Quito → Riobamba · Ecuador
The Avenue of the Volcanoes
One expedition, three summits. We climb Ecuador's corridor of giants — the Ilinizas, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo — the way they should be done: staged, acclimatized, and guided by locals.
What is the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
When Alexander von Humboldt rode south from Quito in 1802, he named the valley ahead the Avenida de los Volcanes — the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Two centuries later it's still the greatest concentration of climbable high peaks in the Andes: a corridor of glaciated giants you can link into one unforgettable expedition.
We don't rush it. The whole point of an Avenue of the Volcanoes trip is sequencing — climbing the peaks in the right order so your body is ready for each one. Warm up on Iliniza Norte, summit Cotopaxi, then take on Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest. It's the most rewarding way to climb in Ecuador — and the one with the best summit odds.
Choose your length — honestly
You don't need 13 days to enjoy this. A focused 9-day trip can summit both Cotopaxi and Chimborazo with proper acclimatization; add the Ilinizas and a rest day and you're at 11–13 days with much better odds. We'll never sell you more days than you need — but we also won't pretend a rushed week gives you a fair shot at a 6,000er. Here's how the options compare.
The climb, day by day
Your itinerary
Compare the options
Acclimatization peaks + a Cotopaxi summit. One big mountain, done well. Cotopaxi success ~65–70%.
Acclimatize, summit Cotopaxi, rest, then Chimborazo. The classic combo. Combo success ~50–55%.
Ilinizas + Cotopaxi + Chimborazo with rest days. The strongest acclimatization and the best summit odds — and the most mountains.
The 9-day combo, day by day
Quito, then warm-up summits (Pasochoa, the Ilinizas) to build altitude before the glaciers.
Refuge night and a midnight summit of Cotopaxi (5,897 m). Then descend and recover.
Active recovery and the drive south to the Chimborazo reserve.
Refuge, then the long summit push to Ecuador's highest point (6,263 m), and the return.
The acclimatization ladder
Every Avenue of the Volcanoes itinerary climbs this ladder — each rung prepares your body for the next:
What's included
Included
- ASEGUIM-certified mountain guides (2:1 ratio)
- All technical gear: boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, rope
- Refuge nights + all acclimatization lodging
- Private transport along the whole route + park fees
- Meals on the mountain
Not included
- International flights and city hotels on rest days
- Travel & mountain rescue insurance (required)
- Personal clothing layers and sleeping bag
- Guide gratuities
Gear & equipment
We provide
- Double mountaineering boots
- Crampons & ice axe
- Harness, helmet & rope
- All technical hardware
You bring
- Warm layers & waterproof shell
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Sunglasses & glacier sunscreen
- Sleeping bag (or rent from us)
Guides & safety
- Local ASEGUIM / IFMGA-certified guides
- Maximum 2 climbers per guide, by Ecuadorian law
- Guides hold turn-around authority — safety over summit
- Wilderness first-aid & rescue protocols on every peak
Before you climb
Avenue of the Volcanoes FAQ
How many volcanoes can you climb in one trip?
On a full 12–13 day Avenue of the Volcanoes expedition, most fit climbers attempt three summits — Iliniza Norte (5,126 m), Cotopaxi (5,897 m) and Chimborazo (6,263 m). Shorter trips focus on one or two. The number isn't the point; proper acclimatization between them is.
How long do I need for the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
Plan 9 days for a Cotopaxi + Chimborazo combo, and 12–13 for the full ladder with the Ilinizas and rest days. A 5-day trip can summit a single peak like Cotopaxi well. Rushed attempts on multiple 5,000ers have low success.
What's the success rate climbing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo together?
Honestly, around 50–55% for both summits on a well-acclimatized combo, with Cotopaxi alone closer to 65–70%. Altitude, weather and your acclimatization decide it. Climbing them in order — Cotopaxi first — is what gives Chimborazo a fair chance.
Do I need mountaineering experience?
No prior glacier experience is required for the non-technical peaks (Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo) — we teach the skills along the way. You do need excellent hiking fitness and the willingness to acclimatize properly over multiple days.
When is the best time for the Avenue of the Volcanoes?
December–January and June–September give the most stable conditions and the best summit windows. We build rest and weather days into the itinerary so a single bad day doesn't end the trip.
Plan your ascent
Ready to climb the Avenue?
Tell us how many days you have and what you've climbed, and we'll design the right ladder of summits — Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and more — guided by people who grew up under these volcanoes.