Climb Iliniza Norte Volcano Summit
per person
Climb Iliniza Norte Volcano Summit, the high altitude mountain that climbers start with to, then go on and reach the highest peaks. This mountain shouldn’t be missed in your acclimatization process and is perfect before the ascent of Cotopaxi volcano.
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Day 1: Machachi 3,000 masl - Nuevos Horizontes Refuge 4,750 masl
Our Climb Iliniza Norte Volcano Summit adventure starts after checking our necessary equipment, the meeting point is Machachi, 3,000 masl at the Hostel Casa del Montañero at 09:00 am. Our 4x4 transport takes us to the "La Virgen" car park, located at 3,900 masl. From here we start our 3-hour hike through a forest of native polylepis and along the ridge that leads us to the refuge at 4,750 masl. In this warm shelter hot drinks and dinner are served, and then we rest until the time of departure.
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Day 2: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge 4,750 masl – Iliniza Norte summit 5,126 masl – return to Machachi
Depending on the weather conditions of the mountain we set off at around 05:00 am, having eaten breakfast, and with our backpack ready. The ascent takes us at least 3 hours along a rocky ridge with some steep sections. Once at the top we have some spectacular views of many volcanoes including Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Iliniza Sur. We descend via a different route that leads us through an area of sand and scree, within 2 hours we are back at the car and heading back to Machachi (1-hour drive).