North Iliniza 5.125 m / 16,810 ft

Good first objective above 5.000 m /16,400 ft

DURATION 2 days

DIFFICULTY Intermediate

TRIP OVERVIEW

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.

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: 1:3

Pre-requisites: Basic mountaineering knowledge

Difficulty Levels: Intermediate
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Extension: Optional 1 extra day for weather contingency

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out with 3 hours hike to the hut

Accomodation: Nuevos Horizontes Hut (4.700 m / 15,416 ft)

Activity: Hiking / Climbing

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: North Iliniza Climbing Excursion Gear List
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ITINERARY

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 South Iliniza, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo.

Fifty years ago North Iliniza still had a glacier, but it has completely melted in the last few decades. So now it is rocky and quite easy to climb.

DAY
01

Travel to Iliniza Ecological Reserve

  • Pick up at Quito at around 9:00
  • Travel for 2 hours to the Iliniza Ecological Reserve
  • 3 hour hike up to the hut
  • Safety talk and walk around during the afternoon
  • Early dinner at 18:00

Activity: 3 hour trekking

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

DAY
02

Summit North Iliniza / Return to Quito

  • Climb North Iliniza leaving at 05:00
  • Descend from mountain to the hut
  • Rest, and packing
  • Descend to the vehicle
  • Return to Quito

Activity: 4 hours climbing up / 2 hours descending

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: 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

  • Eight highest mountain of Ecuador
  •  Easy scrambling on rock
  • Great views of Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Antisana
  • Good first objective above 5.000 m / 16,400 ft.
  • All year around climbing

MAP

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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?

Our mountain guides are an integral part of Andeanface because they understand and share our climbing principles. The quality of our guiding staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors. The guides we employ are personally known to us for several years, this has given us some of the best reputation. More importantly we consider safety on the mountains our main goal.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Hiking and scrambling

Terrain

Easy hiking, on some section we need to use our hands (scrambling)

Travel

We travel to Iliniza by jeep, and hike for 3 hours to the hut, horse support is an option

Weather

Due to its position west of the Andean range, is one of the peaks which has more sable weather

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

Even the easiest of the 5.000 m / 16,400 ft peaks of Ecuador requires some acclimatisation training.

Cuicocha Lagoon Trek

Explore a crater lagoon from all its spectacular angles

Duration

1 day

Elevation

3.200 m / 10,496 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
Rumiñahui Trek

Explore of one of Ecuador’s most scenic national parks

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.631 m / 15,189 ft

Difficulty

Moderate