Cotopaxi Summit (2 days/ 1 night)

On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing

Overview

Technical summit climb of Cotopaxi.

Itinerary

Day 1.- Padre José F. Ribas Refuge- Cotopaxi - Cotopaxi is considered to be the highest active volcano in the World. Due to its altitude conditions, we recommend a few days of acclimatization before climbing this volcano. First, we start with a short hike from a parking lot on the volcano at 4500 m (14763 ft) to Padre Jose F. Ribas climbers’ refuge at 4800 m (15748 ft). Once in the refuge, we will have a light lunch and get ready for glacier practice. We will learn basic climbing and safety techniques. In the afternoon, we head back to the refuge, have an early dinner and, get into our sleeping bags until midnight.

Day 2.- Climbing to the Summit - After getting all the climbing equipment ready we leave the refuge and start our climb to the summit of Cotopaxi at 5897 m (19347 ft). Most of the climb happens at night, so by the time we reach the summit we get the best views of the surrounding mountains as the sun rises. It takes about 6 hours of climbing and then 2 hours of descending back to the refuge. For this adventure we have to be physically fit and focused. Although it is not a complex climb, we need enough training and mountain safety knowledge. After we return to the refuge and then to our car on the parking lot, we head back to Quito.

Pricing

Price: $275/person (minimum of 2 people)

Included: Refuge lodging, 3 meals, bilingual mountain guide, basic equipment for each activity (climbing boots, crampons, mittens, ice axe, harness and goggles) and transportation from and back to Quito (on tour days).
Not included: Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee (US$10), personal climbing equipment, drinks and meals not specified, tips, personal expenses.

DESTINATIONS

Ecuador Treks

Cotopaxi Summit (2 days/ 1 night)

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

Price: $275/person (minimum of 2 people)