Trip Description
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!!!!

 

# Day	Place	Elevation
Day 1:	Summit Volcano Rumiñahui	4721 m./ 15.488 ft
Day 2:	Cotopaxi Refuge	4864m. /15,958 ft
Day 3:	Cotopaxi Summit	5897 m./ 19,347 ft

 

Cotopaxi Climbing Day By Day

Day 1: Hike and Summit Volcano Rumiñahui

Elevation:4721 m./ 15.488 ft

We will leave Quito early in the morning around 8 a.m. and we will drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we reach the town of El Chaupi, there we will prepare all the necessary equipment for the ascent, the meeting point will be at Tambopaxi lodge. Drive to the place called “Limpiopungo” (12,139ft/3.700m). where is a beautiful lake in the heart of the national park with wonderful views of the magnificent volcano Cotopaxi. The hike starting along the lake up through small Andean grass. Then we will get on a sandy section, which leads to the last sections, which involves some short and technical walls, much scrambling, and loose rocks, we will get the summit of Rumiñahui after 4 hours of hiking and a bit of climbing; on the descend we will scramble down and the rest of the trail we will just walk down to the parking place. Finally, we will return to our comfortable Lodge.
Accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge
Meals: -/Box Lunch/Dinner 

Day 2: Cotopaxi Refuge

Elevation:4864m. /15,958 ft

1. From Tambopaxi Lodge 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.

   Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner
   Accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge

Day 3: Cotopaxi Summit

Elevation: 5897 m./ 19,347 ft

1. 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 necessary 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.
   Accommodation:
   Meals: Breakfast  

Services included in the tour cost:

• Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM)
• A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
• Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
• Land transportation and transfers
• Accommodations:
• 1 night in Tambopaxi Lodge
  
• 1 nigh in Cotopaxi Refuge
• All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)

Not included:

• International flight tickets
• Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
• Insurance of any kind
• Hotel in Quito
• Tips
• Travel accident and health insurance
• Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
• Other non-specified expenses

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Recommendations:

What to Bring?

1.- Head torch

2.- Helmet (includes)

3.- Sun Glasses

4.- Buff/ Warm cap  

5.- Backpack

6.- First layer

7.- Second layer

8.-Third layer (Waterproof Windbreaks, Waterproof pants)

9.- Mittens/Gloves

10.- Harness (Includes)

11.- Inside gloves

12.- Carabiners (Includes)

13.- Thermal pants

14.- Ice ax (includes)

15.- Dynamic Rope (includes)

16.- Thermal Lycra

17.- Gaiters (includes)

18.- Socks Mountain

19.- Crampons (Includes)

20.- Mountaineering boots (Includes)

21.- Sleeping Bag

22.- Battery Groups AAA

23.- Sunscreen

24.- Trekking Poles

25.- Thermo / Canteen fro Water

26.- Energy bars

 

• 545 USD per person group of 2
• 890 USD Private Trip

CONTACT US

Payment

In order to confirm the reservation of any tour service provided by Cotopaxi Travel Company Cia. Ltda. we require a pre-payment of 30% of the tour price. The remainder is to be carried out before climbing tour or travel starts. We will not send confirmations, vouchers or flight tickets until the full balance has been received, and we reserve the right to cancel your trip if full payment is not received prior to the start date.
PRICES, SURCHARGES AND CREDIT CARD CHARGES
All prices we advertise are accurate at the date published/advised, but we reserve the right to change any of those prices prior to booking. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen programme including the cost of any peak-season supplements, upgrades or additional facilities which you have requested.
For all payments made by credit card, a 6% service fee will be added to the cost. The additional costs for every transfer made out to Cotopaxi Travel Company Cia. Ltda. Ecuadorian Taxes and bank transfer fees, will have to be paid by you, the client. We are obligated tu charge 12% IVA for every payment realized by Ecuadorian citizens.

Cancellation by You

Notice of cancellation by you must be given in writing. Should you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:

• - 30 days or more before the Departure Date = loss of deposit.
• - 29 to 15 days from the start of the trip = 50% of total trip cost
• - Less than 14 days before the Departure Date = loss of 100% of total trip cost,
• unless agreed otherwise with cotopaxi travel due to unforeseen circumstances.

Cancellation by Cotopaxi Travel Company

A trip may be cancelled as a result of unforeseen events and beyond Cotopaxi Travel´s control including but not limited to war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural Cotopaxi Travel• Calle Guayaquil 6-74 y Sanchez de Orellana- Latacunga - Cotopaxi - Ecuador Terms & Conditions 2 or nuclear disaster, fire, epidemics or health risks, closed or congested airports, ports or stations, changes imposed by re-scheduling or cancellation of transport, adverse weather conditions.

More Info please visit our Terms & Condicitions  

March 2022
March 2022
March 2022
March 2022
March 2022

Country / Location: Ecuador

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. In addition to the Andes, Galápagos and Amazon Jungle are also part of this amazing land.

Difficulty: (Beginner) No prior climbing experience is required. Climbers should be in good physical condition and it is highly recommended that they have some backpacking experience.
Places: *Available
Trip-code: Number ►Cotoclimb-2D
Duration: 2 days
Participants: Minimum: 2 Maximum: 12
Mountain Guide / TripAdvisor: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

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Legend Booking-information
EZZ - Single room supplement
On this trip, places are still available.
On this trip, only a few places left.
This trip is sold out / closed.

FAQ's

IS NECESSARY PREVIOUS GLACIER EXPERIENCE?
• Having previous glacier experience is not required. We do recommend that you have joined one of our best acclimatization and ascent programs containing instructions and skills that we teach you as previous mountaineering training helps you enjoy the overall experience. Is also important that you try out your mountaineering gear prior to joining this adventure if you don’t have we have for you in our rental equipment shop.
• WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB COTOPAXI?
• A). 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
• B). Likewise, weather forecasts are very unpredictable. Therefore, we recommend being prepared for all types of weather.
• DO I REALLY NEED RESCUE INSURANCE?
• We strongly urge you to purchase travel and accident insurance. We recommend Global Rescue for both types of insurance.
• IS COTOPAXI A DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN?
• A). Cotopaxi is a relatively safe climb on the routes we climb. The biggest challenges are the high altitude and people not coming physically prepared. Some groups try to ascend too quickly and do not take the time to acclimatize. We do not have this issue because our itinerary has been carefully planned over years of experience working in low oxygen environments.
• ACCLIMATIZATION IS IMPORTANT AND HOW DO I PREPARE FOR HIGH ALTITUDE?
• A). Acclimatization is the most important and should be taken seriously. Even if you are fit and practice any physical activity, it is important to follow the process for a successful climb.
• B). Firstly, there is some very specific training you should be doing. Learn more. Let’s be clear, always pick the itinerary with more acclimatization built in. After that, you need to focus on mapping out a training plan that focuses on strength and endurance. We will pace the trip at lower heart rates so we can perform for longer periods of time. You still need to be comfortable hiking for 6+ hours. We know that building up the weight you carry in your backpack for hours at sea level builds endurance, strength and cardio which stress tests your body for high altitude. We can help you learn more about how to prepare for your high-altitude adventure.
• WHAT KIND OF GEAR, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BRING?
• A). We will provide you with a full detailed itemized kit list so that you.
• SAFE TO BRING AND LEAVE OUR BAGS IN THE BASE CAMP?
• A). Yes, you can leave a bag of items not needed in our base camp. You can also leave valuable items in the safe.
• WHAT ROUTE DO WE CLIMB ON?
• A). Depending on the glacial conditions we will follow the safest route to the top. We also leave from the refuge at 4864 m./15,958 ft for all our summit attempts
• . DO YOU HAVE TRAINING ADVICE?
• A). If you sign up to one of our trips, we can give ongoing advice. We also have training courses in Cotopaxi that you can sign up to.
• CAN I PAY WITH CREDIT CARD?
• A). Yes, you can do it

  TIPS

• Develop a personalized training plan. Mountaineering requires multiple types of training, each focusing on a different need:
• Cardio workouts to improve the overall fitness level of your heart and lungs.
• Interval sessions to boost your ability to process more oxygen with each breath.
• Strength and endurance exercises so you can haul a heavy load and sustain physical output for many hours.
• Balance and flexibility training because you need both for mountaineering.
• Hiking days to extend your training into real-world situations.