Cayambe 5790 m. / 18,991 ft.

Ecuador´s third highest mountain (5790 m/18,991 ft.) and the highest summit of the Andes range at the north of the equator.

Is located 70 km / 43 mi. north east of Quito, is an active volcano with unique characteristics such as: the only place on earth where the equator line directly “touches” snow and a permanent glacier and the highest point on the surface of earth where the equator line directly passes.

Its enormous glacier and easy access makes the perfect “playground” for our mountaineering and glacier school.

Seracs, snow fields, crevasses, ice falls and an excellent mountain hut provide the perfect setting for learning mountaineering skills including snow travel, route finding, ice climbing, crevasse rescue, etc.

Itinerary

Cayambe is a secret for many mountaineers, less popular than Cotopaxi, offers an undoubtedly ascent on a less busy route. The climbing route to the top follows a diverse terrain conformed by a variety of terrain varying from easy to steep snow fields, crevasses and a gaping bergschrund that adds challenge and excitement to the ascend. Day 1. Departure from Quito at 09:00 then drive to the Cayambe-Coca National Park and arrival to the mountain hut around 2 pm. Skill review in the afternoon Early dinner at 5:30 pm Overnight Day 2. Departure from the refuge around midnight Summit at around 7 am Descend to the hut Rest, repack and snack Return to Quito