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Cotopaxi Luxury Adventure and Climbing Tour Ecuador – 8 Days of Exclusive Adventure
This exclusive 8-day high-altitude mountaineering program combines luxurious nature, comfortable accommodations, personalized services, and unforgettable climbing experiences. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ecuador’s Andean highlands while acclimatizing to the altitude and preparing for the ultimate summit of Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 m / 19,347 ft), one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. This tour is designed for discerning adventurers who seek adventure with luxury, comfort, and exceptional service.
- Day 1. Arrival in Quito 2,850 m. / 9,350 ft
- Day 2. Acclimatization Hike to Pasochoa Volcano 4,200 m. / 13,779 ft
- Day 3. Rumiñahui Volcano Hike 4722 m./15.492 ft.
- Day 4. Glacier School on Cotopaxi 5,000 m. / 16,404 ft
- Day 5. Rest & Relaxation Day 3,700 m. / 12139 ft (Lodge)
- Day 6. Hike to the Cotopaxi Refuge 4,864 m / 15,953 ft
- Day 7. Summit Cotopaxi 5,897 m. (19,347 feet)
- Day 8. End of the Trip
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Quito – Transfer to the hotel
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, where your Trip Advisor will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital. Take the rest of the day to relax and start acclimating to the altitude.
Feeling energetic? Explore Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial charm, or simply unwind at your hotel. A good night’s rest will prepare you for the adventure ahead. Overnight in Quito.
- Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Accommodation: Plaza Grande Quito https://www.plazagrandequito.com/
- Meals: Dinner/-/-
- Distance: 40 km (25 mi) from the airport
- Duration: 45-minute transfer
Day 2
Acclimatization Hike to Pasochoa Volcano
Enjoy a private transfer to Pasochoa Volcano for an exclusive hike to the summit, where you’ll be surrounded by panoramic views of the Andean peaks. After reaching the top, your personal guide will lead you on a scenic walk to Secret Garden Cotopaxi, a beautiful lodge with unparalleled views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Relax in the lodge's stylishly designed rooms, indulge in fine dining, and take in the tranquility of the highlands.
- Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft (Pasochoa)
- Meals: Gourmet Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner at Secret Garden
- Accommodation: Secret Garden Cotopaxi https://www.secretgardencotopaxi.com/
- Distance: 10 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours hike
Day 3
Rumiñahui Volcano Hike
Today, you'll explore Rumiñahui Volcano with a private, expert mountain guide. This non-technical hike offers spectacular views of the Cotopaxi National Park and the surrounding Andean landscapes. Afterward, head to Tambopaxi Lodge, a luxury retreat located within Cotopaxi National Park, where you'll enjoy the finest dining, a nice experience, and panoramic views of the majestic Cotopaxi.
- Altitude: 4722 m./15.492 ft. (Summit)
- Altitude: 3,700 m / 12139 ft (Lodge)
- Meals: Breakfast/Box Lunch/ Dinner
- Accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge https://tambopaxi.com/
- Distance: 10 km
- Duration: 4–6 hours Hike
Day 4
Glacier School on Cotopaxi
Experience a full day of glacier training on the majestic Cotopaxi Glacier, guided by certified ASEGUIM/UIAGM professionals. This exclusive session is designed to equip you with essential mountaineering skills, including proper use of crampons, ice axe techniques, self-arrest methods, glacier travel safety, and basic crevasse rescue maneuvers. You’ll practice roped team movement, ascending and descending steep icy slopes, and navigating crevassed terrain—all in a safe, controlled environment. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Cotopaxi’s high-altitude ice fields, this hands-on training is both exhilarating and educational. After the session, return to Tambopaxi Lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner and relax in the warmth and comfort of this high-end mountain retreat.
- Altitude: 5,000 m / 16,404 ft
- Meals: Breakfast/Box Lunch/ Dinner
- Accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge https://tambopaxi.com/
- Distance: 3km Round trip
- Duration: 4–5 hours of glacier training
Day 5
Rest & Relaxation Day
After an intense day of training or trekking, unwind at the serene Tambopaxi Lodge, nestled in the heart of Cotopaxi National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks and endless páramo, this eco-luxury refuge offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature. Relax by the fireplace with a hot drink, enjoy a delicious meal made with local ingredients, and soak in panoramic views of Cotopaxi from your cozy room. Whether you're journaling by the window or stargazing under the Andean sky, Tambopaxi is the perfect sanctuary to rest, recharge, and reconnect.
- Altitude: 3,700 m / 12139 ft (Lodge)
- Accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge https://tambopaxi.com/
- Meals: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
- Distance: -/-/-
- Duration: -/-/-
Day 6
Hike to Cotopaxi refuge
From Tambopaxi will drive to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4.500m/14,763 ft) then we’ll hike up for around an hour to the Jose Ribas Refuge. 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.
- Altitude: 4,864 m / 15,953 ft
- Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner
- Distance: 5 km (from parkigh lot to refuge)
- Duration: 1 hour
Day 7
Cotopaxi Summit
Midnight will be our wake-up time and the departure to the top (19,347ft/5.897m) will be around 01h00, not before having a light breakfast and getting our stuff ready for the ascent, the climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit we’ll take our time to take pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head down back to 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 to Quito. Overnight in the hotel.
- Altitude: 5,897 meters (19,347 feet)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Quito
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, -
- Distance: 10 km (round trip)
- Duration: 5-6 hours to the summit (including breaks)
Day 8
Departure – Fly Home
After a hearty breakfast, your private transport will take you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for your departure.
We hope that your stay with us has been the best and all that remains is to tell us that you have a good trip back home.
- Accommodation: Swissotel Quito
- Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- Acclimatization Climbing Program
- Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM) ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
- A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
- Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Land transportation and transfers
- Accommodations:
- 1 night at Plaza Grande Quito
- 1 night at Swissotel Quito
- 1 night at Secret Garden Cotopaxi
- 1 night at Cotopaxi refuge
- 3 nights at Tambopaxi Lodge
- All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
What's Not Included
- International flight tickets
- Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
- Insurance of any kin
- Tips
- Travel accident and health insurance
- Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
- Other non-specified expenses
This program is designed for adventure enthusiasts seeking a unique blend of luxury, nature, and high-altitude mountaineering. It is ideal for travelers with a moderate to high level of physical fitness and a passion for exploring Ecuador’s stunning volcanic landscapes in comfort.
No prior climbing experience is necessary. The program includes a full glacier training day with professional ASEGUIM/UIAGM-certified guides, where you will learn how to use crampons, ice axes, and practice rope techniques for crevasse safety.
You’ll stay in carefully selected premium lodges and mountain accommodations:
2 nights at a 4-star hotel in Quito (optional upgrade)
1 night at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi
3 nights at Tambopaxi Lodge
1 night at the José Rivas Refuge on Cotopaxi
All accommodations offer comfort, hot showers, and gourmet meals where available.
The summit of Cotopaxi reaches 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), which is the highest point of the tour. Altitude acclimatization is built into the program to increase your comfort and safety.
We take altitude seriously. The itinerary is designed with gradual acclimatization and overnight stays at increasing altitudes. Your guides are trained to monitor your health, and oxygen is available if needed.
All technical climbing gear is included: crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, and ropes. You’ll also receive guidance on what personal clothing and equipment to bring. A rental list is available upon request.
Daily breakfast is included at all accommodations, along with Delicius dinners at mountain lodges. During climbing days, all meals are provided. We cater to dietary needs—just let us know in advance.
Yes! We offer private departures and custom upgrades. If you prefer to stay at specific hotels (e.g., Hotel Plaza Grande in Quito), we’ll tailor the program to match your preferences and schedule.
The best climbing months for Cotopaxi are June through August and November through February. These periods typically offer the best weather and stable glacier conditions.
Yes, all participants must have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and mountaineering. This is essential for safety and peace of mind.
