Climbing the Andes with Enchanted

Summit snowcapped volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes on four different trips organized by Enchanted Expeditions.

The Andean mountain range stretches north to south across Ecuador.  With over 30 volcanoes (including one of the world’s largest concentrations of active volcanoes) Ecuador has something to offer to every would-be climber, from the enthusiastic beginner to the highly experienced. With proper acclimatization, any of these summits can be conquered.

Climb Chimborazo Mountain (20,549 ft/6,310m)

Located between Ambato and Riobamba around 160 km from Quito, Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest volcano. Although now extinct, it remains among the most impressive mountains in the entire Andes. Climbing Mount Chimborazo is difficult and technical, but extremely rewarding.

Climb Cotopaxi Volcano (19,348 ft/5,897m)

Cotopaxi is the world’s highest active volcano and the second highest volcano of any kind in Ecuador. Located 60 km south of Quito, the giant conical mountain has erupted at least 87 times, the latest in October of 2022.

Climbing Pichincha, North Iliniza, and Cotopaxi

Looming above the city of Quito, Pichincha (15,724ft/4,794m/) is a relatively easy climb and a great way to test your response to higher elevation and give your body a chance to get used to the altitude. The next goal is summiting Iliniza North (16,815ft/5,125m) followed by a final climb up snowcapped Cotopaxi.

Climbing along the Avenue of the Volcanoes

This 15-day expedition includes summit attempts of three Andes peaks — Iliniza North, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo — as well as time to explore Quito, Baños and Riobamba.

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