The Illiniza South is the sixth highest mountain in the country. It is located 55 km southwest of Quito. The peak consists of melting glaciers and is reserved for experienced ice climbers. You must have a lot of experience on ice to climb this mountain. The climb starts at night in the refuge Nuevos Horizontes at an altitude of 4670 meters.
Includes: Professional bilingual mountain guide (maximum 2 persons per guide), transfers between the hotel and the mountain, overnight in the refuge, lunch on day 1, dinner and breakfast in the camping site, climbing equipment (see below).
Price per person based on 2 people.
In the late morning we drive up to the foot of the Illinizas, to a place called La Virgen. Here we start a hike of 3 hours, up to the Refuge Nuevos Horizontes which is located at an altitude of 4 650m. During this tour you will have to carry your own backpack and climbing equipment. In the refuge we do a material check and receive instructions and exercises in preparation for the climb. After dinner we go to bed.
We leave for the top around 3 am. After about 45 minutes we reach the glacier and the rest of the climb will take about four hours. The route to the top is a mix of rock and ice peaks that requires a lot of technical experience, as well as a good portion of endurance. The peak is reached around sunrise and after that the descent to the refuge begins. From the refuge we walk back to La Virgen and on the way back home we eat in a restaurant to recover.
This is a sample trip. The order, hotels and excursions can be adapted to your wishes. You can also combine it with another trip or a Galápagos cruise.
