Imbabura Volcano Acclimatization Hike
Five hours up the mountain that names its own province
- North summit at 4,630 m
- 5 hours up, 3.5 hours down
- Views of Cayambe and Antisana
- Box lunch included
- Hotel pick-up at 06:00 a.m.
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Duration1 day
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DifficultyModerate
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DepartureHotel pick-up in Quito at 06:00 a.m.
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Departure daysEvery day, with a minimum of 2 participants (private excursion available for 1 person)
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LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Tour overview
Imbabura, roughly 4,630 m high, watches over the province that carries its name. Ibarra lies 10 km to the north; Lake San Pablo and Otavalo sit at its southern foot.
We start on the eastern side, at the indigenous community of Casha Loma (3,500 m). It is about 5 hours to the north summit, and around 3 hours 30 back down by the same route – a proper day on the mountain, with no glacier and no technical climbing.
On clear days the view runs from Cayambe and Antisana to the city of Ibarra and Yahuarcocha Lagoon. The forests around Imbabura are unusually rich in flora and fauna, and the paramo vegetation above 4,000 m is worth the climb on its own.
Pick-up is early – 06:00 a.m. at your hotel in Quito. Return transport, a certified bilingual guide, a box lunch and technical equipment are included for USD 130 per person.
Itinerary
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06:00: Hotel pick-up in Quito
An early start: we collect you at your hotel and drive north to Imbabura volcano.
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Briefing: Weather, equipment and altitude talk
Your guide explains the conditions on the mountain, the equipment and how to manage the altitude.
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Ascent: Casha Loma (3,500 m) to the north summit
We approach along the eastern side of the volcano to the indigenous community of Casha Loma at 3,500 m, then climb for about 5 hours to the north summit, with paramo flora above 4,000 m.
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Summit: North summit, approx. 4,630 m
On clear days: Cayambe and Antisana, the city of Ibarra and Yahuarcocha Lagoon.
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Descent: Down and back to Quito
About 3 hours 30 down by the same route, then the return transfer to Quito.
What's included
Included
- Return transport from Quito to Imbabura volcano
- Certified bilingual guide
- Box lunch
- Technical equipment (helmet and harness)
Not included
- Tips
- Anything not specified in the programme
What to bring
- Fleece clothing
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Hiking boots
- Gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen
- Cotton trousers
- Trekking poles (optional)
Good to know
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How long is the hike?
About 5 hours up to the north summit from the community of Casha Loma at 3,500 m, and around 3 hours 30 back down by the same route.
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What will I see from the top?
On clear days, Cayambe and Antisana, the city of Ibarra and Yahuarcocha Lagoon. The forests around Imbabura are very diverse, and above 4,000 m the paramo flora is spectacular.
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Why climb Imbabura before a glaciated volcano?
Because adapting on a non-glaciated mountain of around 4,630 m first is what makes summits like Cotopaxi, Cayambe or Chimborazo realistic. This ascent is specifically recommended as part of that preparation.
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Why does the tour start so early?
Pick-up is at 06:00 a.m. because Imbabura is in the north of the country and the ascent and descent together take roughly 8 hours 30 on the mountain.
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What does the price include?
USD 130 per person covers return transport from Quito, a certified bilingual guide, a box lunch and technical equipment (helmet and harness). Tips are not included.
Book this tour
Tell us your dates and we will confirm availability within 24 hours.
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