MOUNTAIN CLIMBING ITINERARIES RECOMMENDATIONS The following is the recommended equipment: all trekking equipment; mountaineering boots (double koflack or similar); head lamp; storm jacket (goretex or similar); over mitts; harness; crampons; gaiters; ice axe; sun cream & more personal items. SNOW AND FIRE (8 days) This is a program specially designed for climbers who want to experience the challenge of climbing three of the most beautiful volcanoes near Quito, having at the same time the opportunity to experience hot calderas and perpetual snow. Day 1. - We leave Quito early in the morning in order to start with our first climb to the active Guagua Pichincha volcano. Lunch at the shelter. PM. A short walks to the top of the volcano (15,992-ft). Back to the shelter for dinner & overnight. Day 2. - Breakfast. Very early in the morning we'll go the crater and start our descending to the crater of the volcano where we can see fumaroles and geysers. If we continue down we will find the thermal baths surrounded by exotic vegetation, where you can take a dip. Lunch. PM. Drive to the hotel in the Cotopaxi Province for dinner & overnight. Day 3. - Breakfast. In the morning we go to the Cotopaxi National Park for a hike in the Limpiopungo area. Lunch. PM. We'll hike / drive to the Cotopaxi's shelter for dinner & overnight. Day 4. - Breakfast. Today we will have a full day in the glaciers of the Cotopaxi for training and practicing for the summit. Lunch, dinner & overnight at the shelter. Day 5. - Breakfast. After midnight we start our ascension to the top of the highest volcano on earth (19,348 ft). We will reach the top after 6 or 7 hours climb. Lunch. PM. Back to the shelter and then drive to the Cayambe hut for dinner & overnight. Day 6. - Breakfast. Full day in the glaciers of the Cayambe for training and practicing for the summit. Lunch, dinner & overnight at the shelter. Day 7. - Breakfast. Starting the climb after midnight for approximately 6 hours we reach the summit of the volcano (18,997-ft). Lunch. PM. Return to Quito & overnight. Day 8. - Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take the international flight or extension program.   ABOVE THE CLOUDS (10 days) If you really like to have a good challenge in the Andes, the following program will cover all your expectations regarding high mountain climbing in the highest volcanoes of Ecuador. Day 1. - In the morning we drive south of Quito along the very Famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to the Illinizas. Lunch. PM. Training for the summit. Dinner and overnight at the hut. Day 2. - Breakfast. Early in the morning we start our ascent to the top of the Illiniza Norte (16,818-ft). Lunch. Return to the shelter and then we continue with our trip to the Cotopaxi National Park area. Dinner and overnight in Limpiopungo. Day 3. - Breakfast. In the morning we explore more of this beautiful area. Lunch. Then we go the Cotopaxi's shelter for dinner and overnight. Day 4. - Breakfast. Full day at the Cotopaxi's glaciers for training and practicing for the summit. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the shelter. Day 5. - Breakfast. After midnight we start our ascension to the top of the Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on earth (19,348 ft). We will reach the top after a 6 or 7 hour climb. Lunch. PM. Back to the shelter and then we will continue with our trip to the Chimborazo Volcano. Dinner and overnight at the Chimborazo's shelter. Day 6. - Breakfast. Full day at the Chimborazo's glaciers for training for the summit. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the shelter. Day 7. - Breakfast. Before midnight we leave the shelter in order to reach the summit of the Chimborazo which is the highest mountain of Ecuador (20,703 ft). We'll reach the peak of the mountain after approximately 8 hours climb. Lunch. The descent will take about 4 hours. Then we drive to Baņos for dinner and overnight. Day 8. - Breakfast. In the morning we go to the hut of the Tungurahua Volcano. Lunch. PM. Training and practice for the summit. Dinner and overnight at the shelter. Day 9. - Breakfast. Early morning we start our climb up through lava and lava rocks to the peak, finding snow in most areas. The climb takes about 5 hours and once at the top of the Tungurahua (16,458 ft), we'll be able to see fumaroles and spectacular view of the jungle area in the east. And beautiful snow peaks of the high mountains to the west. Lunch. Return to Quito & overnight. Day 10. - Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take the international flight or extension program.