Summiting Ecuador’s Three Highest Peaks

Ecuador provides a really special opportunity to summit a number of iconic mountains all within a single holiday, weather permitting. The three highest peaks are Chimborazo, Cotopaxi and Cayambe and all three have something remarkable that sets them aside from other mountains.

Cayambe (5790m) is the highest point on the equator and due to its glacier means it is the only point on the equator that is covered with snow all year round. Cotopaxi (5897m) is a active volcano that last erupted as recently as 2016 and when you reach the summit you can look directly down into the smouldering crater. Chimborazo (6268m) is the highest mountain in Ecuador and due to the equatorial bulge, is the furthest point from the centre of the earth and therefore the closest you can get to space.

What makes these mountains especially appealing is that they are all non technical climbs. Please note that by law you will need a local guide.