Cotacachi – north of Otavalo, Cotacachi provides a challenge to climbers, and stands at 4944 meters above sea level. There is some technical climbing involved and there’s a risk of rockfall and lightning. Ropes and helmets are necessary for this climb. It can be reached by taking a bus to Otavalo from Quito, which takes 2 hours, and followed by a bus from Otavalo to the acutall town Cotacachi, which takes 20 minutes. From Cotacachi, it is necessary to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle that can ascend to the antennas at the base of the climb.

El Altar – this is a climb that goes into a remote part of Ecuador's wilderness. The climb goes up to a glacial crater lake and can be done in two days, or one excruciatingly long day. The summit is 4200 meters above sea level. Take a bus from Quito to Riobamba, or Baños ,and from there take a bus to Químiag, or Cubijiés. From there, an hour-long taxi ride is necessary to get to the water diversion project where the hike begins.

Reventador – standing at 3562 meters high, Reventador is an active volcano in Ecuador's Amazon region. The climb takes three to five days (round trip). At the time of this writing, the hike cannot be done due to volcanic activity. The name of Reventador translates to “the burster” and it's easy to see why. From Quito, take a bus to Lago Agrio and get off the bus at the San Rafael Falls. This journey takes around five hours.

Cayambe – the summit of Cayambe volcano stands at 5790 meters above sea level, which is just a little lower than Cotopaxi. The climb is not technically difficult but is made more challenging by crevasses and avalanches. It takes bit is necessary to start around sunrise. From Quito, take a bus to Cayambe. This takes about ninety minutes. From there, hire four-wheel drive transportation up to the refuge of the Cayambe volcano.

Antisana – climbing Antisana is technically difficult and should not be attempted by a novice. The climb can take anywhere from one to three days and involves ice, glacier and rock work to get to the summit, which is 5752 meters above sea level. There are crevasses and the weather is frequently bad, which makes this climb even more challenging. There are four different peaks that can be climbed. It is recommended to go with a guide from an agency. Antisana is an hour or so from Quito and access to the land must be arranged in advance.

Imbabura – this is a full day hike on this extinct volcano, which is close to Otavalo. There is loose rock at the top, which is 4609 meters above sea level, so care should be taken. The climb takes around eight hours from the parking lot, or 12 hours from La Esperanza. From Quito, take a bus to Otavalo and from there take a taxi to La Esperanza or the parking lot, depending on how much you want to hike.

Sincholagua – this extinct volcano is located just outside of the Cotopaxi National Park. The climb takes around nine hours and the summit is 4873 meters above sea level. The peak is accessed from within the Cotopaxi National Park. Take a bus from Quito along the Pan-American Highway to the southern park entrance, from which the climber can take a truck. This climb is best described as a rock scramble.

Pichincha – the Pichincha volcano has three peaks. The Rucu peak, which is 4627 meters above sea level, and the Guagua peak which is 4776 meters above sea level, are both commonly climbed. Rucu is accessed via the Teleferiqo and is a day hike. Guagua is accessed by taking a bus from Quito to Lloa. It is a 10 to 12 hour climb from there.

Tungurahua – This mountain is 5023 meters above sea level. It is highly active, and is aptly named the “Throat of Fire”. In recent years it has threatened Baños and the surrounding area many times due to violent eruptions. Since 1999, it has not been possible due to the volcanic activity.

Sumaco – this volcano is recently active and has an elevation of 3732 meters above sea level. A four day round trip is required to get to the summit. The climb heads through rainforests before climbing up to grassland. It is recommended to go with a guide, because the route is difficult to find and may require the use of a machete. The weather is very wet in this area. The volcano is accessed by taking a bus from Quito to Coca, getting off the bus at Guagua Sumaco. This journey is around six hours, and a truck and guide can be arranged here.

General Climbing Tips

o Check on the equipment needed for each climb and take gaiters, crampons, an axe, ropes, helmet and any other equipment that is required.
o Take maps, a GPS device, a flashlight, food, high-energy snacks, sunscreen, sun glasses and a hat.
o Be aware that climbing routes can change so check for updated information.
o Know that the weather can change rapidly in the mountains and be prepared for four seasons in one day.

One of the best resources for hiking and climbing in Ecuador is the book “Ecuador – Climbing and Hiking,” which was written by Mark Thurber and Rob Rackowieki.

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Tourists on the top of Cayambe

Ecuador is a climber's playground because of its numerous active and dormant volcanoes, with many that are over 5000 meters above sea level. There are climbs of all varying degrees of difficulty. Some of the most popular are:

Cotopaxi – one of the most popular climbs in Ecuador, Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth. The volcano is 5987 meters high. The climb is something of a walk to the summit, though climbers will need equipment such as gaiters, crampons, an axe, a helmet and ropes to get to the peak. The climb starts at midnight and takes between five and seven hours with two or three hours to return. Many who start the climb do not make it to the top. To get to Cotopaxi, take a bus to Machachi, which is one hour from Quito, and you can organize a truck to the national park from there.

Chimborazo – this is the highest mountain in Ecuador, and is a favorite of climbers that visit the country. The summit is 6310 meters above sea level and this is the furthest point from the center of the Earth to the sun, due to its proximity to the equator. The climb is tough and requires some ice walking. Chimborazo can be reached from Riobamba, which is five hours from Quito on a bus. From there, it is possible to arrange transportation to the refuge located at 4800 meters above sea level. This takes an hour from Riobamba.

Corazon – this climb is basically a hike with some rock scrambling at the summit of this extinct volcano. The hike is mainly through páramo landscapes and is fairly steep for some of the way. The climb takes nine to eleven hours to get to the summit at 4788 meters and back to the start. At the top the climber is very exposed and there is a risk of lightning. To get to the start point, take a bus south from Quito along the Pan-American Highway and ask to be dropped off at the turning for Aloasi to the right. Buses run from here to Aloasi railway station, which is the starting point for the climb.

Illiniza Norte – Illiniza Norte is a peak that can be attempted by a novice climber, but it is recommended to go with a guide. It is best to have a helmet to protect against the loose rock at the top. The round trip from the Virgen is around seven hours. The weather can be harsh at the peak, which is 5126 meters above sea level.

Illiniza Sur – this is one of the most difficult climbs in Ecuador. The climb takes around six to eight hours from the refuge, and involves climbing on a glacier for part of the way. The south ridge is the most difficult peak. The climb is steep, has many crevasses, and should not be attempted by inexperienced climbers. The peak stands at 5248 meters.

For Illiniza Norte and Sur, take a bus from Quito south along the Pan-American Highway to El Chaupi, about an hour south of Quito. From there take a bus to El Chaupi. From El Chaupi you can take a four-wheel drive truck to the Virgen, where the climbs start.

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