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Climb Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m/19,347 ft)
This tour is recommended for experienced or beginners climbers who have already acclimatized in Ecuador.
Cotopaxi is the most beautiful volcano in the world, as well as one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the second highest volcano in Ecuador. The climb to the summit of Cotopaxi is not highly technical, but it does require the use of crampons, ice axes and ropes. Departing from the refuge around midnight climbers begin the ascent of the volcano reaching at the top of Cotopaxi after sunrise at 6 am. Here, climbers can enjoy the breathtaking views of Cotopaxi's crater and on clear days, it is possible to see all of Quito. We recommend to you our Acclimatization Packages to ensure that you to enjoy your climbing experience!
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Itineraries
Day 1
Climb to Cotopaxi Refuge
We will leave Quito early in the morning around 11:30 AM 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.
Included meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge
Day 2
Climb to 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).
Included meals: Light breakfast before the ascent and full breakfast after the ascent
- Qualified and experienced Ecuadorian local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM - max 2 climbers per guide)
- Registration in the System SIB (System Information of Biodiversity)
- Technical mountain equipment (Mountaineering Boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Land transportation and transfers to Cotopaxi National Park
- Accommodation at Cotopaxi Refuge
- All meals during the hikes and climbs
- Personal mountain gear (warm cloths, sleeping bags, sunglasses, head lamp, etc.)
- 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
We kindly refer to our Terms and Conditions page which can be found in the footer of our website.
In Ecuador you can hike all year, but these are the seasons:
- High Season: June to August / December to January
- Low season: February to May / September to November
No prior climbing experience is required. Climbers should be in good physical condition and it is highly recommended that they have some backpacking experience.
