cayambe volcano

About Cayambe Volcano in Ecuador

Cayambe Volcano is one of the most iconic peaks in Ecuador and the only major mountain in the world whose summit is crossed by the Equator. This 2-day Mount Cayambe climb from Quito takes you onto some of the largest and most beautiful glaciers in Ecuador, inside the Cayambe–Coca Ecological Reserve. While the route is technically straightforward, a Cayambe climb still requires good acclimatization and solid physical condition due to the altitude and glacier travel.

Our guided Cayambe Ecuador expedition includes transportation from Quito, a night at the Oleas Ruales base camp, an acclimatization hike, basic glacier training and a summit attempt with an experienced mountain guide.

Highlights

Climbing Cayambe Volcano, Mount Cayambe glaciers, Cayambe–Coca Ecological Reserve, Guayllabamba Valley, 2-day ascent from Quito.

Cayambe Volcano is one of the most iconic peaks in Ecuador and the only major mountain in the world whose summit is crossed by the Equator. This 2-day Mount Cayambe climb from Quito takes you onto some of the largest and most beautiful glaciers in Ecuador, inside the Cayambe–Coca Ecological Reserve. While the route is technically straightforward, a Cayambe climb still requires good acclimatization and solid physical condition due to the altitude and glacier travel.

Our guided Cayambe Ecuador expedition includes transportation from Quito, a night at the Oleas Ruales base camp, an acclimatization hike, basic glacier training and a summit attempt with an experienced mountain guide.

Highlights

Climbing Cayambe Volcano, Mount Cayambe glaciers, Cayambe–Coca Ecological Reserve, Guayllabamba Valley, 2-day ascent from Quito.

cayambe volcano

Climbing the Cayambe Volcano Itineraries

cayambe volcano

Quito – Cayambe

AM: We will pick you up at 9:00 a.m. at your hotel to start our trip north along the Pan-American Highway. After descending into and crossing the Guayllabamba Valley (well known for its sweet and fleshy chirimoyas fruits), we will continue the journey onward to the town of Cayambe, famous for its biscuits and cheeses. From here we turn to the east, taking secondary roads to the Piemonte Hacienda, which is the entry point to the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. After about 30 minutes, we will reach the Oleas Ruales base camp, at 4,600 m.a.s.l, arriving there at around 1:00 p.m.

PM: After lunch at the base camp, we will go on an acclimatization walk and survey the planned route for the following day. Your guide will also review with you the basics of using the technical equipment for climbing the glacier. We will later return to the base camp for dinner and go to bed early.

AM: We wake up before midnight to prepare for our ascent. After a light breakfast we will leave the comfort of the shelter to attempt to conquer the summit of Cayambe. With clear weather and good physical conditions, we should reach the top after 4 or 5 hours of trekking. En route to the summit, and also when returning, we will cross immense glaciers, ideal for skiing and availing yourself of spectacular scenery. The return to the base camp will take about 3 or 4 hours.

PM: After lunch and a short break in the afternoon, you will be driven back to Quito.

Price per person

Tourist

USD$ 670

Included in the price

  • Professional bilingual guide (maximum 1 guide per 2 people)
  • Transportation (Quito-Cayambe-Quito)
  • Meals, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodations at the base camp, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Special climbing equipment (polar pants , plastic climbing boots, gaiters, polar jacket, crampons, outside gloves, waterproof pants/jacket , ice axe, climbing harness, sleeping bag

Not included in the price

  • Necessary Equipment: water bottle, inside polar gloves, energy drinks and snacks, camera, sun cream,  warm walking trousers, sunglasses, puffer jacket or similar, wool hat, walking sticks, face mask, large rucksack (50-70 liter), reasonably day pack(35 liters), warm gear including puffer jacket, etc.), camelback type vessel for water, batteries AAA.

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Climbing the Cayambe Volcano Gallery

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FAQs about Climbing the Cayambe Volcano

Where is Mount Cayambe located in Ecuador?

Mount Cayambe is located in the northern Ecuadorian Andes, about 70 km northeast of Quito. Rising to 5,790 meters (18,996 ft), Cayambe sits inside the Cayambe–Coca Ecological Reserve and is the third-highest mountain in Ecuador.

How difficult is the Cayambe climb?

A Cayambe climb is considered a moderate to challenging high-altitude ascent. The normal route is technically straightforward, but it involves glacier travel with crampons and rope teams, so good fitness and proper acclimatization are essential.

How long does it take to climb Cayambe Volcano?

Our standard Cayambe volcano tour is a 2-day trip from Quito. Day 1 is dedicated to travel, acclimatization and glacier training at base camp. The summit attempt starts before midnight on Day 2, reaching the top around sunrise and then returning to Quito later that day.

What is included in the Mount Cayambe Ecuador tour?

The Cayambe tour includes transport from Quito to Cayambe and back, a professional bilingual mountain guide, accommodation at Oleas Ruales base camp, meals as described in the itinerary and technical climbing equipment such as boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet.

Do I need previous mountaineering experience to climb Cayambe?

Prior high-altitude hiking experience is highly recommended, and basic familiarity with crampons and ice axe is helpful. Your guide will review essential techniques during a glacier training session on Day 1, but you should already be in good physical shape.

What should I pack for a Cayambe climb in Ecuador?

You will need warm base layers, windproof and waterproof outer layers, a puffer jacket, inner gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp, snacks, water bottle or hydration system and a backpack. Technical gear such as climbing boots, crampons and ice axe is provided as part of the tour.

When is the best time to climb Cayambe Volcano?

The best periods to climb Cayambe are generally June–August and December–February, when weather and snow conditions tend to be more stable. However, conditions can change quickly, so having a flexible schedule and an experienced guide is important.

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