Chimborazo Prince Challenge (Climbing)

Pick up: 08h00 (PapaGayo – Pasochoa: approximately 1 hours’ drive)

The extinct volcano of Pasochoa (4,199m) is one of the best places to see the famous Andean Condor. The climb offers super views to the mighty Cotopaxi and surrounding volcanoes, and inside the crater you can see the last remnants of primary Andean forest. This is a perfect first hike for those who are new to altitude or those who are beginning an acclimatization program.

Meals included:   Breakfast - Box Lunch

Pick up: 08:00h (PapaGayo – Corazon: approximately 1 hours’ drive)

El Corazon is an extinct volcano in the “Illinizas Ecological Reserve” situated south of Quito. This hike offers spectacular views of the mighty Cotopaxi, fertile farmlands, cloud forest and surrounding volcanoes. Corazon was first climbed in the 19th Century by Edward Whimper, at this time the mountain was still capped by a glacier. In Spanish el Corazón means the Heart. The mountain was named due to its shape as viewed from the western side. Climbing Corazon is perfect for a first approach to altitude.

Meals included: Breakfast - Box Lunch

Pick up: 08h00 (PapaGayo – Illinizas: approximately 1 hours’ drive)

A truly stunning climb, Illinizas is the perfect final preparation for Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.  Get ready for a steep climb through magnificent landscape followed by an exhilarating scramble to the summit. For the more adventurous only!

The day commences with a good breakfast ready for the climb! We then make our way to the starting point – “The Virgin”, at a height of 4,000m, a place at which the local people worship the mountain and earth gods. The climb will take 4-5 hours, and 2 hours to descend back down. During the climb you will enjoy varied views of snow-capped mountains, rainforest and beautiful green lagoons. Temperatures will be around 5 degrees Celsius and for the last part of the climb we will use ropes and harnesses to assist us.

Meals included: Breakfast - Box Lunch

After breakfast you will enjoy a day of rest at Hostería PapaGayo.

Optional, not included activities: Hiking, Visit of Eco Roses farm (Monday to Friday), Biking or Horse Riding.

Please check in reception for the organization of any of those activities.

Meals included:  Breakfast

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Pick up: 11h00

­ Climbing to the summit of Cotopaxi is one of the most famous and exciting climbs on the continent. It is the highest active volcano in the world! (5,897m´) The climb to the summit occurs during the night; this allows watching the sunrise from the summit and displays unsurpassed views over Quito to the North, and Chimborazo and Tungurahua to the south. From the top you have a magnificent view of the snowcapped crater where it is possible to see steam emissions. 

At a scheduled time your guide meets you at Papagyo for equipment and gear check. Lunch at Papgayo and departure to the Cotopaxi volcano.

Once you arrived at the parking lot (4500 m) you'll have an about 45 min hike up to the refuge at 4800 m high.

Briefing and dinner

Meals: Breaakfast, lunch, Dinner

The ascent departs from the refuge around midnight and climbs through a mixture of volcanic sand, snow and glacier to the summit. The climb, although not classified as technical, requires the use of professional guides and specialized glacier hiking equipment. The ascent takes between 6-8 hours while the descent requires 2 hours.

After a light breakfast at the refuge, your guide will take you back to Papagayo hosteria.

Meals: Light Breakfast, (Lunch at Papagayo if sou select the 5 stars option)

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After breakfast you will enjoy a day of rest at Hostería PapaGayo.

Optional, not included activities: Hiking, Visit of Eco Roses farm (Monday to Friday), Biking or Horse Riding.

Please check in reception for the organization of any of those activities.

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Meals included:  Breakfast

Pick up: 09:00h

Your guide will meet you at Papagayo for an equipment and gear check and then you will depart toward the Chimborazo national park entrance. Lunch on the way. You finally reach the Hermanos Carrel refuge (4800 m) by car and will hike up to the High camp located at 5300 m high where you will spend the night and have dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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At 6,268 m Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador! Begin your climb at midnight for a final summit that takes approximately 08 hours. The day includes a briefing, dinner and night at the High camp at 5300 m. This challenging climb offers the opportunity for climbers to break 6000m! 

Back from the Chimborazo summit, we will drive to Hostería PapaGayo. There you will leave the climbing equipment and can have a nice lunch to celebrate your experience (Lunch included in the 5 Stars package)

Meals included: Light breakfast at the high camp, Lunch (In case you select the 5 stars option)

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Optional return from Papagayo to Quito if you select it.