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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.
There are climbs of all varying degrees of difficulty...
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.
