Ecuador Mountain Climbing

Climb Cayambe

from $380.00

Climb Cayambe in Ecuador with Expert Mountain Guides

Mount Cayambe, also known as Volcán Cayambe, is a majestic stratovolcano that stands tall in the Cordillera Central range of the northern Ecuadorian Andes. Located roughly 70 kilometers (43 miles) northeast of Quito in Pichincha Province, Cayambe boasts the unique distinction of being both the third-highest peak in Ecuador and the only snow-capped mountain on Earth pierced by the equator.

Cayambe’s classification as a Holocene compound volcano indicates a complex eruptive history, with its last recorded activity occurring in March 1786. The mountain’s south slope holds a prestigious title: the highest point on the equator, reaching an elevation of 4,690 meters (15,387 feet). Adding to its significance, Cayambe and most of its slopes are protected within the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve.

Climb Cayambe

Guided Cayambe Glacier Climbing Expeditions in Ecuador

Reaching the summit of Cayambe Volcano at 5,790 meters (18,996 ft) is one of the most rewarding mountaineering experiences in Ecuador, but the mountain demands respect, preparation, and proper acclimatization. Although Cayambe is often considered less technical than peaks such as Chimborazo or Cotopaxi, the extreme altitude, glacier conditions, and long summit day make physical conditioning and acclimatization absolutely essential for a safe and successful ascent.

One of the most common mistakes climbers make when attempting to climb Cayambe is underestimating the effects of altitude. Even strong hikers and experienced athletes can struggle above 5,000 meters if they arrive in Ecuador without allowing their bodies enough time to adapt. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and lack of energy can significantly reduce summit success rates. For this reason, Ecuador Eco Adventure strongly recommends spending several days acclimatizing in the Ecuadorian Andes before beginning the expedition. Popular acclimatization hikes such as Rucu Pichincha, Iliniza Norte, or overnight stays in high-altitude lodges can dramatically improve your performance and safety during the climb.

The expedition begins from the Cayambe Refuge, located at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. Due to the rough volcanic terrain and deteriorated road conditions leading to the refuge, a proper 4×4 vehicle is required to safely access the mountain. The final approach to the refuge can be challenging, especially during periods of rain or snow, which is why our team uses specialized mountain transportation designed for high-altitude expeditions in Ecuador.

From the refuge, climbers prepare their technical equipment, rest for a few hours, and typically begin the summit push around midnight. The route crosses glaciers, crevasses, and steep snow slopes illuminated only by headlamps under the Andean night sky. As the sun rises over the Ecuadorian Andes, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of volcanoes such as Antisana, Cotopaxi, and even distant sections of the Amazon basin on clear mornings.

Cayambe is also unique because it is the only snow-covered mountain in the world crossed by the equatorial line, making it one of the most iconic glacier climbs in South America. Whether you are preparing for bigger international expeditions or simply dreaming of your first high-altitude summit, climbing Cayambe in Ecuador offers an unforgettable combination of glacier travel, mountaineering adventure, and stunning volcanic landscapes.

For the best summit success rates, Ecuador Eco Adventure recommends guided acclimatization programs combined with certified ASEGUIM mountain guides, proper technical equipment, and gradual altitude adaptation before attempting the climb

Pricing:

  • If Alone $620 – 1 climber /  1 guide
  • If 2 people $380 – 2climbers / 1 Guide

Mount Cayambe is the largest mountain in the North of Ecuador and close to the Otavalo Market

Are you up for the adventure? Contact us:

    • Reviews 0 Reviews
      0/5
    • Vacation Style Holiday Type
      • Hiking
      • Mountain
      • Rural
      • Sun
      • Tent
      • Wildlife
      Comfort
    • Activity Level High-Altitude Climbing
      8/8
    • Group Size Small Group
      1-2
    All about the Climb Cayambe.

    Expedition starts on request, with 1 or 2 Climbers per guide

    Climb Cayambe Climb Cayambe

    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
    • ALL Equipment: snow boots, crampons, ice axe, etc
    • Warm clothing suitable for climbing the mountain
    • Transportation to and from Mount Chimborazo
    • Entrance permits to the Chimborazo National Park
    • Accommodation in the Refugio (Base Camp)
    • Dinner in the Refugio before the climb
    • Snacks and Drinks during the climbAll breakfasts, lunches and dinners & dining
    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
    • Travel insurance and other emergencies.
    • Extra snacks and water
    • small back pack to carry snacks to the summit
    1. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    2. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    3. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    4. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    5. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    6. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    7. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    8. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    9. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    10. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    11. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    12. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    13. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    14. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    15. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    16. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    17. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    18. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    19. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    20. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    21. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    22. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    23. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    24. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    25. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    26. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    27. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    28. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    29. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    30. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    31. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    32. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    33. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    34. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    35. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    36. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    37. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    38. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    39. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    40. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    41. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    42. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    43. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    44. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    45. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    46. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    47. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    48. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    49. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    50. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    51. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    52. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    53. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    54. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    55. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    56. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    57. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    58. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    59. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    60. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    61. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    62. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    63. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    64. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    65. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    66. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    67. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    68. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    69. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    70. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    71. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    72. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    73. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    74. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    75. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    76. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    77. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    78. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    79. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    80. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    81. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    82. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    83. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    84. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    85. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    86. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    87. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    88. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    89. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    90. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    91. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    92. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    93. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    94. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    95. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    96. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    97. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    98. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    99. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    100. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    101. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    102. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    103. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    104. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    105. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    106. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    107. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    108. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    109. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    110. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    111. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    112. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    113. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    114. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    115. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    116. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    117. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    118. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    119. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    120. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    121. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    122. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    123. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    124. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    125. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    126. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    127. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    128. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    129. Day1 Cayambe

      Tansfer to Cayambe refuge, Pick up from Riobmaba, Quito or Cayambe
      start climb at 11 pm at night

    130. Day2 Cayambe

      Summit is expected by 6-8 am, 8 been the latest, then we return to refuge for breakfast, and return to Riobamba at the end.

    131. Day1 Cayambe
    Refuge

    Refuge