Expedition Overview
The most accessible mountain from Quito with mesmerizing views of its cauldron, a good acclimatization hike near the city. We drive up to 4.000 m / 13,120 ft to a small valley from where we start the hike to the summit.



Itinerary
Day 1
Today our journey begins in the foothill of one of the most active volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes, the Guagua Pichincha volcano. The name of this mountain is GUAGUA and this is a Kichwa word which means Baby, THE GUAGUA PICHINCHA, and the reason is that this one is the last active part of one massive mountain which is formed by 3 principal volcanos: RUCU PICHINCHA, PADRE ENCANTADO, AND GUAGUA PICHINCHA. The volcano had the last eruption in October 1999 when ash and smog covered the town after this eruption. Start this adventure at 6:00 am approximately from your hotel in Quito. We will arrive at Guagua Pichincha at 8:00 am and we will begin our trekking to the summit of Guagua Pichincha (4794m/15,728ft) , the highest and youngest of the peaks. Despite the activity of the volcano, it is still considered very safe to climb.The duration of the walk is 3-4 hours approx. Finally, we will return to Quito.
Food & Accommodation
Lunch.
What to Expect
On this day of adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such potato soup, corn, fresh vegetables with plenty of local fresh tropical fruits. Lunch usually consists of nice picnic self-service in the mountains and local restaurants that serve traditional soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
General Specifications
6:00 am on Day 1
15:00 pm on Day 1
What´s Included
Comfortable land transportation
Trekking to Guagua Pichincha Summit
1 lunch
Helmets, Hiking sticks
Certified & specialized English-speaking adventure leader
Hiking sticks Helmets
International flights
Single/ Double room pre & post night
international flights
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Not described in the itinerary
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
Expedition Overview
The most accessible mountain from Quito with mesmerizing views of its cauldron, a good acclimatization hike near the city. We drive up to 4.000 m / 13,120 ft to a small valley from where we start the hike to the summit.



Itinerary
Day 1
Today our journey begins in the foothill of one of the most active volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes, the Guagua Pichincha volcano. The name of this mountain is GUAGUA and this is a Kichwa word which means Baby, THE GUAGUA PICHINCHA, and the reason is that this one is the last active part of one massive mountain which is formed by 3 principal volcanos: RUCU PICHINCHA, PADRE ENCANTADO, AND GUAGUA PICHINCHA. The volcano had the last eruption in October 1999 when ash and smog covered the town after this eruption. Start this adventure at 6:00 am approximately from your hotel in Quito. We will arrive at Guagua Pichincha at 8:00 am and we will begin our trekking to the summit of Guagua Pichincha (4794m/15,728ft) , the highest and youngest of the peaks. Despite the activity of the volcano, it is still considered very safe to climb.The duration of the walk is 3-4 hours approx. Finally, we will return to Quito.
Food & Accommodation
Lunch.
What to Expect
On this day of adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such potato soup, corn, fresh vegetables with plenty of local fresh tropical fruits. Lunch usually consists of nice picnic self-service in the mountains and local restaurants that serve traditional soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
Ships & Deck Plans
Specifications
General Specifications
6:00 am on Day 1
15:00 pm on Day 1
What´s Included
Comfortable land transportation
Trekking to Guagua Pichincha Summit
1 lunch
Helmets, Hiking sticks
Certified & specialized English-speaking adventure leader
Hiking sticks Helmets
International flights
Single/ Double room pre & post night
international flights
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Not described in the itinerary
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service