2-Day Tour Of Climbing Cotopaxi Summit From Quito

Cotopaxi

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Highlights

Experience glacier climbing with crampons and ice axes

Descent through the picturesque Cotopaxi National Park

Immersive adventure in one of Ecuador's iconic volcanoes

Scenic drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes

Quito, Cotopaxi National Park

nature, trekking, Glaciers

Group Tour

2 Days

Medium

English, Spanish

Description

Explore the stunning Cotopaxi National Park and embark on an exhilarating hike to José Ribas Refuge. Ascend the majestic Cotopaxi glacier, mastering the use of crampons and ice axes. Reach the summit at 19,347 ft, where breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding landscapes await. Descend back through the beautiful park, immersing in the serene high-altitude environment. Experience the thrill of glacier climbing and the awe of standing atop one of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cotopaxi Refuge

Elevation: 4864 m./15,958 ft.
- We will leave Quito early in the morning around 11:30 a.m. and we will drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we reach the town of El Chaupi.
- This town is the location of Cotopaxi-Travel’s homebase, there we will prepare all the necessary equipment for the ascent.
- We will have lunch at Andes Alpes Restaurant, and then we will continue to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park.
- From here, we will head east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (14,764ft/4864m) and then we’ll hike for about an hour to the José Ribas Refuge (15,951 ft. / 4862 m.).
- 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: Lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge
Day 2: Cotopaxi Summit

Elevation: 5897 m./19,347 ft
- Midnight will be our wake up time and the departure to the top (19,347 ft/5897m) will be around 1 am.
- 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 (9,186 ft/2800m).
- Meals: Light breakfast before the ascent and full breakfast after the ascent.

What's Included

Qualified and experienced Ecuadorian local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM) ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)

Registration in the System SIB (System Information of Biodiversity )

Technical mountain equipment (Mountaineering Boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)

Land transportation and transfers to Cotopaxi National Park

Accomodation at Cotopaxi Refuge

All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)

What's Excluded

Personal mountain gear (warm cloths, sleeping bags, sunglasses, head lamp, etc.)

International flight tickets

Hotel in Quito

Tips

Insurance of any kind Travel accident and health insurance

Luggage insurance and trip cancellation

Other non-specified expenses

Know Before You Go

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 itTIPS

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.

What To Bring

Here’s a packing list for your Cotopaxi Climbing Adventure in Ecuador:

Clothing

Base layers (thermal top & bottom): Moisture-wicking to keep you warm and dry.

Climbing pants: Durable and flexible for movement.

Insulated jacket: Down or synthetic for warmth in cold conditions.

Windproof & waterproof jacket: Protects against wind and rain at high altitudes.

Climbing gloves: Warm, but with enough dexterity to use equipment.

Warm hat: To keep your head warm, especially at higher altitudes.

Neck gaiter or balaclava: For extra warmth and protection.

Gaiters: To prevent snow and debris from entering your boots during the climb.

Socks: Several pairs of high-quality, moisture-wicking socks for comfort (preferably wool).

Comfortable clothes for downtime: For resting at the refuge.

Footwear

Mountaineering boots: Stiff, insulated boots suitable for crampon use.

Camp shoes: Comfortable shoes for after the climb, such as sandals or sneakers.

Climbing Equipment (provided by the tour, but double-check with the guide)

Crampons: For glacier ascent.

Ice axe: Essential for climbing and navigating the glacier.

Helmet: To protect your head during the climb.

Harness: If required for safety measures during the climb.

Personal Gear

Backpack: Small day pack (30-40L) for carrying your personal items to the refuge.

Sleeping bag: A warm sleeping bag (rated for temperatures as low as -10°C to -15°C/14°F to 5°F).

Headlamp: Essential for the midnight start of your ascent, with extra batteries.

Water bottles/hydration system: Stay hydrated throughout the climb.

Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and other easy-to-carry high-calorie snacks for during the ascent.

Other Essentials

Sunscreen: High SPF for protection from the sun at high altitudes.

Lip balm with SPF: To protect your lips from the cold and sun.

Sunglasses or glacier glasses: Protect your eyes from glare at high altitudes and on the glacier.

Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and wet wipes for freshening up at the refuge.

Travel insurance: Including coverage for mountaineering activities.

ID and copies: Passport or ID card, and a photocopy of each.

Camera: To capture the stunning views and summit photos (optional).

Trekking poles: Optional, but can be helpful for balance during the hike to the refuge.

Optional

Gaiters for snow protection

Personal medication or altitude sickness medication: Consult your doctor beforehand.

Earplugs and eye mask: For better sleep at the refuge.

Ensure all your gear is well-suited for high-altitude mountaineering, and double-check with your tour operator about what equipment is provided and what you need to bring yourself. Stay safe and enjoy the stunning Cotopaxi climb!

Meeting Point

Quito, Ecuador

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

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1 to 15	/person
Child
1 to 15	/person
This is a group tour

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2-Day Tour Of Climbing Cotopaxi Summit From Quito

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Cotopaxi Refuge

Day 2: Cotopaxi Summit

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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2-Day Tour Of Climbing Cotopaxi Summit From Quito

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Cotopaxi Refuge

Day 2: Cotopaxi Summit

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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