Mountain Iliniza (5 263 m / 17 267 ft)

Ascent to the North Summit of Iliniza unofficially holds the first place in popularity among all ascents to Ecuadorian volcanoes. The normal route via the southeast ridge does not require any mountaineering skills and provides the easy climb to the mountain summit raised above 5000 meters. By the way you will get the new experience of having an overnight in the refuge located at 4700 meters above sea level.

Iliniza is a volcano in Ecuador, located on the border between the provinces of Cotopaxi and Pichincha. It consists of two summits separated by a saddle with a width of more than one kilometer. The highest summit of the volcano is the South Summit, which is covered by snow and glaciers all the year. All routes to the top of the Iliniza South are quite complicated and require advanced mountaineering skills. The North Summit is a bit lower and easy to climb. Snow covers Iliniza North during the winter months only. North Summit is actively used by climbers as a part of acclimatization preparation for the ascent to the higher volcanoes of Ecuador - Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Kayambe. The small refuge (up to 25 bunk-beds) is situated on the saddle between North and South summits. Climbers usually spend the night in the refuge before the climb. The path from the parking lot to the refuge takes up to 3-5 hours and goes through alpine meadows and gentle scree ridge.

• Ecuador's Big Ten - Volcanoes Above 5000 meters (16400 feet)

Iliniza is located at the Illinizas Ecological Reserve, 50 km south of the Quito - capital of Ecuador.

From Quito by bus or car to the city El Chaupi and then proceed to the La Virgen parking lot located at 3900 meters in Illinizas Ecological Reserve. Trekking from the parking lot to the Iliniza Refuge (Nuevos Horizontes Hut) takes up to the 3-5 hours. The refuge is situated on the wide saddle between South and North summits. To carry your loads from the parking lot to the refuge you can hire porters or horses.

Since the end of 2012 climbing all the volcanoes of Ecuador are not allowed without hiring an accredited local mountain guides. There is a lot of travel agencies in Quito that can help you with the organization of the climb.

Iliniza Norte unofficially holds the top position in popularity among all ascents to Ecuadorian volcanoes because it's actively used by climbers as a part of acclimatization preparation for the ascent to the higher volcanoes of Ecuador - Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Kayambe. The normal route via the southeast ridge does not require any mountaineering skills and provides the easy climb to the mountain summit raised above 5000 meters. By the way you will get the new experience of having an overnight in the refuge located at 4700 meters above sea level.

 

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Guided Tours

• Sun & Snow