Climbing EL ALTAR (El Obispo) 5310 m / 17421 ft - one of Ecuador's most technical wild beauties - is definitely a challenging plan! A perfect warm up for that is the rocky ridge of Rucu Pichincha followed by the icy summit of Iliniza Sur (5.246 m / 17,211 ft). The nights at huts and camps require good preparation and acclimatization, therefore we recommend to stay at least one day in Quito before getting started. The views from the top of each summit are breathtaking! Definitely a trip of a lifetime - join us!

Iliniza Sur and Altar are considered technical climbs, you should come prepared! And of course good fitness is required as well.

Another very important point is proper acclimatization. To really enjoy the climbs we recommend at least 1 - 2 additional days of preparation, in and around Quito before heading for the climbs.

Any questions? Reach out to our climbing experts on info@andeansummitadventure.com or +593968959533 (WhatsApp or call).

For Rescue and Travel Insurance we recommend: Global Rescue. 

- see program / itinerary

- certified bi-lingual guide (ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 2 climbers

- transportation in private vehicle from / to Quito and during the tour

- mules and mule drivers on el Altar

- accommodation as per itinerary

- park entrance fees & climbing permits

- meals as specified 

- camping equipment: tents, camp staff, kitchen etc.

- group equipment: ropes and other guiding gear

- meals (see program)

- personal technical equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, carabiners, screws, slings, belay devices etc.)

- sleeping bag & pad for the camp, boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list

- insurances (please make sure that you have an insurance covering risks of mountain climbing, we recommend Global Rescue)

- cost for program changes

- tips & any other expenses not explicitly mentioned

Cancellation Conditions:

- 60 or more days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be refunded, less an administrative fee equal to 10% of the total price.

- 59 - 30 days prior to departure: a cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the total price shall be retained.

- 29 and less days prior to departure: the entire total price shall be forfeited.

Change Conditions:

Any change of the purchased itinerary or services asked by the client before and during the trip will depend on availability, requires mutual agreement and will be subject to cancellation penalties of existing services.

With full payment or partial payment of the tour the climber accepts the latest version of andean summit adventure's terms and conditions, which can be downloaded HERE.

Offer validity:

andean summit adventure reserves the right to adjust the prices, and other terms of this offer if there is a significant change in the relevant market conditions after the date of this offer.

DAY 1 

Start at approx. 8.30 am, drive to the parking area at Quito's cable car (TeleferiQo), ride up to Cruz Loma (4000 m / 13120 ft) and at approx. 9.30 am start of the hike up to "the antentas" and then via the RIDGE to the summit of RUCU PICHINCHA (4.696 m / 15,407 ft).
During the hike we enjoy wonderful views of the avenue of the volcanos with its snow caped summits and also the impressive city of Quito. The hike to the summit takes about 3 hours and the descend 2 hours. Afterwards we head back to your accommodation. 

tech. data: ↑ ↓  770 m / 2520 ft |  ↔  10,3 km / 6.4 mi 

meals: - / LB / D

accommodation in Ilinizas Lodge (3600 m / 11,800 ft), with dinner and breakfast

DAY 2 + 3

After breakfast (approx. 10 am), drive to the parking area in the Natural Reserve Los Ilinizas (3970 m / 13020 ft), hike up to the Refugio Nuevos Horizontes (approx. 3 hours) at 4730 m / 15520 ft, where we will spend the night at the refuge with dinner and breakfast included.
Early in the morning (approx. 3 am) we have breakfast and continue the ascent to ILINIZA SUR (5.246 m / 17,211 ft), approx. 3 to 4-hour-tour with some rock climbing sections as well as icy ramps on the way to the summit, descent back to the refuge for getting our luggage and then down to the parking lot, transfer back to our accommodation.

tech. data day 1: ↑ 760 m / 2490 ft | → 4,7 km / 2.9 mi
tech. data day 2: ↑ 510 / 1670 ft ↓ 1270 m / 4160 ft | ↔ 8,2 km / 5.1 mi

meals day 1: B / LB / D
meals day 2: B / - / - (snacks for the ascent are included)

accommodation in Hotel Vieja Cúba in double room with breakfast

DAY 4: Preparation and Journey to Riobamba

This initial day is dedicated to checking all technical equipment to ensure it is in optimal condition for the ascent to El Altar. With special attention, we prepare everything necessary for the camp. In the afternoon, we pack the equipment and supplies for the camp into our vehicle and embark on the journey to the city of Riobamba, close to El Altar. In the evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner and afterwards a good rest, recharging our energy for the adventure days that await us in Sangay National Park and the challenging ascent to Obispo, the highest peak of El Altar.

tech. data day 4:  ↑↓ 0 m / 0 ft | ↔ 0,0 km / 0 mi 

meals day 4: B / - / D

accommodation: single / double / triple room in Hotel Bambu with breakfast

DAY 5+6+7

DAY 5:  Approach to Italian Camp

We have an early breakfast and drive to the village of Quimiag. We continue to Bocatoma, where we leave the vehicle at a hacienda and begin the trek to the Italian Camp (3430 m / 11250 ft). Mules carry the equipment while we advance on foot. The 10,5 km / 6.5 miles hike through muddy Andean grasslands to the campsite takes between 6 and 8 hours. We enjoy the breathtaking views of the southern side of El Altar and the lagoons in the area, which are Laguna Mandur, Verde, Azul, and Estrellada. Upon reaching the Italian Camp, we set up the tents, prepare dinner, and organize the equipment for an early start towards El Obispo.

tech. data day 5: ↑ 1200 m / 3940 ft | → 10,5 km / 6.5 mi 

meals day 5: B / LB / D

accommodation in tents in Italian Camp

DAY 6: El Altar's Obispo Summit

The big ascent. Shortly after midnight, we have breakfast and begin the ascent to the Obispo. The route ascends steep glaciers, rocky walls, and requires excellent mixed climbing and high mountain skills. Securing options are sometimes limited. The duration to reach the summit of El Altar - Obispo (5.319 m / 17,450 ft) depends on the conditions of snow, ice, and rock, and the pace of the rope teams. The descent is also demanding with multiple rappels. We will arrive back at the Italian Camp in the afternoon / evening of Day 3.

tech. data day 6: ↑↓ 750 m / 2460 ft | ↔ 7,0 km / 4.3 mi

meals day 6: B / LB / D

accommodation in tents in Italian Camp

DAY 7: Hike Out to Bocatoma and Return to Quito

After two demanding days, we embark on the descent to Bocatoma and the return to Quito. We have breakfast at the campsite, pack up, and begin the trek back to the vehicles. Again, mules assist us with the heavy load. The descent usually takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the weather and the trail. In Bocatoma, we have lunch before embarking on the final journey to Quito.

tech. data day 7:  ↓ 1200 m / 3940 ft | → 10,5 km / 6.5 mi 

meals day 7: B / L / -

accommodation in Quito not included