| Quick Info |
 This is the expedition to the summit of the Sangay Volcano (17,160 ft / 5.230 m). Called the “Fire and Sound” Mountain, it is considered by many the most active one in South America. This is a thrilling week of traversing high plateaus and moors, moraines, and high altitude glaciers, all surrounded by the “grumbling” and smoking of the crater. |
| Overview |
This active volcano, called the “Fire and Sound” Mountain, is considered by many the most active one in South America. With its (17,160 ft / 5.230 m). It is located in a very remote area: in the middle of Ecuador's largest mainland national park of the same name, declared World Patrimony of the Humanity for the UNESCO in 1978, due to its biodiversity.
 In order to reach the base of the mountain we need three days crossing the beautiful untouched Paramo ecosystem (high plateau or moor) where dantas, pumas, deer and condors live. The symbol of the Sangay National Park is the famous tapir.
Though it’s not technically difficult because the Sangay is like a big cone made of ash, the ascent to the summit requires lots of physical effort for the altitude difference that exists between the Camp base and the summit (5,350 ft / 1.630 m). We always reach the summit depending on the weather conditions and if the psycho-physical conditions of the client permit it.
The active volcano has three craters and you could feel its activity under your feet; we guarantee you an unforgettable experience. And do not worry about safety issues: the volcanic activity has quieted down for the last few years now and no danger is envisaged. What is sure is that you’ll be impressed by the huge white smoke cloud that regularly the crater breathes out with an amazing noise. Being close to the top it makes your heart beat very fast indeed!
Our Sangay Expedition lasts 8 days (or less if our fittest trekkers are willing to go faster). We take care of all logistics: tents, food, medical assistance, transportation from and to Quito, medical equipment and safety communication systems. Our equipment is transported by mules, and the daily walking time will be between 6 to 8 hours. Check our personal equipment list. |
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Nº of Passengers
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2-3 px
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4-6 px
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7-10 px
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11-15 px
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USD
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1728
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1440
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1248
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1056
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| ◊ TRIP INCLUDE |
• All in country transportation.
• All accommodation costs. Also the hotel in Quito for the last night.
• All group climbing and trekking gear.
• All meals while in the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• Park entry fees and permits.
• Certified bilingual Mountain Guide. |
| ◊ TRIP NOT INCLUDE |
• Personal gear (see our Trekking Equipment List and Trekking Equipment Rental List)).
• Alcoholic and bottled drinks, and extra food.
• Single room supplement (this supplement will apply if a match cannot be made or if there is a last minute cancellation).
• Charges incurred as a result of delays, cancellations or early departures, all beyond Pioneer Journeys control.
• Insurances (see our Insurance products and Information).
• Tips. |
| Detailed Itinerary |
| • Day 1 Quito – Riobamba |
| After having breakfast at your hotel, we leave Quito in the morning, but not before making sure you have ready all your personal equipment. We’ll drive from 4 to 5 hours through the Avenue of Volcanoes to the city of Riobamba where we’ll accommodate you in one of our high quality hotels or hostelries. Either in our way and once in Riobamba, we’ll show you different interesting points and bring you to good restaurants according to your needs. |
| • Day 2 Riobamba – Camp 1 |
| After breakfast we drive to the Sangay National Park until we reach the last indigenous settlement in the area. There the mules wait for us and we begin our expedition. In the afternoon we arrive to our camp at 12,795 ft / 3.900 m where we overnight in carps. Day climb: 1640 ft / 500 m. Walking time: 6h |
| • Day 3 Camp 1– Camp 2 |
| We leave our camp early, crossing numerous rivers and sharp mountain ranges, till we reach our second camp. Day climb: 2,297 ft / 700 m. Walking time: 6h |
| • Day 4 Camp 2 – "La Playa" |
| That’s the day we reach the volcano base, the day before our ascent to the Sangay summit. We clearly observe the cone, we feel the volcano presence…and actually listen to its “grumbling”. In the afternoon we set the camp in the base of the mountain. Walking time: 6h. |
| • Day 5 "La Playa" - Summit – "La Playa" |
| At midnight we cross the humid paramo until we reach the extensive moraine of the Sangay. Here we start a hard 55 degrees gradient ascension. Only in its final part, once the glacier is reached, we require the technical gear (helmet, crampons, ice-axe). After 8 climbing hours we get astonished by the beautiful crater summit. Going down to our camp takes no more than 4 hours. Day climb: 5,348 ft / 1.630 m. Walking time: 12h. |
| • Day 6 "La Playa" – Camp 2 |
| After the previous exhausting day, having the great satisfaction of making our summit goal, we start our return to our Camp 3. Walking time: 6h. |
| • Day 7 Camp 2– Camp 1 |
| Our last day in the paramo before going back to the civilization. Walking time: 6h. |
| • Day 8 Camp 1 – Riobamba |
| After a week in the beautiful environment of the Sangay National Park, we get to the indigenous community where our transportation will bring us to Riobamba and back to Quito for a deserved rest. Walking time: 5h (plus 4 hour drive) (if it is of our clients preferece, we can accommodate you in a comfortable hotel in Riobamba and bring you back to Quito the next day). |
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Testimonials
 ¡Nunca
olvidaré esta
experiencia!
Y no solo fue subir al Cotopaxi, fue el haber conocido a los guías de Ecuadorian Expedition, el compartir sus aventuras, el aprender de su experiencia.
El trato inmejorable y muy profesional, en un espectáculo natural.
¿Qué se puede pedir más?
Lluís Casas – Barcelona (Spain)
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