Iliniza Norte

Illinizas are stratovolcanos in Ecuador, located about 55 km southwest of Quito. Illiniza, a dormant stratovolcano, consists of two snow covered peaks: Illiniza Sur (5,248 m) and Illiniza Norte (5,126 m). Whilst Illiniza Sur (the southern peak) is a more difficult climb due to its glacial nature, Illiniza Norte requires little or no climbing expertise, and may be done as a trekking peak. A guide is still recommended, however, as the path becomes hard to navigate as it approaches the summit. The Illinizas are generally thought to be the best acclimatization mountains in Ecuador, and are frequently used as a preparatory climb to higher peaks such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Cayambe.