Cayambe 5.790 m / 18,991 ft

The highest point on the surface of the Earth through which the Equator line directly passes

DURATION 2 days

DIFFICULTY Intermediate

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AndeanFace > Tours > Excursion > Climbing Excursions > Cayambe

TRIP OVERVIEW

Cayambe is a massive glaciated extinct volcano. It is located about 68 km North East of Quito and is the highest point on the surface of the earth through which the Equator line directly passes. Cayambe is the third highest mountain in Ecuador. With easy access from a comfortable hut, the glaciers of Cayambe offer an outstanding venue for our Mountaineering School. Huge crevasses, complex ice falls and seracs provide the ideal setting for learning ice climbing, crevasse rescue, and a variety of other basic climbing skills.

Our 14 day Volcanoes expedition is also available for those looking for a full program https://www.andeanface.com/tour/volcanoes-expedition/

This short video of our friend Mark Horrell summarizes the climb of Cayambe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY2uaZ4oGGI&t=104s

 

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: 1:2

Pre-requisites: Good physical condition

Difficulty Levels: Intermediate
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Extension: Optional 1 extra day for weather contingency

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out with 20 minutes hike to hut

Accomodation: Ruales, Berge, Orleas Hut (4.600 m / 15,092 ft)

Activity: Hiking / Climbing

Seasons: All year round, slightly better from November to February

Equipment: Climbing Excursions Gear List
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ITINERARY

Cayambe is characterised by good climbing opportunities and interesting glaciers. The route to the summit follows diverse glacier terrain to near the summit crater.

A gaping bergschrund presents a challenge in route finding and an exciting extra obstacle.

The ascent normally takes seven hours and the descent three hours.

DAY
01

Travel to Cayambe Volcano

  • Pick up at Quito at around 8:30
  • Travel for 2 hours to Cayambe Ecological Reserve
  • Skills review and safety talk during the afternoon
  • Early dinner at 18:00

Activity: 1 hour trekking

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

DAY
02

Summit Cayambe / Return to Quito

  • Climb Cayambe leaving at around 01:00
  • Descend from mountain
  • Rest, lunch and packing
  • Return to Quito

Activity: 7 hours climbing up / 3 hours descending

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch

Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ecuador's third highest mountain
  • Highest point on the Earth crossed by the Equator line
  • Just 2 1/2 hours away from Quito
  • Excellent site to develop the Mountaineering School Courses
  • Overwhelming views of the Inter-Andean Valley

MAP


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CONVERSATIONS

The best and easiest way for us to answer any questions you might have about the expedition, as an individual or a group, is through a Zoom call with the head guide from our team. We are happy to arrange a meeting ideally pm Eastern time for us, Let us know by sending an email to

info@andeanface.com

.

COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

Our mountain guides are an integral part of Andeanface because they understand and share our climbing principles. The quality of our guiding staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors. The guides we employ are personally known to us for several years, this has given us some of the best reputation. More importantly we consider safety on the mountains our main goal when we run trips. Andeanface as a company has been leading climbs in Ecuador since 2005.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Scrambling, glacier travel, route finding

Terrain

Glacier travel on 25-45 degrees, difficulty to cross the bergschrund

Travel

We travel to Cayambe by jeep, van or bus depending on the size of the group

Weather

Due to its position east of the Andean range, is one of the peaks which has more challenging & unpredictable weather

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

Even though Cayambe is only 107 m / 351 ft smaller than Cotopaxi, it presents a more challenging climbing scenario.

The distance covered to reach the summit is longer and more technical. And the weather conditions are quite more unstable due to its proximity to the humid jungle plains. A good acclimatisation process and knowledge of climbing techniques will provide better opportunities to face this beautiful volcano.

RECOMMENDED CLIMBS

Following is a suggested list of mountains in
order of ascent to gain a good acclimatisation.

1. Pasochoa | 4.200 m / 13,776 ft
2. Guagua Pichincha | 4.797 m / 15,700 ft
3. North Iliniza | 5.125 m / 16,810 ft
4. Cayambe | 5.790 m / 18,886 ft
Pasochoa Trek

A great trek with a view of the pristine forest…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.200 m / 13,776 ft

Difficulty

Easy
View this Excursion
Guagua Pichincha Trek

The most accessible mountain from Quito with mesmerizing views of…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.785 m / 15,694 ft

Difficulty

Moderate
View this Excursion
North Iliniza

Good first objective above 5.000 m /16,400 ft

Duration

2 days

Elevation

5.125 m / 16,810 ft

Difficulty

Intermediate
View this Excursion