Ecuador: High Altitude Mountaneering School
Build alpine skills on Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. Cultural immersion included.
8 days + 7 days (Chimborazo Extension) Group: 4 people From $3,700 per Person
Learn and climb Cayambe in 8 dayswith optional 7 day extension for Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
7-day extension available for 19,347′ Cotopaxi and 20,564′ Chimborazo for just $2250!
About this Expedition
Join Benegas Brothers Expeditions in Ecuador for the ultimate introduction to mountaineering. Our Ecuador High Altitude Mountaineering School focuses on hands-on education, acclimatization, and a summit of Cayambe (18,996 ft / 5,790 m), Ecuador’s third-highest peak and the only snow-capped mountain directly on the equator.
For those ready to extend the adventure, continue with us for seven more days to climb Cotopaxi (19,347 ft / 5,897 m)and Chimborazo (20,564 ft / 6,310 m)—two of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes. This extension allows you to stand on the highest point in Ecuador and the furthest point from the Earth’s center.
This expedition is designed for those seeking a first international climbing trip, climbers looking to build technical skills, and anyone eager to explore Ecuador’s mountains and culture in one unforgettable journey.
Our Certified Guides
Benegas Brothers AMGA/IFMGA-certified lead guides manage our Ecuador Ring Of Fire Climbing School. This certification is the most prestigious globally, attained only by the most experienced and dedicated guides. Our lead guides have traveled and climbed extensively throughout South America and possess intimate knowledge of the area. A thorough understanding of the culture combined with a passion for developing climbers into competent mountaineers guarantees an experience you won’t soon forget.
We combine our guides’ experience with the local expertise of our Ecuadorian guide team. This team, based in Quito, are some of Ecuador’s most reputable guides, and they have also guided in Nepal, Aconcagua, Peru, and other international regions. Their local knowledge is essential to the experience. Our low ratio of two climbers per guide and small team sizes ensure a more personal education and relaxed adventure.
Are You Ready for This Expedition?
Technical Experience
No technical climbing background is required.
Altitude Experience
No prior experience at altitude is required.
Fitness
Climbers must be in ideal physical shape to join this expedition. We cannot emphasize this enough — fitness is the fundamental factor of high-altitude climbing. To develop the necessary level of fitness needed to climb big mountains, you must adapt to a demanding, constant training regime months in advance. We suggest a structured workout program at a gym or a private trainer. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on physical training.
FAQS
Do I need climbing experience?
No — this program is designed for beginners.
Will this prepare me for bigger climbs?
Yes — this school provides the foundation for future expeditions in the Andes, Himalaya, and beyond.
What’s the hardest day?
Cayambe summit day, typically 12–15 hours round-trip.
Is gear included?
Yes — BBE provides helmets, harnesses, crampons, ice axes, boots, and carabiners at no extra cost (first-come, first-served).
Where do we sleep?
Mountain huts on Cayambe, Tambopaxi Lodge at Cotopaxi, and high camp on Chimborazo.
Is insurance required?
Yes — both trip and rescue insurance are mandatory. We recommend Ripcord.
What about COVID vaccinations?
We require vaccinations for international expeditions to protect our teams and local communities.
What’s Included
- IFMGA and local certified guides
- Lodging (double occupancy in town, group huts in the mountains)
- Breakfasts in town, all meals on the mountain
- Group climbing equipment
- All park/climbing permits
- In-country transport and airport transfers
Not Included:
- International flights
- In-town meals
- Single supplements
- Extra hotel nights beyond the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides/staff
- Insurance (trip & rescue required)
- Alcohol & personal expenses
The Ecuador Climbing School’s foundation is education. Each day of the expedition, you’ll be hands-on with new lessons and experiences to add to your climbing tool kit. If you’ve been up a few peaks in the past, this is the perfect chance to brush the rust off and sharpen the skills you’ve already accumulated.
Our itinerary begins with learning how to acclimatize efficiently. Touring the majestic city of Quito and climbing a peak that towers above it in the first couple of days allows us to understand how our bodies react at altitude as we prepare for our first significant climb.
Arriving in the capital city of Quito, you’ll immediately notice the country’s mountainous nature. A short drive takes you to the city, where you’ll meet your team and guides and discuss the upcoming adventure.
Your guides will show you their city, from the high bell towers of the Basilica to the vivid culture of the historic district. Returning to your hotel in the early afternoon, you will have time to rest, enjoy the scenery, and prepare your gear for tomorrow’s acclimatization climb on Pichincha.
Topics covered: International travel considerations, high-altitude physiology.
A scenic ride on Quito’s “Teleférico” gondola gives us a 2,800 ft boost to start our hike. Rucu Pichincha delivers expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. A quick descent brings us back to Quito for dinner.
Topics covered: moving skills, climbing techniques, belay techniques, rappelling, rope management.
Leaving Quito behind, we head north directly toward Cayambe. Arriving at the Yanacocha Lodge (11,975 ft / 3,650 m), our base for the next three nights, we settle in and enjoy the beautiful alpine setting. In the afternoon, we hike to the base of the Cayambe glacier (~15,400 ft / 4,700 m) for acclimatization and our first mountain lecture.
We travel higher up Cayambe for our first full day of mountaineering school. Topics include ice axe positioning, self-arrest, crampon technique, roped glacier travel, crevasse navigation, and snow/ice anchors. After lunch, we continue with hazard assessment, knots, spacing of climbers, and rope management.
Overnight at Yanacocha Refuge.
A second glacier session deepens our skills, including rope systems and rescue techniques. Returning to the Refugio by midday, the afternoon is spent hydrating, eating, and resting before the summit push.
Topics covered: equipment care, the “art” of packing, acclimatizing strategies, physiology of altitude, and recognizing AMS, HAPE, and HACE.
After a midnight wakeup, we begin our climb under the stars. The ascent includes roped glacier travel, navigating crevasses, and steep snow climbing. From the summit, sweeping views reveal Antisana, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. After our descent, we return to Quito for a celebratory dinner and overnight stay.
Cayambe-only climbers depart for home, while extension members drive to Cotopaxi for the next stage of the adventure.
As our main expedition concludes, some climbers will return home, while others will embark on an extended adventure that begins with the ascent of Cotopaxi. One of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes, Cotopaxi (19,347 ft / 5,897 m), is renowned for its perfect cone shape and stunning glaciated slopes. Climbing to its summit is both technically rewarding and visually breathtaking.
Following Cotopaxi, we continue to Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak at 20,564 ft / 6,310 m and, due to the equatorial bulge, the furthest point on Earth from its center. This climb is the culmination of our mountaineering school, testing everything learned on Cayambe and Cotopaxi with a demanding 10–14-hour ascent through rocky and glaciated terrain.
This 7-day extension is the perfect way to deepen your skills, stand on two more iconic summits, and finish the expedition with one of the most memorable climbs in the Andes.
Based at Tambopaxi Lodge, we hike on Cotopaxi’s flanks to practice advanced climbing and rescue skills.
An early alpine start takes us up Cotopaxi’s glacier. After reaching its iconic summit cone, we descend and transfer to Hacienda La Cienega.
We journey south along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to Abraspungo Lodge, near Chimborazo, for rest and preparation.
A 2-hour hike brings us to high camp at El Castillo, directly below the summit route.
The most challenging climb of the trip. A long glacier ascent with crevasse crossings and ice steps brings us to Ecuador’s highest point. We descend to camp, then travel back to Riobamba.
After breakfast, we return to Quito for a farewell dinner. Departures may be scheduled after 11 p.m. or the following morning.
November 22 – November 29, 2025
(Extension through December 5, 2025)
February 7 – February 14, 2026
(Extension through February 20, 2026)
April 5 – April 12, 2026
(Extension through April 18, 2026)
May 31 – June 7, 2026
(Extension through June 13, 2026)
November 22 – November 29, 2026
(Extension through December 5, 2026)
Pricing
Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.
