Climb Antisana

Climb Antisana

Climb Antisana: Ecuador’s Wild and Forbidden Giant

If you’re an experienced mountaineer looking for something off the beaten path in Ecuador, Antisana might just be the mountain you’ve been dreaming of. At 5,704 meters (18,714 ft), it’s the fourth-highest volcano in Ecuador—and by far one of the least climbed. Why? Because this icy colossus is as remote, wild, and technical as they come.

But make no mistake: Antisana isn’t just a climb—it’s a privilege.

A Mountain of Mystery and Challenge

Antisana lies tucked deep within the protected Antisana Ecological Reserve, a high-altitude wilderness home to Andean condors, spectacled bears, and one of the largest glacier systems in the country. Getting to the base of the mountain already feels like an expedition—long drives across páramo grasslands, rough dirt roads, and strict access controls.

And that’s no accident: Antisana is under strict environmental protection, and climbing is only permitted through licensed tour operators with certified mountain guides. This is not a mountain where you can show up with your gear and hope for the best. The glacier is dynamic and treacherous, with shifting crevasses, collapsing seracs, and no marked trail. You must be roped up and properly guided.

We’re proud to be one of the few licensed operators allowed to lead expeditions to Antisana, always with ASEGUIM-certified mountain guides.

Climbing Routes and What to Expect

The most common route to the summit is via the North Face Glacier Route. Climbers begin their push around midnight from the glacier edge, after being dropped off near the basecamp at ~4,500 meters. The first few hours involve steady glacier travel in roped teams, navigating hidden crevasses in the dark. As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes steeper—especially near the final ridge.

Summit day can take 8–10 hours round trip, depending on weather and glacier conditions. You’ll need crampons, ice axe, full alpine gear, and glacier travel experience. Our guides set the route using the latest GPS tracks, but keep in mind: the glacier changes every season—sometimes every week—so flexibility is part of the challenge.

Why Climb Antisana?

Because it’s still wild. Still quiet. Still real.

While other volcanoes like Cotopaxi or Chimborazo are beautiful and iconic, Antisana offers a kind of raw mountaineering experience that’s becoming rare. You’re not surrounded by other teams. You’re not climbing on a well-trodden route. You’re out there with your guide, your rope team, and the elements.

You’ll also enjoy:

  • Wildlife sightings: This reserve is home to Andean condors, foxes, and even pumas.
  • Stunning glacier formations: Massive seracs, deep blue ice, and towering crevasses.
  • Panoramic views from the summit of Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and even into the Amazon basin on clear days.

Legal Access: What You Need to Know

It’s important to be clear: climbing Antisana without a licensed operator is illegal and dangerous. Access to the reserve is controlled by Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and local rangers. Only registered companies with permission and certified guides are allowed to take climbers into the reserve—and even then, access is limited and monitored.

At Ecuador Eco Adventure, we handle all permits, logistics, transportation, and safety protocols so that you can focus on the climb. Our guides are ASEGUIM-licensed, trained in high-altitude rescue, and deeply familiar with Antisana’s constantly evolving terrain.

Acclimatization and Preparation

This is not a beginner’s mountain. We recommend climbers spend at least a week acclimatizing before attempting Antisana, including climbs like:

  • Rucu Pichincha (4,698 m)
  • Iliniza Norte (5,126 m)
  • Cotopaxi (5,897 m) – often used as a warm-up for Antisana

Antisana is also a great next step for climbers preparing for bigger peaks in Peru, Bolivia, or the Himalayas.

Join Our Antisana Expeditions

Our company, organizes private and small group expeditions to Antisana during the main climbing seasons—June to August, and December to February. Each trip includes:

  • Transportation from Quito
  • All permits and access fees
  • Meals and basecamp setup
  • High-quality technical gear rental available
  • A summit attempt with certified guides

Whether you’re working toward all of Ecuador’s 5,000-meter peaks or simply looking for your next alpine challenge, Antisana will test your skills and reward your spirit.

🌋 Ready to climb Ecuador’s most elusive volcano?
📅 Check out our upcoming dates or join an open expedition on our website.
📞 Got questions? Contact us via WhatsApp or email—we’re happy to help you prepare.

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