Skip to content 
Climb One of Ecuador’s Hardest and Least Climbed Peaks
If you are looking for a real mountaineering challenge in Ecuador, Antisana is it.
At 5,758 meters, Antisana is the fourth highest volcano in Ecuador, but it is widely considered the most technical and demanding of the four major summits: Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana.
There is no simple standard route. Weather conditions are unstable and glacier navigation requires focus, strength and technical ability.
This is not a tourist hike. This is a true glacier climbing expedition.
And that is exactly why it is so rewarding.
Why Climb Antisana with us
Antisana offers glacier climbing experience, technical ascent with crampons and ice axe, fewer climbers and more wilderness, massive crater views at 5,758 meters, and one of the most respected summit achievements in Ecuador.
If you want to push your limits, train your mind and stand on one of the most serious summits in the Andes, this is your mountain.
Best Place to Acclimatise
This expedition can be organised from Secret Garden Quito or Secret Garden Cotopaxi.
However, we strongly recommend staying at Secret Garden Cotopaxi for acclimatisation.
The hostel is located at 3,500 meters, which is 700 meters higher than Quito. Sleeping higher helps your body adjust more efficiently to altitude. There are also multiple hiking trails perfect for training before summit day.
Proper acclimatisation significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit safely.
1. Machachi to Antisana
Base Camp 4,600m
Departure from Secret Garden Cotopaxi at 9:30am. Equipment check in Machachi. From there, we drive through the Andean highlands toward Laguna Santa Lucia at 4,300 meters.
Depending on road conditions, we continue driving or hiking to the base camp at 4,600 meters.
The afternoon is dedicated to rest, hydration and preparation. A light dinner is served around 5pm, followed by early sleep before the summit push.
You sleep high. You conserve energy. You prepare mentally.
Wake up at 11:30pm. Light breakfast. The ascent begins at 12:30am.
The first section is approximately one hour of hiking to reach the glacier. At this point, crampons are fitted and the technical glacier ascent begins.
The climb takes approximately six to eight hours depending on pace and conditions.
Reaching the summit of Antisana at 5,758 meters is an extraordinary moment. Vast glacier fields, dramatic crater views and the silence of a rarely climbed peak surround you.
Location
Mountains
trip type
Kiking
Climbing
Duration
2 days
Starting at
USD 435
Challenge yourself by climbing Antisana (5,758m), the fourth highest volcano of Ecuador, and one of the least climbed! Due to the lack of a “standard route” and unstable weather conditions, Antisana is considered the most difficult of the four summits (Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana). It’s one of the most technical climbs in Ecuador, as well as one of the most demanding. Prepare for a rewarding experience of glacier climbing!
This tour can be organised from either The Secret Garden Cotopaxi or The Secret Garden Quito. However, we recommend staying at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, as it’s a much better location for acclimatisation! The hostel is located at 3,500 metres, 700 metres higher than Quito, which means you sleep high up and better prepare your body for high altitude. There are also many hiking options, perfect for training for the higher peaks!
Day 1: Machachi – Antisana Base Camp (15,092ft/4,600m)
We will leave from Machachi early in the morning and drive east for about 3 hours through the Andean highlands until we get to Laguna Santa Lucia (14,118ft/4,300m). Depending on the road conditions, we will drive up for another 30 minutes or more, to the end of the road until the base camp (15,092ft/4,600m). We will use the rest of the day for relaxation and hang out until dinner, which will be served by late afternoon. (-/-/D)
Day 2: Antisana Summit (18,891ft/5,758m) – Machachi
We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (18,891ft/5,758m) around 1am after a light breakfast. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours. The first part is about an hour hike to the glacier, where we put the crampons on and start the glacier ascent. Once at the summit, we will take our time for pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we will head back to the base camp in 2 to 3 hours. At the base camp we will rest, pack our belongings, have something to eat, drink and go down to the car, from where we return to Machachi. (B/-/-)
(Times are approximate)
Day 1
9.30am Depart from The Secret Garden Cotopaxi
10.30am Arrive in Machachi. Equipment check.
11am Depart from Machachi to Laguna Santa Lucia
2pm Arrive in Laguna Santa Lucia. Continue to drive or hike to base camp.
2.45pm Arrive at the base camp
5pm Light dinner and rest
Day 2
11.30pm Wake up, light breakfast and get ready
12.30am Start ascent
6.30am Arrive at the summit
6.45am Start descent
9.30am Arrive at the base camp
10am Depart to Machachi
1.30pm Arrive in Machachi
Price per person:
1 pax: $725,00
2 paxs: $435,00
3 paxs: $450,00
Superior service
Private transportation and transfers from and to Machachi
Professional Mountain Guide IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide) or ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides) / ratio 2 climbers – 1 guide
Technical mountain equipment (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet)
Personal mountain gear (gaiters, waterproof trousers, jacket, gloves, sleeping bag, sunglasses and head torch)
Accommodation in a 2-persons tent
All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above with B: breakfast, D: dinner)
A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
National Park fees and permits registration
Permanent communication through walkie-talkie between guides and office in case of an emergency
Common gear: ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, rescue gear
Fully first aid kit (Recommended by NOLS WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE)
Rescue or evacuation service in case of any incident in the mountains
Transport from Secret Garden Cotopaxi to Machachi ($20 for up to 4 people)
Other items (backpack, batteries for the head torch, base layer tops/bottoms)
Single supplement
Meals and beverages at the hotels (lunch, dinner)
Snacks
Personal insurance
Tips
Other non-specified expenses
Book Now
Frequent Questions about Is Antisana
Yes. Antisana is widely considered more technical and demanding than Cotopaxi. Unlike Cotopaxi, Antisana does not have a clearly defined standard route, and glacier conditions can be more complex. It requires stronger technical skills and better physical preparation.
Yes, prior high-altitude hiking or mountaineering experience is strongly recommended. Antisana involves glacier travel, use of crampons and ice axe, and long hours at altitude. It is not suitable for beginners without previous acclimatisation.
The expedition takes two days. Day one is for approach and acclimatisation at base camp. Summit day begins around midnight, and the ascent takes approximately six to eight hours, followed by descent and return the same day.
Absolutely. Proper acclimatisation significantly increases your chances of summit success and reduces altitude sickness risks. Staying at Secret Garden Cotopaxi at 3,500 meters is highly recommended before attempting the climb.
The expedition includes technical mountain equipment such as boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet, as well as personal gear including waterproof clothing, gloves, sleeping bag and head torch. All glacier safety equipment and rescue gear are also provided.
Yes, when climbed with certified IFMGA or ASEGUIM mountain guides and proper preparation. The expedition includes professional guides, emergency communication systems, first aid equipment and rescue protocols. However, Antisana remains a serious high-altitude technical mountain and requires strong physical condition and mental preparation.
If you have any other questions about Quito, transportation, tours, safety, or what to do during your stay, our team at Quito Garden is 100% prepared to help you. We’re happy to provide personalized recommendations and make sure your experience in Quito is smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Just reach out — we’re here for you.
