Illiniza North

Illiniza Norte

The gentle twin brother of the Illinizas volcanoes.

Illiniza Norte and SurThe Illiniza Norte is located in the ecolo­gical reserve “Los Illinizas”, 84 km from the capital of Ecuador. The reserve has subtro­pical forests, Andean forests and páramos (moor) with a considerable biodi­versity. The reserve is the habitat of animals such as the tigrillos (is a small spotted cat), armadillos, a variety of birds such as the tanager, nuthatches and humming­birds. The páramo wolf and white-tailed deer live in the páramos and highlands. We point out that none of these animals represents a danger to humans. The Ilinizas are two peaks of the same volcano, which over the course of 5,000 years has formed two separate peaks. The southern summit is higher and wider (5,263 m) and always snowy. This makes the climb more difficult than the climb to the north summit (5,126 m), which almost always remains without snow. The climb to both peaks is rewarded with a magni­ficent view. You reach the summit of Illiniza Norte in about 7 hours. The ascent can be done in one day. However, it is important that you are prepared for this height. Therefore, we recommend to accli­ma­tizing for at least two days at a height of 3,000 m.

* inter­na­tional flights not included

HIGH: 5.126 m

TYPE: Stratovulkan

CHARAC­TE­RISTIC: Inactive volcano

DIFFI­CULTY LEVEL: BW-3

ITINERARY
1st day “Ascension and summit day (5,126 m)”

We meet at 7 o’clock in Quito (meeting point will be announced at the mandatory register) and start our journey to the nature reserve Los Illinizas. We reach El Chaupí, a check­point in the reserve. From here we drive in 4X4 cars for another 30 minutes through the edges of the Illinizas to the parking lot of La Virgen at 3,950 m. From here, our ascent to the top of the volcano begins, the journey takes appro­xi­m­ately 4 hours, and the descent takes about 2 hours.

SERVICES
Included
  • Profes­sional bilingual guide (English-Spanish, with extra charge German-Spanish)
  • Transport (Meeting Point – Mountain – Meeting Point)
  • Helmet and harness

  • Box-Lunch

Not Included
  • Tips for the guide
  • Trans­por­tation not mentioned

Recom­mended equipment (not included)
  • Warm clothes, hiking boots (light hiking/​trail shoes), gloves, warm hat, first­layer mountain pants (long johns pants), wayfarer mountain pants, water­proof jacket, small backpack, sunglasses
  • Camera, sunscreen

  • Water, energy drinks, snacks

INDICA­TIONS
  • Positive attitude and teamwork is required.

  • Safety first: our goal is to reach the top. However, reaching summits can be considerably more difficult due to unfavorable climatic condi­tions (strong wind, fog, conti­nuous rains, snowfall) and other adverse circum­s­tances, such as the physical condition and health of the parti­ci­pants. The leader guide, who is respon­sible for the well-being of the parti­ci­pants, has the right to interrupt the ascent to the summit if he/​she considers it necessary for the protection of the health and life of all the parti­ci­pants. No claim from the parti­ci­pants is valid in this circumstance.

  • You will climb over 5.000 meters above the sea level. Therefore, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor for a general medical exami­nation beforehand.

  • It is recom­mended to have a travel and health insurance in force.

DIFFI­CULTY
BW-1 (gentle walk)

The simplest form of hiking uses only wide and well-developed roads. Mainly on flat terrain and little inclined, without descents and exposed stairs. Usually well marked trails. No special equipment is required, it is recom­mended to wear comfor­table walking shoes. More comfort and less physical activity. Cultural walks with contact with people. No prior knowledge required.

BW-2 (challenging walks / activities)

Activities partially challenging or longer than BW-1 (hiking and cycling). Partially difficult terrain (very steep terrain). Good health and good physical condition are required. Availa­bility to light physical efforts, such as cycling and hiking.

BW-3 (mountains tours / outdoors activities)

Activities or hikes that are often demanding and / or extensive. Trails with considerable slopes, narrow, and not always well marked. For mountai­neering an accli­ma­tization process is required (heights more than 4.000 m). Safety when walking. Predis­po­sition for heights. It requires very good health and good physical condition. Adven­turous spirit.

BW-4 (Heavy Mountain Tour / outdoors activities)

In this category, mountai­neering begins on a high alpine landscape (heights more than 5,000 m). For mountai­neering, an accli­ma­tization process is required. Use of crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets are required. It requires excellent general health and physical condition. A sporting spirit and predis­po­sition for demanding weather conditions.

BW-5 (extremely heavy mountain tour / outdoors activities)

Very serious mountain tours that demand a high level of risk-taking even for experi­enced mountai­neers. Routes over very steep, and very exposed rock. As a rule, these alpine excur­sions are unmarked. The knowledge of the use of the equipment is extremely important. Technical mountains are climbed on this type of tour.

Our active trips are generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Do not hesitate to contact us, we will be glad to advise you.

Booking Request

    Ask for this offer or contact us for further details and queries. Of course, we can tailor your dream trip to your individual needs.

    Please fill out the form, with your infor­mation, the planned travel date and the number of parti­ci­pants. Of course we also advise you by phone or directly by email at the following contact options: