Corazon on a misty morning seen from the flanks of Iliniza Sur

Main Climbing Route: You can begin hike at old railroad station or for a shorter hike drive as far as you can along the road. If hiking from the railroad station just follow road. You can continue switchbacking on the road (or get off it for more adventure) until it ends in the paramo. Follow the irriagation canal towards a saddle between Corazon and another peak. Next head up scree slopes to summit. You should see cairns or painted rocks to mark your way. Budget 5-8 hours of hiking from town of Aloasi.

Additional Routes: Follow road from Machachi to Santo Domingo to Aloag and take left fork near railway station. 12km down the road you will reach Hacienda La Granja (mules possible from here if you like). Head south across paramo for about 6km heading for saddle. Follow description above from here.

Suggested Reading: Climbing and Hiking in Ecuador, 4th edition

Getting There: Take a bus from Terminal Terrestre heading south on Pan-American Highway and ask driver to leave you at the turnoff for Aloasi. Go through town on cobbled road for about 3km until you reach the railroad station. Approximately 100m past station take the dirt road going left. (see above)

Other recommendations: If you are taking a bus this is a 2 day trip so you will need to bring your gear.

Back to the Ecuador Climbing pages...

Created by SAE member Tim Tadder, www.cotopaxi.com
Changes or updates? Please email ttadder@fcaq.k12.ec