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Climb Cotopaxi Volcano Ecuador, a journey that challenges both body and spirit. In just 2 days, ascend to the breathtaking height of 5897m. This tour is designed for the adventurous soul seeking to touch the sky. Prepare to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, where the air is crisp, and the horizons are boundless. Your path to the summit awaits!
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Itineraries
Day 1
Cotopaxi Refuge
We will leave Quito early in the morning around 11:30 a.m. and we will drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we reach the town of El Chaupi. This town is the location of Cotopaxi-Travel’s homebase, there we will prepare all the necessary equipment for the ascent. We will have lunch at Andes Alpes Restaurant, and then we will continue to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. From here, we will head east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (14,764ft/4864m) and then we’ll hike for about an hour to the José Ribas Refuge (15,951 ft. / 4862 m.). Then we will have dinner and rest until midnight. At this point we will pack our belongings and get ready to make our final ascent.
- Meals: Lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge
Day 2
Cotopaxi Summit
Midnight will be our wake up time and the departure to the top (19,347ft/5897m) will be around 1am, after having a light breakfast and getting our stuff ready for the ascent. At the entrance of the glacier, your guide will explain all necesary tips needed for using crampons and ice axe if needed. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours and once at the summit we’ll take our time for pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head back down the refuge, which will take us 2 to 3 hours. Once at the refuge we will pack our belongings, have something to eat and go down to the parking lot, where our transportation will be ready to take us back to Quito (9,186ft/2800m).
- Meals: Light breakfast before the ascent and full breakfast after the ascent
- Qualified and experienced Ecuadorian local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM) ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
- Mountain Climbing Insurance
- Registration in the System SIB (System Information of Biodiversity )
- Technical mountain equipment
- Land transportation and transfers to Cotopaxi National Park
- Accomodation at Cotopaxi Refuge
- All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
- International flight tickets
- Hotel in Quito
- Tips
- Insurance of any kind
- Travel accident and health insurance
- Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
- Other non-specified expenses
It’s a guided mountaineering expedition to the summit of Cotopaxi (5,897 m / 19,347 ft) — one of Ecuador’s most famous and active volcanoes, located in the heart of the Andes.
Cotopaxi is a moderately challenging glacier climb that requires good physical condition. Climbers use crampons, ice axes, and ropes under the supervision of certified ASEGUIM guides.
No prior technical experience is required. Our guides teach you basic glacier techniques such as walking with crampons and ice axe self-arrest. Good fitness and acclimatization are essential.
The classic Cotopaxi climb takes 2 days — Day 1 for approach and rest at the refuge, and Day 2 for the midnight summit attempt and descent.
The expedition begins at El Chaupi (3,300 m / 10,826 ft), home of Cotopaxi Travel and Ilinizas Mountain Lodge, before heading to Cotopaxi National Park and the José Ribas Refuge (4,864 m / 15,953 ft).
We provide all technical equipment: ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness, and ropes. You only need proper mountain clothing and hiking boots. Rentals are available at Andes Alpes Mountain Gear Rental.
Professional ASEGUIM guide, transportation, meals during the climb, park fees, refuge accommodation, and technical gear. Private and group options are available.
The best seasons are June–September and December–February, when weather and glacier conditions are most stable and summit success rates are higher.
All climbs are led by ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified guides equipped with first-aid kits, oxygen, and communication radios. Safety protocols are followed throughout the ascent.
You can book directly on Cotopaxi Travel
or through our WeTravel platform. Early booking is advised, especially during the high season.
