Las Illinizas Overnight Adventure 

 

  • Panoramic views of surrounding snow capped volcanoes. Including Cayambe, Antisana, Cotopaxi, Pichincha.

  • Visit lagoon near refuge.

  • Camping at the base of volcano or refuge.

  • Local lunch second day after descent.

  • English speaking professionally guided trip

 

Las Illinizas are two extinct volcanoes about an hour south of Quito and opposite the more famous Cotopaxi. The two volcanoes used to be one but split into two leaving a north and south volcano. The south volcano is snow covered and has a permanent glacier. The summits are at 5126m (16,800ft) for the north and 5263m (17,267ft) for the south.

 

The TOTMOTE adventures overnight adventure at Las Illinizas will follow one of two itineraries. Groups looking for an easier adventure, with less experience, will spend the evening in the camping areas at around 4000m. The following morning we will rise early, before the run and make our way to the refuge at 4700m to watch the sunrise. More experienced groups, wishing to summit should contact us for planning. Those groups will hike up to 4700m the evening before and rise early to push for the summit.

Prices listed are per person for a single adventurer. Groups of 2 or more are automatically discounted appropriately when added to the cart.

Activity Level

This trip is rated as vigorous for activity level. The altitude will be mostly above 4000m (13,000ft), where the first camp is located. The weather in the region can change quickly. The afternoons can bring thick fog cover, temps below 0°, and snow. Guests should have adequate cold weather gear. There is light scrambling across rocky sandy trails as we approach the refuge. Guests will carry a small day-pack which typically weighs 10-15lbs for this trip. Hiking distance is about 12km (7.5 miles).

Illiniza - Illiniza, Ecuador

Itinerary

Day 1:

  • Group will leave Quito no later than 1pm.
  • We will arrive to the parking area La Virgen between 2:00-2:30pm. (summit groups call for planning, we will leave earlier)
  • Set-up camp have lunch
  • Explore area around camp
  • Dinner
  • Early to bed

Day 2:

  • Early rise between 3am-4am to begin hike to refuge
  • Arrive to refuge at dawn to enjoy the view
  • Spend around 2-3 hours at refuge, snack and coffee
  • Continue to lagoon
  • Begin hike down between 11:30am-12:30pm
  • Arrive to parking area
  • Stop at local lodge for lunch
  • Return to Quito

 

Pickup

Pick up can be from Quito area or airport. We will contact guests to arrange pick up location.

Drop Off

Drop off can be from Quito area or airport. We will contact guests to arrange drop off location.

Things To Bring

Guest Gear List (required)

  • 3-season water resistant tent (included)

  • Backpack (20-40L) (included)

  • Base Layers, fleece or wool hat, hiking pants, hiking boots, hiking socks, insulated waterproof jacket and pants, long sleeve shirts

  • Headlamp with batteries

  • Trowel for bathroom, TP, wet wipes, hand cleaner

  • Sleeping Bag 1°-14° and sleeping pad (air filled) (included)

  • Mess kit - Spork, bowl, mug

  • Water bottle

  • Whistle

  • Prescription Medications

     

Guest Gear List (recommended)

  • Sunhat

  • Trekking poles

  • Camera

  • Electrolytes

  • Gloves

  • Casual camp shoes

  • Sunglasses

  • Extra clothing (socks, shirts, undies)

Inclusions

  • All trips include private professional guide service. Groups are not mixed and max guide to guest ratio is 6:1. Groups over 6 will have an additional guide. Max group of 8, or call to arrange for larger groups.

  • Tent, Sleeping Bag, Airmat, Airpillow, Backpack included in pricing.

  • Food, water, and coffee included

  • Trip support provided by tour leader

  • Lodging or camping as required by trip

  • Entrance fees to all parks and reserves

  • Private transportation to and from the adventure sites

  • Guides will carry camp stoves and gas containers when necessary. Guests are welcome to bring their own

  • Guides will have water filters to filter water from streams and lagoons

  • Guides carry first aid kits, emergency locator beacons, two-way radios depending on hike duration

  • Guides carry sunblock and insect repellent

Exclusions

Not included in price:

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Gratuities (never required, always appreciated)
  • Summit Attempts (contact us for summit packages)

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations can be made up to 5 days before trip. Cancellations made within 5 days may be charged upto 25% of travel cost, depending upon tour and what arrangments need to be cancelled. We will always try to refund 100% of customer funds on cancelled vacations.

 
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