Climbing the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19,347 ft) is an epic target for many mountaineers coming to Ecuador. This beauty is said to be the world's highest active volcano. The view into its huge crater is simply breathtaking. Definitely a trip of a lifetime - join us!

Technically the climb is not very difficult, nevertheless good fitness is required and some previous glacier travel experience highly recommended.

Another very important point is proper acclimatization. To really enjoy the climb we recommend at least 4 days of preparation, including hikes in altitude and steadily increasing your sleeping altitude if possible.

Any questions? Reach out to our climbing experts on info@andeansummitadventure.com or +593968959533 (WhatsApp or call).

For Rescue and Travel Insurance we recommend: Global Rescue.

- see program / itinerary

- certified bi-lingual guide (ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 2 climbers

- transportation in private vehicle from / to Quito

- accommodation at refuge with dinner and breakfast

- park entrance fees & climbing permits

- meals as specified (lunch on day 1, snacks for the ascent)

- group equipment: ropes and other guiding gear

- meals (see program)

- personal technical equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, carabiners, screws, slings etc.)

- sleeping bag for huts, boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list

- 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

Cancellation Conditions:

- 60 or more days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be refunded, less an administrative fee equal to 10% of the total price.

- 59 - 30 days prior to departure: a cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the total price shall be retained.

- 29 and less days prior to departure: the entire total price shall be forfeited.

Change Conditions:

Any change of the purchased itinerary or services asked by the client before and during the trip will depend on availability, requires mutual agreement and will be subject to cancellation penalties of existing services.

With full payment or partial payment of the tour the climber accepts the latest version of andean summit adventure's terms and conditions, which can be downloaded HERE.

Offer validity:

andean summit adventure reserves the right to adjust the prices, and other terms of this offer if there is a significant change in the relevant market conditions after the date of this offer.

DAY 1 + 2

Pick up in Quito at approx. 10.30 am, drive towards Cotopaxi. We stop for lunch at Rondador restaurant (approx. 12:00), and continue then to the check in of Cotopaxi National Park. Afterwards we drive to the parking lot and hike up to Cotopaxi refuge at 4.865 m / 15,960 ft (45 min). If required there will be a small glacier training in the afternoon (walking techniques), early dinner and rest at the refuge (dorm). Wake up around midnight, small snack and start of the hike to the summit of COTOPAXI (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), which takes approximately 6 - 8 h. After ideally enjoying a breathtaking sunrise at the summit we descend (approx. 3 hours to the refuge, 30 mins to the parking lot) and return to Quito. 

tech. data day 1: ↑ 220 m / 720 ft | → 0,8 km / 0.5 mi

tech. data day 2: ↑ 1060 m / 3480 ft ↓ 1280 m / 4200 ft | ↔ 7,5 km / 4.7 mi

meals day 1: - / L / D

meals day 2: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)