Cotopaxi Ascent

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic+

Join our expert guides for a 5-day mountaineering adventure to Cotopaxi (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), Ecuador’s second-highest peak. This tour, starting in Quito, includes vital acclimatization climbs to Rucu Pichincha (4.696 m / 15,407 ft) and Iliniza Norte (5.126 m / 16,818 ft). After a rest day at Quilotoa crater lake, we'll attempt the summit of Cotopaxi, a popular destination for climbers, a must-do for any serious mountaineer.

Elisabeth G. is the provider and guide of this trip

The provider speaks: English, German, Spanish

As an adventure travel specialist living in Ecuador, I am passionate about creating exceptional Andean experiences. My journey has taken me through the exhilarating world of high-altitude mountaineering, culminating in my successful summit of Gasherbrum II in 2022. I thrive on leading culturally immersive treks that unveil the heart of South America. With a rich background in mountaineering shaped by my experiences in both the Alps and the Andes, I've also had the honor of serving as a guide for the Austrian Alpine Club. This experience has given me a profound understanding of mountain environments and a steadfast commitment to safety. I believe in the power of sustainable and responsible tourism. That’s why I design personalized itineraries that connect travelers with local communities, fostering authentic cultural exchanges while minimizing environmental impact. Through meticulous planning and my passion for sharing my deep regional knowledge, I strive to ensure that each journey is not just an adventure but a transformative experience. I am dedicated to providing unique, safe, and memorable adventures for all my guests.

Tour highlights

Stunning Natural Landscapes

Experience breathtaking views of the Andean landscapes, including the stunning Quilotoa crater lake

Ascent to Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is 5,897m, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world

Acclimatization Climbs

The acclimatization climbs to Rucu Pichincha and Iliniza Norte will allow you to gradually adjust to the altitude and prepare for the final ascent

Route details

After breakfast at 8:00 AM, we'll transfer to TeleferiQo and ascend by cable car to Cruz Loma (4.100 m). A 3-4 hour hike to Rucu Pichincha (4.696 m / 15,407 ft), follows. We'll descend and then transfer to Ilinizas Lodge in El Chaupi.

Meals: - / LB / D

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

Although the Cotopaxi climb is not considered highly technical, participants should possess good physical fitness and ideally, some prior glacier travel experience. Proper acclimatization is paramount. We recommend dedicating 3-4 days to acclimatization, which should include altitude hikes and a gradual increase in sleeping elevation, which is considered in this tour.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic+

Guest House

3 nights

Camp Site

1 night

(3.600 m / 11.800 ft) in single / double / triple rooms with dinner and breakfast included.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Pichincha, aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre

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Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

see program / itinerary;
certified bi-lingual guide (NATIONAL / ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 2 climbers on glaciated mountains, 1 guide during the rest of the trip;
transportation in private vehicle during the tour (from / to Quito);
accommodation as per itinerary (or similar - depending on availability);
park entrance fees & climbing permits;
meals as specified in the itinerary;
group equipment: ropes and other guiding gear.

Extras

flights;
meals and drinks not mentioned in the program;
personal technical equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, carabiners, screws, slings etc.);
sleeping bag for hut, boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list;
other entrance fees (eg. in the city for churches etc.);
insurances (please make sure that you have an insurance covering risks of mountain climbing, we recommend Global Rescue);
cost for program changes;
tips & any other expenses not explicitly mentioned.

Group size

From 2 to 10 tourists

Duration

5 days

4 nights