Illiniza Ecological Reserve, Alangasi

The peak of Illiniza Norte is often "used" to acclimatise to the altitude before tackling the highest peaks (Cotopaxi, Chimborazo), but is demanding an ascent of more than 5,100 cmq. mt. We faced during the day (some instead stop one night at the refuge, at 4,700 meters, then continue). From the parking lot (about 3,900 m) climb to the hut (approximately 2.5 hours) for a break and then continue to the second part of the climb, the steeper (in some places also serve hands), with last about 2.5 hours. But the feeling of arriving at cross placed on top is 1 unique emotion! The descent, through an area of arena, is much faster ... and steep!