Climbing Cotopaxi (5,897 m / 19,347 ft), one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, is an

unforgettable high-altitude adventure set in the heart of Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. Thisexpedition combines scenic trekking across Andean landscapes with a thrilling glacier climb to the summit. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a fit trekker looking to push your limits, Cotopaxi offers the perfect blend of challenge and beauty. Our programs include expert ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified guides, acclimatization hikes, and all the gear you need for a safe and successful climb. From sunrise views over the Andes to walking on ancient ice, Cotopaxi is a bucket- list experience that will stay with you forever.

Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, where your Trip Advisor will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital. Take the rest of the day to relax and start acclimating to the altitude.

• Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)

• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito

• Meals: -/-/-

• Distance: 40 km from the airport

• Duration: 45 - minutes transfer

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you from Quito to Iliniza Mountain Lodge (3300 m.10,827Ft.), a cozy retreat surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. The scenic 1.2-hour drive passes through rural villages and rolling highlands, setting the tone for your adventure. In the afternoon, your first acclimatization hike begins. The trail to Saquihua Hill is a gentle yet rewarding trek, helping your body adjust to the altitude.

• Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,795 feet)

• Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge

https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• Distance: 4 km (round trip)

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours

From El Chaupi village, we will start early in the morning after breakfast at 7:00 am. We will drive up to the trailhead (13,120ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part of the hike takes us up through the small Andean grass. Then we will get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to Corazón summit. The hike is about 4-6 hours long. Return to the Lodge.

• Altitude: 4,788 meters (15,708 feet)

• Accommodation: Ilinizas Mountain Lodge

https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• Distance: 10 km (round trip)

• Duration: 4-6 hour (including summit time)

Our adventure starts in the morning at 10:00 am. We´ll drive to La Virgen parking lot (3,900m), the starting point of our trek. From here, we embark on a 3-hour hike through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, ascending to the Nuevos Horizontes Refuge. The air thins as we gain altitude, and the beauty of the Andean highlands surrounds us with every step.

• Altitude: 4,700 meters (15,420 feet)

• Accommodation: Nuevos Horizontes Refuge

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• Distance: 5 km

• Duration: 2-3 hour

Our climbing day starts at 5 am. We will have a light breakfast, pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge an hour later. We will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/ 5.126 m). The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scrambling. Once at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful surroundings.

• Altitude: 5,126 meters (16,818 feet)

• Accommodation: Iliniza Mountain Lodge

https://www.ilinizas-mountain-lodge.com/

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• Distance: 10 km

• Duration: 4-6 hour (including summit time)

 From El Chaupi will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here will drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (4.500m/14,763 ft) then we’ll hike up for around an hour to the Jose Ribas Refuge. 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.

Altitude: 4,864meters (15,953 feet)

Accommodation: Cotopaxi Refuge 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Distance: 1.5 km (from parking lot to refuge)

Duration: 1 hour hike

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 5 to 6 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 will pack our belongings, have something to eat and go down to the parking lot, where

our transportation will be ready to take us to Baños city. Overnight in the hotel.

• Altitude: (5,897 meters / 19,347 feet)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Quito

• Meals: Breakfast/-/-

• Distance: Climb 10 k (round trip).

• Duration: 5 to 6 hours to the summit (including breaks) 2-3 Hours Back Down

• Transfer: 1:30 hours Drive to Quito

After a final breakfast overlooking the Andes, enjoy a private transfer to the airport. Depart Ecuador with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and luxurious moments. Until next time, Ecuador awaits your return!

• Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)

• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Quito

• Meals: Breakfast/-/-

• Distance: 40 km from Quito

• Duration: 45 - minutes transfer