Cayambe is the highest point of the planet measuring it from the Ecuadorian Line. Are you ready to reach its summit in a 2-day guided ascent? Do it under the supervision of Jaime, an ASEGUIM certified guide.
2 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Welcome to the highest point on the Equator Line: the Cayambe volcano!
It’s my pleasure to invite to a 2-day guided ascent up to the summit of Cayambe, the Ecuadorian third-highest mountain. This climbing tour includes a low technical difficulty level. However, participants must have a good fitness condition since we’ll face demanding glaciers, crevasses and snow avalanches. In addition to that, a good acclimatization would be a plus as well as some previous mountaineering experience. Since Cotopaxi summit has been closed for climbing, the Cayambe volcano has gained popularity among mountaineers from all around the world. Moreover, the area offers a new and comfortable mountain hut with excellent facilities. This climbing adventure can be run all year round, although from November to February the weather conditions are the best. The period from June to September is also good, but it’s rather windy. You can choose your more convenient starting point among these options. There are other places available upon request:
Then, you can see a sample itinerary of this program. Any item can be adapted to your wishes and expectations.
DAY 1
A transfer will take you to the chosen starting point. Then we have a long drive to the Cayambe city. We’ll stop at the parking lot very close to the Ruales Oleas Berge Hut, at 4700 meters of altitude. Here we’ll spend the night. During the afternoon we’ll have some time to walk around and explore the surroundings. We can also have a training hike on a nearby glacier before having dinner and rest.
DAY 2
Depending on the group size and weather conditions we’ll start the climb up to the summit of Cayambe by midnight. After around 7 hours we’ll get there! Then, we’ll descend to the hut again (3 or 4 more hours). On the way back you will enjoy a great meal in a local restaurant. Finally, the transfer will take you back to your starting point. End of the program.
So, remember this trip is available during all the year. If you’re planning to come to Ecuador do not hesitate to contact me. Live a unique experience in the highest point of the planet!
A transfer will take you to the chosen starting point. Then we have a long drive to the Cayambe city. We’ll stop at the parking lot very close to the Ruales Oleas Berge Hut, at 4700 meters of altitude. Here we’ll spend the night. During the afternoon we’ll have some time to walk around and explore the surroundings. We can also have a training hike on a nearby glacier before having dinner and rest.
Depending on the group size and weather conditions we’ll start the climb up to the summit of Cayambe by midnight. After around 7 hours we’ll get there! Then, we’ll descend to the hut again (3 or 4 more hours). On the way back you will enjoy a great meal in a local restaurant. Finally, the transfer will take you back to your starting point. End of the program.
More info
What to bring:
Good mountaineering shoes, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, warm mountaineering clothes incl. gloves, hat or buff, sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, drinking bottle, headlamp, personal items, special snacks.
Meeting point
Warming and waterproof clothes, sleeping bag, gloves.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
There will be one guide for every four climbers. This is a standard guide-to-climber ratio for climbing Cayambe, and it ensures that each climber has the attention and support of a qualified guide.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
For insurance, you can review the options proposed by Explore-Share's partner. They offer rescue and travel coverages. More information is available here: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/.
Where will we meet at the start of the trip?
We will meet at the start of the trip in one of the following locations: Baños, Riobamba, Ambato, Machachi, or Quito. We can also meet in other places upon request.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
This climbing adventure can be done year-round, but the best time to go is from November to February, when the weather conditions are the most favorable.
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb Cayambe?
Climbing Cayambe requires prior climbing experience and skills, as well as a good fitness level since we’ll face demanding glaciers, crevasses and snow avalanches. It is also KEY to acclimatize to the altitude before the climb. The tour itself is 2 days, but acclimatization is the most important thing. We usually have 5-6 day plans with the final goal of Cayambe, which works pretty well. It's a non-technical but challenging glacier climb. So if you book this 2-day ascent, please make sure to schedule some days for acclimatization prior to the climb (4 - 5 days), and try to sleep high as well in order to prepare properly for the climb.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own?
You'll need to bring: good mountaineering shoes, crampons, an ice axe, harness, helmet, warm mountaineering clothes including gloves, hat or buff, sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, drinking bottle, headlamp, and snacks.
How will accommodation be handled?
The lodging will be arranged in Ruales Oleas Berge Hut.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
4.9
(18)
Mountain Guide
Certified IFMGA - ASEGUIM Mountain Guide, National guide, Rescue Team Member GRA & Lawyer.
As passionate mountaineer and with almost 20 years of guiding experience, I worked with clients from all over the world. Each tour is a unique experience and I will pleased to guide you to the marvellous summits of Ecuador and South America. My journeys have allowed me to guide and summit several mountains in Peru, like Alpamayo, Chopicalqui & Tocllaraju amongst others and to experience some mountain climbing in the Alps of Austria and Italy.
I’m based in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador’s famous piece of heaven, where we run together with my Austrian girlfriend a small tour operator and a consulting office.
Continuous improvement and keeping up with the State of the Art is our mission:in 2017, I completed the IFMGA certification and, recently, in 2018, I received the National guide certification from the ministry of Tourism.
President of Baños Trail Running Club, I run every week with my team. My achievement of 2018 : Finishing 1st of my category for the 100km Ruco Ultra Trail.
I’m looking forward to exploring our beautiful mountains together with you.
Languages
German | French | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM | IFMGA
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
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