Cotopaxi (19,348’), one of the most active volcanoes of the world. one of the country’s most famous peaks. Our climb brings us up Cotopaxi’s massive glaciers and through its fields of crevasses to the summit perched along the airy volcanic rim.
Cotopaxi and offer superb alpine climbing for intermediate climbers. the climbs involve moderately steep slopes and prior knowledge of roped travel, crampon techniques, and ice axe arrest is recommended; a review of these basic mountaineering techniques is built into the itinerary. This climb is ideal for mountaineers looking to build their climbing skills, climb to new elevations, and take part in the excitement of an international climbing expedition.
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights.
Difficulty: Medium – Moderate
Altitude: 19,347 ft (5.897 m)
Day 01: Arrive Quito (9,186ft/2.800m).
If you arrive Quito in the morning, in the afternoon City tour in Quito’s colonial old town, including museums and churches (aprox. 4 hours).. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 02: acclimatization day ( tour Pasochoa 4,250m.).
We’ll leave from Quito early in the morning and will drive southeast aprox. 2 hours through the Andean highlands until getting to the trail head (10,827ft/3.300m). The hike goes through an amazing primary Andean forest, great for bird watching, as we will arrive on the summit (13,778ft/4.230m) and if the weather allows, we’ll be able to see the surrounding snow capped mountains, such as Antisana, Cayambe, Illinizas, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo far away to the south in clear days. It will take us aprox. 6 hours the round hike. Return to Quito by late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 03: Quito – Jose Rivas refugee 4,800m.
We’ll leave from Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) early in the morning (8h00) and will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here will drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (14,764ft/4.500m) from “Limpiopungo” camping area, then we’ll hike up for another hour to the Jose Rivas Refuge (15,748ft/4.800m). Once at the refuge we will store our belongings in safe lockers. Lunch will be served soon after.
In the afternoon we’ll head up to the glacier for ice practices and training (2 hours approx). We’ll learn some basic techniques which will include how to handle climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, etc). We’ll go back to the Refuge for dinner and rest. (BL/D)
Day 04: Refugee – Cotopaxi summit 5,897m – Refugee – Quito
At midnight will be our wake up time and the departure to the top (19,347ft/5.897 m) will be around 1:00 a.m., before having a light breakfast and get our stuff ready for the ascent which will take us about 6 to 8 hours. Each climber will get a box lunch for the climb. Once at the summit we’ll take our time to take pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head down back the refuge (3 to 4 hours).
Once at the refuge will pack our belongings, have lunch and go back to the parking lot where our transportation will be ready to take us back to Quito.
Day 05.-Quito – back Home
INCLUDE IN THE PRICE
- Private transportation to the whole tour
- Professional ASEGUIM mountain guide (ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
- Meals on the mountain as mentioned above (B: Breakfast; BL: Box Lunch; D: Dinner)
- Accommodation in hut
- Cotopaxi National Park Entrance fee
- Acclimatization tour Pasachoa 4,250 m.
- Pick up from airport , transfer hotel
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Sleeping bag and mattress
- Personal Climbing gears ( harness ,plastic boots, grampons, ice axes helmets, sunglasses, pants, jacket etc)
- Hotel in Quito 3 nights
- Tips
- Extra drinks in the hut
- Meal in town
When to go: June to August – january to March
Contact us or use our trip planner to build your ideal trip and receive a detailed quote from our specialist staff. price is based on two people, if more join the price goes down. We can run this as a private trip.
PRICE:
» $410 USD (Minimum 2 people)
