Iliniza Sur

Illiniza has two summits that provide very different climbing experiences. The northern peak (Illiniza Norte, 16,785 ft) lies two hours southwest of Quito and is mostly trekking and scrambling. It is frequently used as a warm-up climb before attempting Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.

The more glacial Illiniza Sur (17,267 ft) is a more difficult climb that even outwitted the legendary British climber Edward Whimper, who failed twice. The refuge, located at 15,090 feet, can be used to reach either peak. Both summits are best hiked with a mountain guide to avoid risky terrain and gain access to specific equipment.

Unfortunately, Illiniza Sur has lost the majority of its surviving glaciers, and it may lose all of them by the end of the next decade. Aside from that, Illiniza Sur is a lovely steep peak with superb difficult ice/snow climbing routes and stunning views of the surrounding Ecuadorian Andes mountains and valleys.

MORE INFORMATION:
Elevation: 17267 ft
Location: Iliniza Sur, Ecuador