Cotopaxi (5897m)
Climbing Cotopaxi 2 days Trip
The still active volcano Cotopaxi (indigenous: neck of the moon) is the most popular mountain in South America and is situated in the homonymous national park.
The mountain is characterized by quite stable weather conditions, which makes it accessible all year round.
The summit is famous for it’s perfect cone shape, from where you have a fabulous view on the crater, with its diameter of 800 m. The climb is considered to be technical, because of the ice equipment needed, and because of its significant height. Normally you can do the tour in two days, but you also have the possibility to spend one more day in the national park to get used to altitude. In all cases you’ll be stuck by this impressive glacier
Cotopaxi is one of South America’s most famous volcanoes and one of its most active ones. With its 5897 m it also ranks among the world’s highest active volcanoes (26th highest).
The majestic, snow covered symmetrical stratovolcano is located on the Eastern Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, 60 km south of Quito and 35 km northeast of Latacunga.
Travel program
Itinerary:
Day 1: Quito 2800m - Jose Ribas Refuge 4862m
Day 2: Cotopaxi Summit 5897 m – Quito
Detailed Program
Day 1: Quito 2800m - Jose Ribas Refuge 4862m
We depart Quito at 9 AM for the Cotopaxi National Park. We hike from the parking area at 4600 meters to the refuge at 4800 meters where we have a box lunch, then in the afternoon (weather permitting) we hike to the glacier to practice with our equipment. Return to the refuge, and have dinner around 6 PM.
Day 2: Cotopaxi Summit 5897 m – Quito
We wake up at midnight to review equipment and have a cup of hot tea. Shortly afterward, after organizing our equipment, we begin our climb to the 5890 meter peak. The climb typically takes 5 to 6 hours. We generally reach the top at sunrise, and take some time to enjoy the amazing views and take pictures before we begin our descent, which typically takes about 3 hours. Return to the refuge, and we return to Quito around 1 or 2 PM.
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner BL= Box Lunch
What's Included
Services included in the prices:
- Permission for entry to the Wildlife Reserve of Chimborazo
- Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM) ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
- Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Land transportation and transfers
- Ruales Oleas Cayambe Refuge 1 night
- All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above with B: Breakfast, BL: Box lunch and D: Dinner)
- Short Glacier instruction course (It depends on the weather)
Not included:
- Personal mountain gear (warm cloths, sleeping bags, sun glasses, head lamp, etc.)
- Extra drinks in the Hut
- Tips
- Insurance of any kind
- Other non-specified expenses
Sleeping bag comfort zone -5°C (41°F) (rent for $10) |
Big and small back pack (rent for $10) |
Camelback type vessel for water |
Inside polar gloves |
Energy drinks and snacks |
Camera |
Sun cream |
Head lamp (rent for $10) |
Warm walking trousers |
Sunglasses |
Puffer jacket or similar Wool hat |
Walking sticks |
Face mask |
Large rucksack (50-70 liter) |
Reasonably day pack(35 liters) (needed from the refuge to Cayambe summit to accommodate plenty of water, crampons, warm gear including puffer jacket etc) |
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Prices & Dates
In Ecuador you can Climb all year, but these are the seasons
High Season: June to August / December to January
Low season: February to May / September to November
Ecuador is a fantastic destination that offers plenty of options for travel lovers. Galápagos and amazon Jungle are part of this amazing land.
Difficulty: Demanding
Dates & Prices: To be determined / Contact us! ✓
Places: 
*Available
Trip-code: Number ►Ec-1981
Duration: 2 days
Participants: Minimal: 2 Maximal: 12
Country / Location: Ecuador
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
Legend Booking-information
EZZ - Single room supplement
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