Slide 1
$55 per person | From Quito

Iliniza Norte Summit

Ecuador's the oldest peak

From Quito

Moderate

From 150 USD p.p.

5,126 m / 16,817ft

We’ll summit:
  • Iliniza Norte: 5,126 m / 16,817ft

If you’re a solo traveler, we can try to match you to another climber.

Our itinerary

Iliniza Norte Summit

“Reach the Sky, Conquer Iliniza Norte.”

Day 1 - Meet up and Gear Check

We will meet at our office in Quito at 7:00 am to go over your mountain gear and make sure you’re fully prepared for the climb. At this point, you’ll receive your harness, helmet, and rope—the equipment you need to enjoy the climb safely and peacefully.

Travel to Iliniza Norte and Nuevos Horizontes Refuge

After the gear check, we head to La Virgen trailhead (3,900 m), the starting point in Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. We hike about 3 hours up to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge (4,700 m).

Summit: Iliniza Norte: 5,126 m / 16,817ft

From there, we begin the climb to Iliniza Norte, a rocky, scenic peak with some basic scrambling. The route takes 6 hours approximately and half of the time in return.

Return and Drop off
After summiting, we descend, enjoy a box lunch, and return to Quito to rest. We will arrive at approximately 18:00 or 19:00 pm.

Group Rate: from 150 USD per person with a minimum of 2 participants.

Solo Traveler Rate: from 300 USD for 1 participant. Alternatively, we can try to match you with another solo traveler for the tour.

Departures are every day of the week.

Important:

Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.

Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.

Although we recommend participants have good fitness for the hike’s and climbs physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.

Please note that when you are a solo traveler and request us to match you with another climber, we cannot guarantee the physical condition or prior experience of your partner, just as we cannot guarantee your conditions and experience to the other climber. As a solo traveler with significant mountain experience and a strong desire to ensure a successful summit, we always advise booking a private tour.

Certified ASEGUIM mountain bilingual guides

Private 4×4 transportation from/to Quito


Meals:

  • Day 1: Box Lunch

Technical equipment (rope, carabineer, helmet, harness, crampons)

Entry to Ecological Reserve

Summit certificate

Personal gear:

  • Base layers, fleece, inner gloves, 2–3 pairs of socks
  • 2 backpacks (40L and small daypack)
  • Neck warmer, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Sleeping bag
  • Camera
  • AAA batteries (2 sets for headlamp)

Extra water (min. 2 liters per day)

Extra food, snacks and drinks

Travel or accident insurance

Tips

Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.

Know what equipment is included and what to bring. Check our climbing equipment list before your ascent.

Group Rate: from 150 USD per person with a minimum of 2 participants.

Solo Traveler Rate: from 300 USD for 1 participant. Alternatively, we can try to match you with another solo traveler for the tour.

Departures are every day of the week.

Important:

Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.

Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.

Although we recommend participants have good fitness for the hike’s and climbs physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.

Please note that when you are a solo traveler and request us to match you with another climber, we cannot guarantee the physical condition or prior experience of your partner, just as we cannot guarantee your conditions and experience to the other climber. As a solo traveler with significant mountain experience and a strong desire to ensure a successful summit, we always advise booking a private tour.

Know what equipment is included and what to bring. Check our climbing equipment list before your ascent.

Certified ASEGUIM mountain bilingual guides

Private 4×4 transportation from/to Quito


Meals:

  • Day 1: Box Lunch

Technical equipment (rope, carabineer, helmet, harness, crampons)

Entry to Ecological Reserve

Summit certificate

Personal gear:

  • Base layers, fleece, inner gloves, 2–3 pairs of socks
  • 2 backpacks (40L and small daypack)
  • Neck warmer, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Sleeping bag
  • Camera
  • AAA batteries (2 sets for headlamp)

Extra water (min. 2 liters per day)

Extra food, snacks and drinks

Travel or accident insurance

Tips

Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.

Frequently Asked questions

Iliniza Norte

Q: How difficult is the Iliniza Norte climb?

The Iliniza Norte climb is considered a moderate, non-technical ascent. It does not require advanced mountaineering experience, but you should be in good physical condition and acclimatized to the altitude. The climb involves some scrambling over rocks at high elevation, reaching 5,126 m (16,818 ft). With an experienced guide, most active hikers find it a challenging yet very achievable summit.

Q: Do I need previous climbing experience to summit Iliniza Norte?

No previous climbing experience is required to summit Iliniza Norte. The route is considered non-technical, and your certified guide will assist you throughout the ascent. However, good physical fitness and proper acclimatization to the altitude are important to ensure a safe and enjoyable climb.

Q: What’s the altitude of Iliniza Norte?

Iliniza Norte stands at 5,126 meters (16,818 feet) above sea level, making it one of Ecuador’s most popular high-altitude summits for climbers and trekkers.

Q: What is the best time to climb Iliniza Norte?

The best time to climb Iliniza Norte is during the dry season, from June to August and from December to February. These months usually offer clearer skies, less rainfall, and more stable conditions for the ascent. However, weather in the Andes can be unpredictable year-round, so it’s always best to be prepared for changing conditions.

Q: How many people are in a group?

This climb is available for small groups with a minimum of two participants. For safety reasons, summit day is guided with a 1:2 guide-to-client ratio.

Q: What happens if we can’t reach the summit?

High-altitude climbing always depends on weather and physical condition. If conditions aren’t safe, the guide may decide to turn back. Your safety is always the top priority.