This tour is recommended for experienced or beginners’ climbers who have already acclimatized in Ecuador. Cotopaxi is the most beautiful volcano in the world, as well as one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the second highest volcano in Ecuador.
The climb to the summit of Cotopaxi is not highly technical, but it does require the use of crampons, ice axes and ropes. Departing from the refuge around midnight climbers begin the ascent of the volcano reaching at the top of Cotopaxi after sunrise at 6 am. Here, climbers can enjoy the breathtaking views of Cotopaxi's crater and on clear days, it is possible to see all of Quito. We recommend to you our Acclimatization Packages to ensure that you to enjoy your climbing experience!!!!!!!
We will leave Quito early in the morning around 10:30 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 Ilinizas Mountain Lodge, and then we will continue to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. From here, we will head east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4.500m / 14,763 ft) and then we’ll hike for about an hour to the José Ribas Refuge (15,958 ft. / 4.864 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.
Distance: 1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)
Lunch provided at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge.
Dinner provided at the refuge.
Cotopaxi Refuge (Jose Rivas)
Quito to El Chaupi
Midnight will be our wake-up time and the departure to the top (19,347ft/5.897m) will be around 01h00, not before having a light breakfast and getting our stuff ready for the ascent, the climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit we’ll take our time to take pictures of the crater and surroundings, and then we’ll head down back to 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 you to Quito.
Distance: Climb 10 k (round trip)
We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:
📱 Phone or WhatsApp: +593 981333483
📧 Email: info@cotopaxi-travel.com
Our team is available 24/7 to assist with bookings, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip a reality!
