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.
Climbing the Cayambe Volcano – Quito
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.