CLIMBING ILINIZA NORTE
IN ECUADOR

Altitude: 5126m / 16817ft

Distance: 12km / 7.5mi

Duration: 1 Day

Date: All Year

Climbing Iliniza Norte in Ecuador is excellent acclimatization training to climb the highest mountains in Ecuador. The Ilinizas are a mountain range formed by 2 main peaks (North and South) with a maximum altitude of 5246m. They are located to the west of the Cotopaxi National Park and are perfect for gaining acclimatization above 5000m, which makes them highly visited mountains. The North summit is easy to do in one day and it is a perfect mountain and quite common to finish acclimatization to climb to the high mountains such as Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana or Chimborazo, in addition, it is excellent to lose fear in rocky terrain. The landscapes offered while climbing Iliniza Norte are very varied, from wide grasslands to steep walls of volcanic rock that will make us enjoy this ascent like no other.

The most common route for climbing Ilinizas is via El Chaupi, where we will start our hike at almost 4000m high. The route is perfect to go and enjoy the moors that Ecuador has along with an incredible view of the surrounding volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and many more. The path is not so signposted and we will have quite a positive difference in level throughout the journey. Climbing Iliniza Norte is normally done in one day and every four passengers will have a certified mountain guide. If you travel alone, the ascent will be carried out only by the certified guide with the passenger. Come to live this incredible experience touring the Andes of Ecuador and reach the summit of this beautiful mountain with us.

DAY 1: Climbing Iliniza Norte in Ecuador

We will pick you up from your hotel or place of your choice at 06h00 where we will have a one and a half hour trip in our private transport until we reach the ‘Reserva Ecológila Los Ilinizas’. We will register the entrance and continue in our transport to the parking lot of ‘La Virgen’ where we will begin our hike. We will give some brief safety instructions before starting and after approximately two hours, after crossing some beautiful grasslands we will arrive at the ‘Nuevos Horizontes’ refuge where we can rest and eat a little. Then, we will put on our helmet and harness and begin the second part of our ascent to the summit of Iliniza Norte where we will enjoy the beautiful rock climbing that this mountain offers. We will cross fascinating sandbanks and steep walls of volcanic rock and after two hours we will be at the top enjoying the landscape. There we will see the neighboring giant volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Antisana, Corazón and many more. The descent will take us about two hours until our return transportation. The return trip to Quito takes approximately an hour and a half, so we will make a stop on the way to have lunch before leaving you again at the starting point at your hotel or place of your choice.

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT (INCLUDED):

• Helmet.
• Harness.
• Shared Equipment (rope, carabiners, cord). 

CLOTHING REQUIRED (NOT INCLUDED):

Three layers of clothing for the legs and torso:
• Base layer: Thermal clothing for body and pants (usually made of synthetic material).
• Second layer: Warm jacket and pants, preferably water repellent (goose down, fleece or polar type).
• Third layer: Waterproof jacket and pants (in case of rain).
• An extra thermal or jacket (in case of extreme cold).
• Backpack between 25L and 35L.
• Gloves.
• Factor 4 sunglasses (with UV protection).
• Buff.
• Thick socks.
• Sunscreen.  

In case you do not have something from the list of personal clothing, Mauna Expeditions can provide you with the rental or sale of said accessories.

The services included in the cost of the program are:

✓ Registration and preparation for the best experience of your life.
✓ Guidance for the ascent with certified guides (ASEGUIM/UIAGM), one guide for every 2 people.
✓ Private door-to-door transportation for the entire day of the tour.
✓ Entry Permits. 
✓ Adventure video about the experience in the program.
✓ Mountain equipment (specified above).
✓ Lunch on the way down on the day of the ascent.
✓ Thermo of Mauna Expeditions.
✓ Buff of Mauna Expeditions.
✓ Lunch Box and hydration for the ascent.

The following services are NOT included in the cost of the program:

X Clothing and personal equipment.
X Airplane tickets.
X Hotel or hostel in Quito or place of preference.
X Life insurance or against some type of accident.
X Other expenses NOT specified in our program.
X Tips.

1 person: 
2 people: 
3-5 people: 
6-10 people: 
11-24 people:

To book a tour and set prices depending on the number of adventurers coming, please contact us CONTACT US.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM

To book the ‘Climbing Iliniza Norte in Ecuador’ tour, Mauna Expeditions requires a payment of 25% of the cost of the program. Full payment must be made up to a maximum of two weeks before the start date of the tour. We do not send vouchers or confirmation messages until full payment for the program is made. Our team reserves the right to cancel the tour if the full payment is not made until the start date of the program.

The Mauna Expeditions team has put a lot of effort into organizing your program. Therefore, any cancellation must be made at least 21 days in advance. After 21 days, Mauna Expeditions may make a 50% refund depending on the cause of cancellation. Any cancellation notified less than 21 days from the start date of the program will be charged a penalty of 100% of the value of the program.

COSTS

Costs vary depending on the size of the group. A minimum of 1 person and a maximum of 24 people are required to make the ascent. For costs information please CONTACT US.

RECOMENDATIONS

Mountaineering is a high-risk sport, where we are exposed to conditions on extreme occasions. We do not recommend doing this activity for people with asthma or some kind of heart condition. The level of difficulty of the program is demanding and there is nothing that interests us more than your safety and that you enjoy our program without any external problem.