Antisana Summit

Challenge yourself by climbing Antisana (5,758m), the fourth highest volcano of Ecuador, and one of the least climbed! Due to the lack of a “standard route” and unstable weather conditions, Antisana is considered the most difficult of the four summits (Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana). It’s one of the most technical climbs in Ecuador, as well as one of the most demanding. Prepare for a rewarding experience of glacier climbing!

This tour can be organised from either The Secret Garden Cotopaxi or The Secret Garden Quito. However, we recommend staying at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, as it’s a much better location for acclimatisation! The hostel is located at 3,500 metres, 700 metres higher than Quito, which means you sleep high up and better prepare your body for high altitude. There are also many hiking options, perfect for training for the higher peaks!

Day 1: Machachi – Antisana Base Camp (15,092ft/4,600m)

We will leave from Machachi early in the morning and drive east for about 3 hours through the Andean highlands until we get to Laguna Santa Lucia (14,118ft/4,300m). Depending on the road conditions, we will drive up for another 30 minutes or more, to the end of the road until the base camp (15,092ft/4,600m). We will use the rest of the day for relaxation and hang out until dinner, which will be served by late afternoon. (-/-/D)

Day 2: Antisana Summit (18,891ft/5,758m) – Machachi

We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (18,891ft/5,758m) around 1am after a light breakfast. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours. The first part is about an hour hike to the glacier, where we put the crampons on and start the glacier ascent. Once at the summit, we will take our time for pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we will head back to the base camp in 2 to 3 hours. At the base camp we will rest, pack our belongings, have something to eat, drink and go down to the car, from where we return to Machachi. (B/-/-)

(Times are approximate)

Day 1
9.30am Depart from The Secret Garden Cotopaxi
10.30am Arrive in Machachi. Equipment check.
11am Depart from Machachi to Laguna Santa Lucia
2pm Arrive in Laguna Santa Lucia. Continue to drive or hike to base camp.
2.45pm Arrive at the base camp
5pm Light dinner and rest

Day 2
11.30pm Wake up, light breakfast and get ready
12.30am Start ascent
6.30am Arrive at the summit
6.45am Start descent
9.30am Arrive at the base camp
10am Depart to Machachi
1.30pm Arrive in Machachi

Price per person: 

1 pax: $725,00

2 paxs: $435,00

3 paxs: $450,00

Superior service
Private transportation and transfers from and to Machachi
Professional Mountain Guide IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide) or ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides) / ratio 2 climbers – 1 guide
Technical mountain equipment (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet)
Personal mountain gear (gaiters, waterproof trousers, jacket, gloves, sleeping bag, sunglasses and head torch)
Accommodation in a 2-persons tent
All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above with B: breakfast, D: dinner)
A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
National Park fees and permits registration
Permanent communication through walkie-talkie between guides and office in case of an emergency
Common gear: ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, rescue gear
Fully first aid kit (Recommended by NOLS WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE)
Rescue or evacuation service in case of any incident in the mountains

Transport from Secret Garden Cotopaxi to Machachi ($20 for up to 4 people)
Other items (backpack, batteries for the head torch, base layer tops/bottoms)
Single supplement
Meals and beverages at the hotels (lunch, dinner)
Snacks
Personal insurance
Tips
Other non-specified expenses