Ecuador is a unique country! It has all the climatic belts, the ocean, the equator, and most importantly for us - a lot of snow-white volcanoes! Nowhere in the world are the mountains so accessible and easy to logistically really big! Yes, most of the peaks above five and even six thousand meters (Chimborazo volcano 6310 m) can be approached by car up to about 4000-4500 m, a short walk to a comfortable hut, and there you are at the start of the ascent to the six thousand meters!
Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador's most popular peaks! Despite the high altitude (5,897 m), the ascent route to Cotopaxi is not too difficult (PD, about 2A in our "categories"). Statistically, Cotopaxi is ahead of all volcanoes in Ecuador in terms of the number of days of clear weather, and most importantly, it is the highest active volcano in the country!
Chimborazo is the highest point in Ecuador (6310 m) and the most distant point from the center of the earth! Several centuries ago it was considered the highest peak on the planet. The ascent to Chimborazo is a little more difficult than on Cotopaxi (category PD+, 2A-2B) and sometimes (depending on the condition of the route) requires crossing several sections on the open ice about 40 degrees steep.
The Chimborazo ascent is a great first climbing experience on the 6,000m and a great opportunity to climb some big mountains in a new region in a short period of time!
On rest days in between and after the climbs, we get to visit a myriad of attractions! The Pululaua volcano crater and the equator line near Quito, thermal springs in the towns of Baños and Papayacta, an Indian market and rose plantations in Otavalo. And after the program, you can fly to the Galapagos to see the unique local flora and fauna and relax on the ocean!
Our route requires high quality acclimatization, which will allow the body to get used to the altitude and increase the likelihood of successful ascent.
Our itinerary includes not only climbing famous volcanoes, but also many other natural attractions, as well as an introduction to the original culture of Ecuador.
At the first part of the program, participants will be able to improve their climbing skills necessary to climb to the top.
Local guides accompany the group on climbs and take care of the safety of participants.
The program includes a reserve day in case of bad weather, which greatly increases the chances of a successful ascent of the Chimborazo.
You can extend your vacation in Ecuador and go to the paradisiacal islands after the main program is over.
If necessary, we can help you with packing and purchasing airline tickets.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
The manager has participated in many climbs and will advise you knowledgeably.
Experienced Kuluar teamleaders will accompany participants throughout the program.
During the work of the club we have developed an algorithm, which allows us to organize the programs of the highest quality. You can see this for yourself by applying for participation.
More than 12,000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97.8% were satisfied.
Possibility of substantial savings on equipment, going on a climb with Kuluar.
It is best to plan your arrival at the beginning of the day so that you have more time to rest after the flight and get used to the jetlag. Checking your gear. In the evening, you can go for a walk in the historic center of Quito and have a welcome dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Today we start our active acclimatization without going far from the city. We will take a cable car up to a height of 3400 m and from there we will hike up to 3800 m to the picturesque Pululaua crater. This is the only human inhabited volcano crater in the world, where people not only live but also grow plants and pets!
After lunch we head to one of the most popular places in Quito - Mitad del Mundo (center of the world), where you can literally stand on the Equator, and with different feet in different hemispheres! Overnight in a hotel in Quito.
Early ascent. We take the Teleferico Quito cable car up to the upper station (3945 m). From there on foot on a good trail in 5-6 hours we will reach the top of Ruku Pichincha (4696 m), one of the tops of the Pichincha massif. By the way, the highest point of the massif Wawa Pichincha is still an active volcano! Rest and descent. Return to Quito for the night.
Today we go on to Cotopaxi National Park up to an altitude of 4,500 meters. Then an easy short walk will take us to the Jose Rivas hut at 4,800 meters. It is very civilized and comfortable. The rest of the day will be spent on acclimatization walks and snow activities with Kuluar teamleader and local guides. Early night's rest before the night hike.
We get up at night (about midnight) and go on to ascent. At first we go to the beginning of the glacier. Here we put on the crampons and connect with each other. To the top further only this way. The ascent takes up to 8 hours on the average. Peak photo, short rest, and going down to the hut. Here we pack our things and go back to the transfer. The plan is to move to Baños. It is a small town at an altitude of 1800 m with thermal springs, where we will have a rest before climbing the Chimborazo. Overnight at the hotel.
Today you can relax all day. Bathing in thermal springs, walking in the city, eating in a cafe. Overnight at the hotel.
Today is the move to the Carrel hut on Chimborazo. The car can take us directly there, so it's a short walk with all the gear. After settling in you can do a light walk if necessary for better acclimatization, or you can just rest before the early ascent. Overnight in the hut.
Note: Depending on the condition of the group our guide may decide to organize upper camp at 5300m. In this case we'll take a bivouac with us and go up.
We get up at night, breakfast and exit. Our route goes through the Wimper Hut and then further along the rocky slopes to the beginning of the ice part of the route. In 3-4 hours we will reach the place where some groups set up the upper summit camp (the so called "Castle", El Castillo 5300 m). From here we will go to the summit on a wide ice-snow slope. Moving only in crampons and in bundles. Above 5500 on the route there are cracks as well as areas of thin ice.
The ascent from the Castle to the summit takes about 6-8 hours. This is the first summit of the Punta Wentimilla crater (6260 m). To the highest point of the massif Punta Whymper (6310 m) from here along the crater about another hour (if the snow and the group are good we continue there). And here we are on top! We take some group photos, admire the scenery around and start our descent down the familiar path to the shelter. Here we pack our bags and take a transfer to Quito (or to another locality, if the schedule allows and the group wants). In the evening, a celebratory dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our ascent! Overnight at the hotel.
Reserve day in case of bad weather. Depending on the forecast, the group can also spend it in Baños before the ascent. In case this day is not used, the group can use it as an excursion day after the successful ascent. Before Quito, you can go to the town of Papayacta, famous for its thermal springs; you can visit the town of Riobamba, where one of the most beautiful railroads (Devil's Nose Train Ride) starts; you can drive to the beautiful Lake Quilotoa, located right in the volcano crater; or, after Quito, you can go north to Otavalo. There is a colorful Indian market with many souvenirs, as well as a huge number of rose plantations! Overnight at the hotel.
Today our mountain trip comes to an end. From the hotel the group leaves for the airport. Those who wish can go to the Galapagos to relax in the wild beauty of the ocean and explore the local flora and fauna. You can also go to the beaches in mainland Ecuador, just for relaxing on the ocean or surfing.
Important! The decision on the possibility or impossibility to continue the ascent is made solely by teamleaders, is binding in execution and is not subject to discussion. We are interested in as many participants as possible to climb the summit, but safety is always in the first place!
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, teamleader has the right to make changes in the itinerary. Decisions of teamleader are binding and not subject to discussion.
Citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa to enter the country, but your passport must be valid for at least six months before the entry date.
You must have no illnesses from this list in order to participate in the hike.
Climbing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo opens up many peaks. After Ecuador, we recommend:
We recommend arriving one day before the start of the program, so you will have time to rest after a long flight and get used to the new time zone.
To find the cheapest tickets you can use the form below:
To participate in the program, you need to take good insurance that is valid at altitudes up to 6000 m, covers mountain hiking, and includes helicopter evacuation. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some participants thousands of dollars. Our insurance recommendations can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar Hikers".
Weather conditions are one of the most important factors in successful climbing. The weather in the mountains changes very rapidly. To summarize, it's usually good in the morning, and then it gets worse in the evening. The temperature range is very large. Down in the daytime up to +35, and on the mountain at night up to -20. So be sure to take warm and good clothes! The sun is often in the daytime, at such heights it is especially dangerous. The sun's rays are reflected from the snow and you can instantly burn. Do not forget to take sunscreen! On average, it is sunnier on Kotopaxi than on Mount Elbrus.
We strongly recommend that you approach the question of preparation carefully. Start running three months before your planned ascent. It is good if you can run 10 km at a relaxed pace and not be exhausted. Do not try to run fast, try to run longer. If you can measure your heart rate - run at a heart rate of about 130-140 beats per minute. If it is not possible, run at a pace at which you can talk.
To participate in the program you must have experience of at least one hike in the mountains. It is better with tents.
A good option - the winter Carpathians. For example:
If you don't have the right hiking experience and can't get it, be sure to contact our manager and talk in person.
The cost depends on the number of participants:
*Please, pay your attention: it's not the manager's task to choose a flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations, based on his experience and shares the flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
Full payment for the program is made on the first day of the hike to teamleader in dollars.
To reserve a place in the group you need to make an advance payment of $500. Methods of payment here.
Important! Conditions for refund of prepayment in case of cancellation of participation in the program:
If you get off the route, there is no refund.
