Cayambe & Cotopaxi
7 days Group: Maximum 4 climbers From $4,200 per person
The Ecuador Peak Performance Ascent is built for climbers who want maximum achievement in minimum time. In just one week, you’ll summit two of Ecuador’s most beautiful 19,000-foot volcanoes—Cayambe and Cotopaxi—while enjoying the comfort of Andean lodges and expert instruction from IFMGA and ASEGUIM-certified guides.
This program is ideal for driven adventurers and professionals seeking a serious international climb that fits into a single week off. For those with more time, the optional Chimborazo Extension adds Ecuador’s highest peak at 20,548 ft / 6,263 m, the closest point on Earth to the sun.
The Ecuador Peak Performance Ascent combines two of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes—Cayambe (18,996 ft)and Cotopaxi (19,347 ft)—in one efficient, high-altitude week. Starting in Quito (9,500 ft), climbers train and acclimatize at Yanacocha Lodge (11,982 ft / 3,655 m) before making a sunrise summit of Cayambe, then recover at a peaceful hacienda near Cayambe before continuing south to Cotopaxi National Park.
From Tambopaxi Lodge, the team makes an alpine start to reach Cotopaxi’s spectacular crater rim, with panoramic views of the Andean highlands. The week concludes with a celebration dinner in Quito before evening flights home.
For those with extra time, the optional Chimborazo Extension adds a third summit—Ecuador’s highest peak (20,548 ft / 6,263 m)—and an unforgettable finale to your Andean climbing journey.
Not Included: International flights · Personal climbing equipment · Travel / evacuation insurance · Meals not listed · Gratuities · Extra hotel nights or weather delays
Day 1 – Arrival in Quito (9,500 ft) Evening arrival in Ecuador’s capital. Team briefing and welcome dinner.Lodging: San José de Puembo or similar | Meals: D
Day 2 – Travel to Cayambe / Acclimatization Hike (11,982 ft / 3,655 m) After breakfast, drive north through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Yanacocha Lodge, on the lower slopes of Cayambe. In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization hike to the base of the glacier (~15,400 ft / 4,700 m). Return to the lodge for dinner and rest before training begins.Lodging: Yanacocha Lodge | Meals: B L D
Day 3 – Glacier Training on Cayambe Hands-on glacier day covering crampon and ice-axe technique, rope travel, and crevasse rescue.Lodging: Yanacocha Lodge | Meals: B L D
Day 4 – Cayambe Summit (18,996 ft / 5,790 m) Alpine start for the summit push. After a sunrise summit, descend and transfer to a nearby hacienda near Cayambe for a comfortable night’s rest, warm meals, and recovery before continuing south.Lodging: Hacienda Cusin or similar | Meals: B L D
Day 5 – Drive to Cotopaxi National Park After a relaxed breakfast, drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Tambopaxi Lodge, located inside Cotopaxi National Park. The afternoon is free to rest, enjoy the mountain scenery, and prepare for the climb.Lodging: Tambopaxi Lodge | Meals: B L D
Day 6 – Cotopaxi Summit (19,347 ft / 5,897 m) Alpine start for the ascent of Cotopaxi. Reach the crater rim at sunrise, enjoy panoramic views, and return to Quito for a celebration dinner.Lodging: Hacienda La Cienaga | Meals: B L D
Day 7 – Departure or Begin Chimborazo Extension After breakfast, climbers have the morning to rest or explore Quito before transfers to the airport for evening or overnight flights home.Those continuing on the Chimborazo Extension drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Chimborazo Lodge (12,950 ft / 3,950 m), a cozy mountain retreat owned by one of Ecuador’s pioneering guides.Lodging: Chimborazo Lodge | Meals: B L D
Services conclude the evening of Day 9 after return to Quito.
Day 8 – Ascent to High Camp (16,000 ft / 4,877 m) Drive to Chimborazo’s base and hike to High Camp. Rest and acclimatize with panoramic views of the Andes.Lodging: High Camp | Meals: B L D
Day 9 – Chimborazo Summit (20,548 ft / 6,263 m) & Return to Quito Alpine start for the summit push on Ecuador’s highest mountain—the closest point on Earth to the sun. After celebrating the summit, descend to Quito by evening. Climbers have access to a hotel to rest, shower, and enjoy a farewell dinner before late-night flights home.Lodging: Day-use Quito Hotel | Meals: B L D
Note: Most flights depart late on Day 9 or after midnight on Day 10. Airport transfers included.
Summit two 19,000 ft volcanoes in just one week — without weeks away from home.
January 10 – 16, 2026
Chimborazo Extension: January 17 – 18, 2026
February 7 – 13, 2026
Chimborazo Extension: February 14 – 15, 2026
June 6 – 12, 2026
Chimborazo Extension: June 13 – 14, 2026
July 11 – 17, 2026
Chimborazo Extension: July 18 – 19, 2026
November 14 – 20, 2026
Chimborazo Extension: November 21 – 22, 2026
Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.
Summit two 19,000 ft volcanoes in just one week — without weeks away from home.