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Trekking and Climbing Cotopaxi Summit
Climbing Cotopaxi (5,897 m / 19,347 ft), one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, is an unforgettable high-altitude adventure set in the heart of Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. This expedition combines scenic trekking across Andean landscapes with a thrilling glacier climb to the summit. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a fit trekker looking to push your limits, Cotopaxi offers the perfect blend of challenge and beauty. Our programs include expert ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified guides, acclimatization hikes, and all the gear you need for a safe and successful climb. From sunrise views over the Andes to walking on ancient ice, Cotopaxi is a bucket-list experience that will stay with you forever.
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Itineraries
Day 1:
Arrival in Quito
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.
- Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito
- Meals: -/-/-
- Distance: 40 km from the airport
- Duration: 45 - minutes transfer
Day 2:
Acclimatization - Hike to Saquihua Hill
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you from Quito to Iliniza
Mountain Lodge (3300 m. 10,827Ft.), a cozy retreat surrounded
by stunning Andean landscapes. The scenic 1.2-hour drive
passes through rural villages and rolling highlands, setting the
tone for your adventure. In the afternoon, your first
acclimatization hike begins. The trail to Saquihua Hill is a gentle
yet rewarding trek, helping your body adjust to the altitude.
- Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,795 feet)
- Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance: 4 km (round trip)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Day 3
Hike to El Corazón Volcano
From El Chaupi village, we will start early in the morning after
breakfast at 7:00 am. We will drive up to the trailhead
(13,120ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part of the
hike takes us up through the small Andean grass. Then we will
get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to Corazón
summit. The hike is about 4-6 hours long. Return to the Lodge.
- Altitude: 4,788 meters (15,708 feet)
- Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance: 10 km (round trip)
- Duration: 4-6 hour (including summit time)
Day 4
Hike to Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
Our adventure starts in the morning at 10:00 am. We´ll drive to
La Virgen parking lot (3,900m), the starting point of our trek. From
here, we embark on a 3-hour hike through rugged terrain and
stunning landscapes, ascending to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge.
The air thins as we gain altitude, and the beauty of the Andean
highlands surrounds us with every step.
- Altitude: 4,700 meters (15,420 feet)
- Accommodation: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance: 5 km
- Duration: 2-3 hour
Day 5
Summit Iliniza Norte
Our climbing day starts at 5 am. We will have a light breakfast,
pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge an hour later.
We will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between
both peaks and then to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/ 5.126 m).
The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scrambling. Once
at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful
surroundings.
- Altitude: 5,126 meters (16,818 feet)
- Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance: 10 km
- Duration: 4-6 hour (including summit time)
Day 6
Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge
From El Chaupi will drive south through the Avenue of the
Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance.
From here we will drive east 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: 4,864meters (15,953 feet)
- Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Distance: 1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)
- Duration: 1 hour hike
Day 7
Summit Cotopaxi
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 5 to 6 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 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 Baños city. Overnight in the hotel.
- Altitude: (5,897 meters / 19,347 feet)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Quito
- Meals: Breakfast/-/-
- Distance: Climb 10 k (round trip).
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours to the summit (including breaks) 2-3 Hours Back Down
- Transfer: 1:30 hours Drive to Quito
Day 8
Departure – Fly Home
After a final breakfast overlooking the Andes, enjoy a private
transfer to the airport. Depart Ecuador with unforgettable
memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences,
and luxurious moments. Until next time, Ecuador awaits your
return! Accommodations: Tungurahua Refuge
- Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito
- Meals: Breakfast/-/-
- Distance: 40 km from Quito
- Duration: 45 - minutes transfer
Services included in the tour cost:
- Mountain Climbing Insurance
- 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
- Accommodation:
- 3 nights in Ilinizas Mountain Lodge
- 1 Nuevos Horizontes hut
- 1 night at Jose Ribas Refuge
- 2 nights at hotel in Quito
- All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
- Insurance of any kind
- Tips
- Travel accident and health insurance
- Other non-specified expenses
The cost of climbing Cotopaxi varies depending on the tour package and inclusions. Cotopaxi Summit 2 Days: $290 – $590 Cotopaxi Summit + Acclimatization Package: $845 – $1,280 Climb Cotopaxi & Chimborazo (9 Days): $1,350 – $2,890 These packages typically include: ✔️ Certified ASEGUIM mountain guide ✔️ Accommodation at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge for acclimatization ✔️ Technical gear (crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet, etc.) ✔️ Meals during the climb ✔️ National park permits ✔️ Transportation to and from the trailhead
Yes, beginners can climb Cotopaxi, but proper preparation is crucial. Unlike trekking peaks, Cotopaxi requires basic mountaineering skills, such as using crampons and an ice axe. Many first-time climbers train for weeks in advance and complete an acclimatization program with hikes to lower peaks like Iliniza Norte (5,126 m) or Corazón (4,788 m). Hiring a certified ASEGUIM guide ensures a safe and guided introduction to high-altitude climbing.
The best months to climb Cotopaxi are: ✔️ June to August (Dry Season) – Cold but with stable weather and clear skies. ✔️ November to February – Less crowded and excellent climbing conditions. While Cotopaxi can be climbed year-round, April-May and October tend to be rainier, making the ascent more challenging.
