Global ExpeditionsPeak Performance Series Ecuador South America

Ecuador Peak Performance Ascent

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 (18,996 ft / 5,790 m) and Cotopaxi (19,347 ft / 5,897 m) — 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.

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 7 days (9 with Chimborazo Extension)
  • Group Size: Maximum 4 climbers
  • Season: November–February & June–August
  • Start / End: Quito, Ecuador
  • Difficulty: Intermediate (prior glacier experience recommended)

Trip Highlights

  • Two major 19,000-ft summits in one week
  • Optional 2-day Chimborazo Extension to 20,548 ft / 6,263 m
  • IFMGA & ASEGUIM-certified guides on every climb — verified at ifmga.info
  • Glacier training included on Cayambe
  • Small team (max 4 climbers) for safety and personal attention
  • Premium Andean lodges and haciendas
  • Ideal training for future ascents of Aconcagua, Denali, or Everest — see uphillatlete.com for pre-trip training resources

Trip Overview

The Ecuador Peak Performance Ascent combines two of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes in one efficient, high-altitude week. Starting in Quito (9,500 ft / 2,896 m), climbers train and acclimatize at Yanacocha Lodge (approximately 11,982 ft / 3,655 m) before making a sunrise summit of Cayambe, then recover at a peaceful hacienda 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 and an unforgettable finale to your Andean climbing journey. More on Ecuador’s volcanic landscape at ecuador.travel.

Guiding Team

Led by Benegas Brothers Expeditions’ IFMGA/AMGA-certified guides with three decades of Andean and Himalayan experience, supported by Ecuador’s top ASEGUIM professionals. Together they deliver technical excellence, local connection, and mentorship on every rope team.

Arrive in Ecuador’s lively capital city. Team meeting, gear check, and welcome dinner.

Overnight: San José de Puembo or similar  

A scenic drive north through the Avenue of the Volcanoes brings us to our mountain base. Afternoon gear prep and rest.

Overnight: Cayambe Lodge / Yanacocha Lodge  Meals: B L D

Full-day mountaineering school on Cayambe’s glacier: crampon technique, self-arrest, roped travel, and crevasse rescue. The glacier sits at approximately 15,400 ft / 4,700 m on the lower slopes of the summit.

Overnight: Cayambe Lodge  Meals: B L D

Alpine start around midnight; summit at sunrise. The summit of Cayambe is the only glaciated peak on the equator — a world-class achievement. Descend and drive back to Quito or a hacienda near Cayambe.

Overnight: Hacienda Cusin or similar  Meals: B L D

Travel south to Tambopaxi Lodge beneath Cotopaxi’s perfect snow cone. Afternoon rest and briefing.

Overnight: Tambopaxi Lodge  Meals: B L D

Early-morning climb to the rim of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. The route climbs steadily from the refuge at 15,748 ft / 4,800 m through crevassed glacier to the crater rim at 19,347 ft / 5,897 m. Celebrate back in Quito that evening.

Overnight: Hacienda La Cienega  Meals: B L D

For those concluding the expedition, enjoy a relaxed morning in Quito before your evening or midnight flights home. For climbers adding the extension, rest and prepare for the drive south.

Meals: B

Services for the Chimborazo extension conclude the evening of Day 9 after return to Quito.

Day 8: Drive to Riobamba / Chimborazo Lodge  ·  ~12,950 ft / ~3,950 m

Travel south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Chimborazo region. Settle into lodging and review climbing plans. Chimborazo Lodge is a cozy mountain retreat owned by one of Ecuador’s pioneering guides, set at approximately 12,950 ft / 3,950 m.

Overnight: Chimborazo Lodge  ·  Meals: B L D

Day 9: Ascent to High Camp & Chimborazo Summit  ·  High Camp: 16,000 ft / 4,877 m  ·  Summit: 20,548 ft / 6,263 m

Drive to Chimborazo’s base and hike to High Camp at 16,000 ft / 4,877 m. Rest and acclimatize with panoramic views of the Andes. 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. Most flights depart late on Day 9 or after midnight on Day 10. Airport transfers included.

Overnight: Day-use Quito hotel  ·  Meals: B L D

Who This Is For

The Ecuador Peak Performance Ascent is built for driven adventurers and professionals who want a serious international climb that fits into a single week. Ideal for:

  • Climbers with some prior mountaineering or glacier experience ready to summit genuine 19,000-ft peaks
  • Professionals with limited time who want maximum achievement per day away
  • Experienced high-altitude trekkers making the transition to technical glacier climbing
  • Anyone building toward Aconcagua, Denali, or Himalayan objectives who needs structured altitude experience

Experience Required

Prior glacier experience is recommended. Basic crampon and ice axe use before arrival will allow you to get more from the Day 3 glacier training and perform better on summit days. The program includes a full day of glacier training on Cayambe to refresh and strengthen essential techniques — but arriving with baseline knowledge gives you a significant advantage.

If you have completed a mountaineering course, climbed peaks in the Cascades or Alps, or have prior experience on glaciated terrain, you are well positioned.

Fitness Required

Climbers must be in excellent physical condition. Strong cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and overall fitness are essential for success at altitude. We recommend consistent, challenging training for several months prior to departure. Summit day on Cotopaxi involves climbing from the refuge at 15,748 ft / 4,800 m to the crater rim at 19,347 ft / 5,897 m — that is approximately 3,600 ft / 1,097 m of gain at serious altitude after two previous summit days in the same week.

The Chimborazo Extension — Is It Right for Me?

The optional extension adds Ecuador’s highest peak at 20,548 ft / 6,263 m on Days 8–9. It is a spectacular finale and a great next step in altitude progression. To add it successfully, you need strong recovery from Days 4 and 6 and genuine enthusiasm — not just endurance — for another summit push. If you are unsure after completing the core program, the guide team can advise based on how you performed.

Yes. Basic crampon and ice axe use is recommended. The program includes a full day of glacier training on Cayambe to refresh and strengthen essential techniques — but arriving with prior knowledge gives you a real advantage on summit days.

Climbers must be in excellent physical condition. Strong cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and overall fitness are essential for success at altitude. We recommend consistent, challenging training for several months prior to departure.

Yes. The optional Chimborazo Extension adds two days and the opportunity to climb Ecuador’s highest peak at 20,548 ft / 6,263 m — a spectacular finale and a great next step in altitude progression. Cost: +$2,300 per person.

We keep Peak Performance Ascent teams to a maximum of 4 climbers. This ensures the highest safety standards, efficient decision-making, and personalized coaching from your guides.

  • Cayambe: 18,996 ft / 5,790 m — the only glaciated peak directly on the equator.
  • Cotopaxi: 19,347 ft / 5,897 m — one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
  • Chimborazo (extension): 20,548 ft / 6,263 m — Ecuador’s highest peak, the closest point on Earth to the sun.

Rescue insurance is required — you cannot start the program without proof of coverage. Your policy must explicitly cover technical mountaineering and glacier travel. We recommend Global Rescue. Standard travel policies typically exclude mountaineering activities.

Deposits are non-refundable. Final payments due 120 days before departure. Refund schedule: 120+ days: partial refund less unrecoverable costs; 90–119 days: partial refund reviewed individually; less than 90 days: no refund. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

Passport & Entry

US, Canadian, EU, and UK citizens do not require a visa for Ecuador — up to 90 days for tourism. Passport must have 6+ months of validity and 2+ blank pages. Have proof of onward travel ready.

Rescue Insurance — Required

Required before the program can begin. Must cover technical mountaineering and glacier travel to 20,548 ft / 6,263 m including helicopter evacuation. We recommend Global Rescue.

Altitude Medication

Discuss acetazolamide (Diamox) with your doctor before departure.

Travel & Planning

Your gateway is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), Quito — at 7,874 ft / 2,400 m. Quito city center sits at 9,350 ft / 2,850 m. You will feel the altitude immediately on arrival. All program objectives are accessible from Quito by ground — no domestic flights required.

Airlines

  • American Airlines: direct from Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW)
  • United Airlines: direct from Houston (IAH)
  • LATAM Airlines: connecting via Lima (LIM) — good from LAX and JFK
  • Copa Airlines: connecting via Panama City (PTY)
  • Avianca: connecting via Bogotá (BOG)

All lodging throughout the program is included and arranged by BBE.

  • Day 1: San José de Puembo or similar, Quito — 9,500 ft / 2,896 m
  • Days 2–3: Cayambe Lodge / Yanacocha Lodge — ~14,100 ft / ~4,298 m
  • Day 4 post-summit: Hacienda Cusin or similar, near Cayambe
  • Day 5: Tambopaxi Lodge, Cotopaxi National Park
  • Day 6 summit night: Cotopaxi Refuge (José Rivas) — 15,748 ft / 4,800 m
  • Day 6 post-summit: Hacienda La Cienega
  • Extension Day 8: Chimborazo Lodge — ~12,950 ft / ~3,950 m
  • Extension Day 9: High Camp — 16,000 ft / 4,877 m; then day-use Quito hotel before evening flight

 

Critical Items

  • Mountaineering boots: stiff, double-insulated, crampon-compatible (La Sportiva G5 Evo, Nepal Cube, Scarpa Phantom 6000, Mont Blanc Pro) — fully broken in before arrival
  • 12-point crampons: step-in or hybrid, compatible with your boots; anti-balling plates recommended
  • Ice axe: 60–70 cm technical mountaineering axe; must know how to self-arrest
  • Harness: adjustable leg loops (must fit over full mountain layers); helmet: mandatory
  • Headlamp: primary and backup, lithium batteries only — summit starts at midnight

Layering System

Summit temperatures: −15°C to −25°C (-5°F to −13°F) with wind on Chimborazo. No cotton at any layer.

  • Base layer: moisture-wicking synthetic or merino
  • Mid layer: fleece or light insulation jacket
  • Insulation: down jacket — mandatory
  • Hard shell: waterproof/windproof jacket and pants
  • Expedition mitts and liner gloves; balaclava and warm hat; goggles; gaiters; sunscreen SPF 50+

Summit Day Rhythm

  • Late afternoon: drive to refuge; gear inspection
  • 5–7pm: early dinner — eat even if not hungry
  • 7–8pm: lights out — rest even if sleep is difficult
  • 11pm–midnight: wake-up, dress in layers, light snack
  • Midnight–2am: depart for summit
  • 4–6 hours: summit push; 2–3 hours descent

Food, Hydration & Altitude

All breakfasts and dinners included. Lunches and mountain snacks are personal — approximately $10–20 USD per day. Minimum 2 liters of water per day on rest days; more on summit days. Ecuador is fully dollarized — USD throughout. Carry cash in mountain zones.

Altitude Awareness

Headache, fatigue, and disrupted sleep are normal at elevation. Communicate symptoms to your guide immediately. AMS is manageable; HACE and HAPE require immediate descent. Your guide carries a medical kit including a Gamow bag and supplemental oxygen.

Local Expenses & Tipping

  • Mountain lunches & snacks: ~$10–20 USD per day
  • Papallacta hot springs (optional recovery): $8–15 USD per visit
  • Guide gratuities: $10–20 USD per guide per day; $5–10 USD per porter per trip
  • Quito meals on free days: $10–30 USD per person

Private Ecuador Peak Performance Ascents are available on your dates for groups of 2–6 climbers — same professional leadership, full flexibility on schedule and peak selection. The Chimborazo Extension can be included or built as a standalone. Contact climbing@benegasbrothers.com for a custom quote.

Program Pricing  ·  Contact BBE for Current Rates

Price Includes

  • IFMGA / ASEGUIM-certified guiding for all 7 days (9 with extension)
  • Private transportation and airport transfers in Ecuador
  • Lodging: Quito hotels, mountain lodges, and haciendas per the itinerary
  • All meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
  • Group climbing equipment: ropes, anchors, safety gear

Price Does NOT Include

  • International flights to/from Quito
  • Personal climbing equipment (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
  • Travel and rescue/evacuation insurance (required)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary (lunches/snacks: ~$10–20 USD/day)
  • Guide and staff gratuities
  • Extra hotel nights outside the itinerary
  • Chimborazo Extension: +$2,300 per person

 

Personal Budget Estimate

  • International flights (roundtrip): $300–$800 depending on origin
  • Rescue insurance — required (Global Rescue): ~$360/year
  • Travel insurance — recommended: $150–$400
  • Personal gear (if purchasing): $500–$2,000
  • Mountain lunches & snacks (7 days): ~$100–$160
  • Chimborazo Extension (optional): $2,300
  • Guide gratuities: $150–$300
  • Personal expenses: $100–$300

The program operates during Ecuador’s two climbing seasons: November–February and June–August. Teams are capped at 4 climbers.

 

2025–2026 Expedition Dates

Dec 6 – 12, 2025  ·  Open  ·  Optional Extension: Dec 13–14

Jan 10 – 16, 2026  ·  Open  ·  Optional Extension: Jan 17–18

Feb 7 – 13, 2026  ·  Open  ·  Optional Extension: Feb 14–15

Jun 6 – 12, 2026  ·  Open  ·  Optional Extension: Jun 13–14

Jul 11 – 17, 2026  ·  Open  ·  Optional Extension: Jul 18–19

Aug 8 – 14, 2026  ·  Open  ·  Optional Extension: Aug 15–16

Nov 14 – 20, 2026  ·  Open  ·  Optional Extension: Nov 21–22

 

Optional Chimborazo Extension

+$2,300 per person  ·  +2 Days  ·  Available on all departures

 

Payment Policy

A deposit is required to reserve your place. Final payment due 120 days before departure. Payment by wire transfer, ACH, or credit card.

Cancellation Policy

  • 120+ days prior: partial refund less unrecoverable costs
  • 90–119 days prior: partial refund reviewed individually
  • Less than 90 days: no refund

All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Travel insurance covering trip cancellation is strongly recommended.

Peak Performance

Summit two 19,000 ft volcanoes in just one week — without weeks away from home.

Book Trip
Location:
Ecuador
Group:
Maximum 4 climbers
Duration:
7 days
Skill:
Intermediate (prior glacier experience recommended)
Dates:

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

Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.

Peak Performance

Summit two 19,000 ft volcanoes in just one week — without weeks away from home.

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