(5263 masl)
Iliniza Sur is one of the two peaks that comprise the potentially active stratovolcano Ilinizas. To reach the summit, a technical level is necessary and it is generally used as a pre-acclimatization scald before higher peaks such as Chimborazo, Cotopaxi or Cayambe.
The peak of Iliniza Sur is the highest of the two peaks. It is with ice and needs a technical level to climb it. It is necessary to go with a guide and climbing equipment. It takes four hours to climb to the summit from the shelter. Most mountaineers arrive at the refuge the day before, sleep there, and in the morning they start climbing towards the summit. More experienced mountaineers manage to make the two summits in a single day. However, weather conditions can change suddenly and make the odyssey difficult.
TO CLIMB THE ILINIZA VOLCANO:
To climb the Ilinizas it is necessary to go in a 4WD especially in rainy seasons or rent a van-taxi ($ 15, 30 min) in Chaupi to the parking lot called the Virgin. You can negotiate for the taxi to pick you up in the afternoon, however, just pay one way and when you return to pick them up pay the other one. Otherwise, most taxi drivers will not return in the afternoon.
The checkpoint and entrance is 10 minutes from the town of Chaupi by a third order road. it is necessary to register. Open from 8am to 5pm. Then the trip continues with the same truck for 20 more minutes to the parking lot called La Virgen (3950 masl). From the Virgin there is 3.5 km of climb on foot that takes about 3 hours to the New Horizons refuge (4700msnm) on the slopes of the Ilinizas. The last kilometer of the walk is the most demanding with a steep slope.
Most mountaineers and tours take you to the refuge on the first day (take sleeping for -8 ° and food, shelter has kitchen with basic utensils) The second day early in the morning (4 am-5am) the ascent starts for 4 hours towards the summit and then return to Quito. However, it is possible to do it in a single day starting the day very early.
To get to Chaupi you can take a bus from Machachi ($ 0.35, 40 min). There are buses every 30 minutes from 5:30 am to 8pm.
To get to Machachi you can take a bus from Quito (La Marín Station) ($ 0.40, 45 min).
Cascada río Pita Saturday 22 February 2025
Tourism
