hours, you'll reach the broad summit plateau of Veintimilla at 6,234 meters. Those with energy reserves can tackle the short descent and subsequent ascent to reach the mountain's highest point, Whymper Peak, at 6,268 meters. Here you stand at the highest point in Ecuador – an emotional highlight of your entire trip. With breathtaking views of the country's volcanoes, some of which you have already climbed, you savor this moment. Summit photos and perhaps even a few tears of joy will make this moment unforgettable. After a short rest, you descend via the familiar route. Passing the high camp and with a snack in hand, you reach the Carrel Hut again after about four hours. Your vehicle will be waiting there to take you to Baños in approximately three hours. This charming small town is considered the gateway to the Ecuadorian lowlands and lies at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano (5,023 m). In the evening, you've earned some relaxation: at the Termas de la Virgen thermal baths, you can unwind in various warm pools while enjoying the view of the nearby waterfall. Overnight stay at Hotel La Floresta or similar accommodation.

After the intense days spent at the summit, you can decide how you want to spend your day in Baños. There are many options, and some can be arranged on-site (for an additional fee). Perhaps you'd like to visit the soothing thermal springs again or treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment – perfect for leaving the exertions of the past few days behind. For those seeking adventure, a trip along the famous Ruta de las Cascadas – the Waterfall Route – is a must. This spectacular route leads into the Amazonian lowlands along the Pastaza River and boasts numerous impressive waterfalls. You can experience some of them up close in small gondolas or even by zipline – a thrilling adventure! The highlight is the thundering Pailón del Diablo waterfall near the town of Río Verde, whose sheer volume of water is sure to amaze you. In the afternoon, you'll say goodbye to Baños and travel back to Quito. There, you can bring your unforgettable trip to a close with a relaxing evening in the Old Town or the lively La Mariscal nightlife district. Overnight stay at the Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar accommodation.

You'll have some free time this morning to explore Quito on your own. Perhaps you'd like to take one last stroll through the old town, take some photos, or look for the perfect souvenir. Depending on your flight time, you'll then be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your journey home. On the plane, you can relive the experiences of this intense mountain tour through Ecuador: the breathtaking landscapes, the diverse culture, and of course, the great summit successes. You can look back with pride on your achievements – and perhaps your next mountain adventure is already swirling around in your head.