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Summit Cotopaxi in 4 Days.

Overview Tour

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 up to the summit of Cotopaxi is not highly technical but includes the use of crampons, ice axes and ropes. Instruction on how to use this gear will be given upon departure for final ascent. Leaving from the refuge around midnight climbers begin the ascent of the volcano arriving at the top of Cotopaxi after sunrise at 6am. We recommend to you our Acclimatization Packages to ensure that you enjoy your climbing experience!

Day 1. Aclimatization – Hike to Saquihua Hill

Day 2. Rumiñahui Volcano

Day 3. Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge

Day 4. Summit Cotopaxi

Itinerary

Day 1 Aclimatization - Hike to Saquihua Hill

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.

From El Chaupi will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. Rumiñahui is a huge caldron open to the Northwest, and it is named after the loyal general of the last Inca Emperor, Atahualpa. The weather in the area is very unpredictable.

From El Chaupi will drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until getting to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here we 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: 4,864 meters (15,953 feet)
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Accommodations: Cotopaxi Refuge (Jose Rivas)
  • 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 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 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 Quito.

  • Altitude: (5,897 meters / 19,347 feet)
  • Meals: Breakfast(-/-/)
  • Accommodations: (-/-/)
  • Distance: Climb 10 k (round trip).
  • Duration: 5 to 6 hours to the summit

What's Included

  • Mountain Climbing Local Insurance
  • Ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM ratio 2 climbers -1 guide)
  • Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
  • Land transportation and transfers
  • National parks fees and permits
  • Registration in the System SIB (System Information of Biodiversity)
  • Accommodation:

          – 2 nights at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge 

         – 1 night at Jose Rivas Refuge

  • All meals during the hikes and climbs (shown above)
  • Tents, and camping utensils for high camp.
  •  

What's Not Included

  • International flight tickets
  • Meals and drinks in hotels (lunch, dinner)
  • Insurance of any kin
  • Hotels in Quito
  • Tips
  • Travel accident and health insurance
  • Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
  • Other non-specified expenses
  •  

Rates 2025 | Adventure Rates

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  • Group of 2……… USD per person
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