Corazon 4.788 m / 15,704 ft

A long trek on a mountain with a “heart”

DURATION 1 day

DIFFICULTY Moderate

TRIP OVERVIEW

Corazon is another eroded and extinct volcano located about 40 km south west of Quito. The name Corazon means “heart” in Spanish and is said to refer to two gullies on the north west slopes which, when seen from the distance, appear to join together in the shape of a heart.

The first recorded ascent was in 1738 by La Condamine and Boiguer. It is a good second acclimatization hike after Pasochoa and before the Ilinizas.

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: Open

Pre-requisites: Acceptable physical condition

Difficulty Levels: Moderate
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out

Activity: Trekking / Wildlife & Natural History

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: Trekking Excursions Gear List
Download PDF

ITINERARY

We drive up to 4.000 m / 13,120 ft to a small valley from where we start the hike to the summit. It is quite an arduous walk and normally takes four hours up and one and a half to two hours down.

On a clear day you have a beautiful view of the so-called "Avenue of the Volcanoes", including Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Ilinizas and Antisana.

DAY
01

Trek to the Summit of Corazon

  • Pick up at Quito at around 7:30
  • Travel for 2 hours to the slopes of Corazon
  • Four hours hike to the summit
  • Box lunch
  • Two hours down to the vehicle
  • Back at Quito by 18:00

Activity: 4 hours climbing up / 2 hours descending

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Box Lunch

Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Volcano near Quito
  • A good second acclimatization hike
  • A non-frequently visited trekking peak
  • Excellent views of Cotopaxi, Antisana and the Ilinizas
  • All year round climbing

MAP

SHARE THIS TRIP

COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

We have designed these hikes after being exploring and trekking in Ecuador for over 20 years. We don’t just offer the classic trekking routes; we have a comprehensive range of hiking excursions that take you to explore the hidden corners of the northern Andes of Ecuador, offering you off-the-beaten-path experiences, hikes that discover forgotten trails, and stunning natural sights. Each single excursion can be part of a multiple day tailor made program.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Hiking and a bit of scrambling

Terrain

Part of the hike is on a dirt road up to 4.300 m / 14,107 ft, where we follow a trail up to the summit

Travel

We travel to Corazon by jeep going south of Quito

Weather

Most days after 11am Corazon can be covered in clouds and it’s a particularly cold trek due to its geographical location

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

We suggest the following two hikes and a relax tour
to complete your trip in Ecuador.

For North Iliniza we can arrange a two day climb to this beautiful rocky peak.

Papallacta Hot Springs

Relax and enjoy these hot springs with magnificent views of…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

3.220 m / 10,562 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Pasochoa Trek

A great trek with a view of the pristine forest…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.200 m / 13,776 ft

Difficulty

Easy
North Iliniza

Good first objective above 5.000 m /16,400 ft

Duration

2 days

Elevation

5.125 m / 16,810 ft

Difficulty

Intermediate