Cayambe Volcano Summit

Cayambe is a massive extinct volcano. The peak is Ecuador’s third largest and the third highest in the Americas north of the Equator. It is also the highest point on the Equator line (4,600m) on the south side. Although technically not very difficult, it is a little bit more challenging than Cotopaxi. Snow storms and high winds are more frequent on Cayambe than on many other peaks. Prepare for trekking and 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 – Cayambe Refuge (15,092ft/4,600m)

We will leave from Machachi early in the morning and will drive north through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the town of Cayambe. This drive will take us around 3 hours. From there we still have to drive for another hour to the Ruales Oleas Berge refuge (15,092ft/4,600m). In the afternoon we will talk and learn some basic techniques, which include last but not least proper handling of the climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc.). We will stay at the Refuge for dinner and rest. (-/-/D)

Day 2: Cayambe Summit (18,996ft/5,790m) – Machachi

We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (18,996ft/5,790m) around 1am after a light breakfast. The ascent takes about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit, we will take our time for pictures of the surroundings, and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the refuge we will rest, pack our belongings and return back 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 Cayambe

2pm Arrive in Cayambe. Lunch.

2.45pm Drive to Ruales Oleas Berge refuge

4pm Arrive at Ruales Oleas Berge refuge

5.30pm Light dinner

6.15pm 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

9am Arrive at Ruales Oleas Berge refuge

9.30am Depart to Machachi

1pm Arrive in Machachi

Price per person: 

1 pax: $600.00

2 paxs: $380.00

3 paxs: $390.00

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 Oleas Ruales Refuge
All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above with B: breakfast and 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 The 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