North and South Ilinizas are located about 55 km Southwest of Quito. Originally, there was one volcano, which exploded in a massive eruption that split the mountain in half a very long time ago. The two peaks are separated by a saddle and are about 2 km away from one another. There is a small refuge between the two peaks: Iliniza South is icy and hard to climb. North Iliniza is rocky and a lot easier. The ascent of the North peak involves only a modest gain in altitude. The route is from the west side of the mountain, with some easy scrambling below the summit. From the top there are spectacular views of Iliniza South, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. Fifty years ago North Iliniza had a glacier, but it has completely melted in the last few decades.