Signature trip
Four days from Marrakech to climb Toubkal, 4,167 metres and the roof of North Africa, with the local Berber team.
Trip overview
Toubkal, Roof of the Atlas
Four days from Marrakech to climb Toubkal by the normal route: from the Berber valley of Imlil to the Toubkal refuge, passing the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, and a summit at 4,167 metres, the highest point in North Africa. The whole trip is led by the team of Berber guides of the High Atlas, with flexible departures and a summit that always depends on the weather and the local guide's judgement.
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Who will be with you on this trip
The trip is led from start to finish by the team of Berber guides of the High Atlas, with no additional Spanish coordinator. They live in the valleys of Toubkal and know every pass, every refuge and exactly the right pace for climbing sensibly.
Working with the local team means a more authentic experience and a fairer price, and a Spanish-speaking guide is available so that language is not a barrier. The decision to go for the summit is always made on the ground.
Flexible dates
This experience runs with our partner team on the ground, who organise and sell the trip's services directly. At Ecotour we design the itinerary, explain how it works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you're ready to go ahead.
Local team on the ground
You travel through Morocco with the local team, who organise and guide the trip on the ground. Ecotour helps you decide.
Start day
Pick your start day: the 4 days of the trip are marked automatically.
We explain how the trip works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you want to go ahead.
We design the itinerary and support you throughout your decision. Sending the form is not a booking or a payment.
Flexible dates: get in touch and we'll tell you about the next departure windows and how the trip is organised.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll contact you personally. It isn't a booking or a payment, just a request for information.
Complete freedom
A route just for you and your group, with the freedom to adapt the dates, pace and priorities of the trip.
We tailor the itinerary and pace, and shape the proposal with you. No commitment until every detail is settled.
2026
Choose a month and we'll tell you the availability and price for those dates. The price varies with dates, group size and available accommodation.
Arrival in Marrakech and meeting with the local team, who drive the group to Imlil (1,740 m), an hour and a half along a mountain road. Afternoon to organise your kit, stroll along the valley and settle into the new rhythm.
Imlil
Climb towards the Toubkal cirque following the Assif Ait Mizane valley. You pass Sidi Chamharouch (2,310 m), a small shrine beside the river, and keep gaining height to the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m). Five to six hours of walking and around 1,470 metres of elevation gain. Afternoon of rest and acclimatisation.
Toubkal refuge
Departure before dawn. You climb the cirque to the Toubkal col (Tizi n'Toubkal, about 3,940 m) and, along the final ridge of boulders, reach the summit at 4,167 metres. Descent back to the refuge. Between seven and nine hours in the mountains for the day.
Toubkal refuge
Descent from the refuge to Imlil, three to four hours, and transfer back to Marrakech. End of the trip or connection with your return flight.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Marrakech and meeting with the local team, who drive the group to Imlil (1,740 m), an hour and a half along a mountain road. Afternoon to organise your kit, stroll along the valley and settle into the new rhythm.
DAY 2
Climb towards the Toubkal cirque following the Assif Ait Mizane valley. You pass Sidi Chamharouch (2,310 m), a small shrine beside the river, and keep gaining height to the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m). Five to six hours of walking and around 1,470 metres of elevation gain. Afternoon of rest and acclimatisation.
DAY 3
Departure before dawn. You climb the cirque to the Toubkal col (Tizi n'Toubkal, about 3,940 m) and, along the final ridge of boulders, reach the summit at 4,167 metres. Descent back to the refuge. Between seven and nine hours in the mountains for the day.
DAY 4
Descent from the refuge to Imlil, three to four hours, and transfer back to Marrakech. End of the trip or connection with your return flight.
Trip highlights
Marrakech, gateway to the Atlas
The trip starts in Marrakech: meeting the local team, checking your kit and a first contrast of city, souk and mountain before heading up into altitude.
The Imlil valley
Imlil, at 1,740 metres, is the gateway to Toubkal: Berber villages built of stone, walnut trees, terraced fields and mule tracks climbing towards the cirque. The walk starts and finishes here.
The Toubkal refuge
Two stone buildings at 3,207 metres, in a cirque of boulders and snowfields beneath the north face of Toubkal. You walk up via Sidi Chamharouch, a small shrine beside the river, and spend two nights here.
The summit of Toubkal
4,167 metres: the highest point in Morocco and in all of North Africa. The final ridge opens a huge view over the Atlas and, on clear days, over the plain stretching towards the Sahara.
High Atlas mountain leaders who accompany the group throughout the four days, summit day included. A Spanish-speaking guide is available.
Local Berber guide teamMarrakech to Imlil and back by road, as per the programme.
Transfers at the destinationOne night in Imlil and two nights in the Toubkal refuge, with breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners from day 1 to day 4.
Accommodation and full board on the trekOrganisation of the route, mules to carry heavy luggage up to the refuge and support from the local team throughout the activity.
Mountain logisticsInternational flights to and from Marrakech, travel insurance and mountain rescue cover (compulsory), drinks and personal expenses, hotel nights in Marrakech before or after the programme, tips and personal mountain gear.
What is not includedYou must travel with insurance covering medical assistance, mountain activity and rescue, as well as cancellation cover. It is not included in the price.
Even if it is hot in Marrakech and Imlil, temperatures drop sharply at the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m) and on the summit (4,167 m), especially in the early morning: bring warm clothing even for a summer departure.
The summit is at 4,167 m and you sleep at 3,207 m. It is best to arrive rested, climb at a gentle pace on day 2 and tell your guide about any symptom of altitude sickness.
Frequently asked questions
No climbing technique or technical equipment is needed: Toubkal is climbed by the normal route, on a path and boulder terrain. You do need to be comfortable walking for six to nine hours in the mountains and at altitude. We talk it through with you before confirming your place.
This trip is organised and sold by a partner team at the destination. Here at Ecotour we explain how it works, answer your questions and put you in touch with them when you want to go ahead. No booking or payment is made through Ecotour.
Departures are flexible: you choose the dates and it is organised with the local team, at the same price. The usual season runs from March to November; in March and early spring there can still be snow high up, and the local team will tell you whether winter equipment is needed. From December to February Toubkal is a winter ascent, handled separately.
No. Reaching the summit of Toubkal always depends on the weather, the condition of the mountain, the group's pace and the judgement of the local guide.
Travel insurance covering medical assistance, mountain activity and rescue. It is not included in the price and is compulsory to take part.
Yes. The programme starts and ends in Marrakech; hotel nights in the city before or after are arranged separately, depending on each traveller's flight.
Gallery
Reviews
Sara Rojas3 months ago
Morocco
Just back from spending a few days in Morocco with Ecotour, all I can say is that the experience was wonderful, the kind that leaves unforgettable memories and makes life even more beautiful!!! Thank you
Hector Rus2 years ago
Morocco
I went on a trip to Morocco with Ecotour and Javi: 4 people and two specialists in snake spotting and rescue. Honestly, the number of different species we saw was surprising, from cobras to vipers and grass snakes, very big desert lizards, geckos and so on. It was non-stop, including getting into Western Sahara, with a group that from minute one felt like we'd known each other all our lives, great vibes and lots and lots of passion for animals and sharing. I learned a ton of things and was able to handle these animals in complete safety. I'd also say that I never felt we were going through tourist spots, quite the opposite. The places we passed through hadn't seen outsiders for days. That means that, besides everything being cheaper, you feel you've really got into the heart of a trip. One hundred percent adventure; more than a tour, it was a trip among friends passionate about animals. Thanks for everything, Javi, and for being there looking out for everyone. A big hug, and I'll do it again as soon as I can, no doubt. 🫂🙌
Sergio Gonzalez Yagüe2 years ago
Morocco
The trip to Morocco was one of the best moments of my life, 10/10, nothing more to add.
Lara Redondo González2 years ago
Morocco
How lovely it is when things are done with passion! A truly authentic trip with Javi in Morocco. If I were you, I'd rush to grab the next place :)
Juan Pablo Bernalte Toledo2 years ago
Morocco
This trip to Morocco was magical, the organisation and the guides super professional, every day an adventure. 100% recommended.
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier. Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
Adrian Romero Fernandez2 years ago
Patagonia
I set off on a trip to the southernmost point in the world with Eco Tour and the experience couldn't have been better. Without a doubt, I'd do it again a thousand times!
Veronica Bimba2 years ago
Patagonia
I went on a trip to Chilean Patagonia with Javi last Christmas and it was impressive!! Besides the scenery, which is truly incredible, Javi's management and organisation were great. Before the trip he advises you on everything you need, and during the trip he was one more companion and friend. A good person and a good professional, I'd definitely travel with him again.
rajae azelmad3 months ago
Honest and good experience
Rut V2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat. He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes. Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest. 100% recommended
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