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 3 - 4 days of preparation, including hikes in altitude and steadily increasing your sleeping altitude if possible. In this 5 day-package acclimatization is taken care of, further you'll get to know some of the highlights of the Ecuadorian Andean region, among them Quilotoa crater lake, Pasochoa and Iliniza Norte.

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 (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 itinereray (or similar - depending on availability)

- park entrance fees & climbing permits

- meals as specified in the itinerary

- 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 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

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 

Start after breakfast, we drive to the parking area and hike through the beautiful andean grassland to the summit of PASOCHOA (4.200 m / 13,780 ft) - time to the summit depending on route about 2 - 4 hours. If your are in great shape we go for the 2 summits of Pasochoa. After a small rest on the summit we descend to our vehicle and continue to our accommodation.

tech. data day 1: ↑↓ 900 m / 2950 ft | ↔ 11,3 km / 7 mi

meals: - / LB / D

accommodation in Ilinizas Lodge in El Chaupi (3.600 m / 11.800 ft) in single / double / triple rooms with dinner and breakfast included

DAY 2

Early start, drive to the parking area in the Natural Reserve Los Ilinizas (3970 m / 13020 ft), hike up to the Refugio Nuevos Horizontes (2 - 3 hours) at 4730 m / 15520 ft, where we will have a short break.

Then we continue the ascent to ILINIZA NORTE (5.126 m / 16,818 ft), approx. 2 to 3-hour-tour with nice rock scrambling sections to the summit, descent via the direct route to the parking lot, transfer back to our accommodation.

tech. data day 2: ↑↓ 1150 m / 3770 ft | ↔ 11,3 km / 7 mi

meals: B / LB / D

accommodation in Ilinizas Lodge in El Chaupi (3.600 m / 11.800 ft) in single / double / triple rooms with dinner and breakfast included

DAY 3

Start after breakfast and drive to the QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE, trek along the crater rim (5 - 6 hours), highest elevation (3.930 m / 12,894 ft). During the hike we admire the breathtaking blue of the lake and wonderful views of the surroundings. OPTIONAL: only visit of the lagoon, or the village and view points, depending on your preferences.

tech. data day 3: ↑↓ 650 m / 2130 ft | ↔ 11 km / 6.8 mi

meals: B / LB / D

accommodation in rooms with private bathroom (single / double / triple) in Tambopaxi mountain lodge (3.720 m / 12,205 ft) including dinner & breakfast

DAY 4 + 5

We enjoy a relaxing morning at Tambopaxi Lodge, before 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. End of services, accommodation not included on day 5. 

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: B / L / D

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