Cotopaxi
One of the highest active volcanoes on earth.
Cotopaxi is located 55 km south of Quito. It is the second highest volcano in Ecuador and one of the most active volcanoes on earth. In addition, the Cotopaxi is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world due to its ideal conical shape with an imposing glacier that covers the summit.
All this makes the Cotopaxi a fantastic climbing experience for both beginners and experienced mountaineers. The climb to the top of the Cotopaxi is not very technical, but requires an adequate acclimatization. You reach the top in 2 days. We recommend that you carry out an acclimatization process before going up to Cotopaxi.
Cotopaxi
Mountain tour
HIGH: 5.897 m
TYPE: Stratovulkan
CHARACTERISTIC: Active volcano
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: BW-4
Day 1: Mountain refuge José Ribas (4,800 m)
We meet at 11 o’clock in Quito (the meeting point will be announced in the mandatory registration). We strongly recommend that you have breakfast. We drive along the “Ruta de los Volcanes” to the Cotopaxi National Park. The track leads to the car park at about 4,500 m. Then walk to the José Ribas refuge (4,800 m). After a fortifying dinner, you will go to bed early at 6:30 p.m., as you will start your climb to the top early at 11 p.m.
Day 2: Summit day (5,897 m)
After a good breakfast, the challenge begins to climb the fascinating summit of Cotopaxi. After approximately 1.5 hours you will reach the glacier entrance (approximately 5,100 m). At this point you have to put on your crampons. The route to the summit is not too difficult, but the route through the glacier changes from one year to the next. The most outstanding challenge of climbing the Cotopaxi volcano is to lead with the lack of oxygen. The reward for the sweat of the ascent efforts is the magnificent panorama of the summit, and the impressive view of the 300-meter-deep crater. The descent back to the refuge lasts approximately 4 hours on the same route. Once at the refuge you will take a short break, and continue to the parking lot, where the driver is already waiting for you.
Included
Not Included
Recommended equipment (not included)
BW-1 (gentle walk)
The simplest form of hiking uses only wide and well-developed roads. Mainly on flat terrain and little inclined, without descents and exposed stairs. Usually well marked trails. No special equipment is required, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. More comfort and less physical activity. Cultural walks with contact with people. No prior knowledge required.
BW-2 (challenging walks / activities)
Activities partially challenging or longer than BW-1 (hiking and cycling). Partially difficult terrain (very steep terrain). Good health and good physical condition are required. Availability to light physical efforts, such as cycling and hiking.
BW-3 (mountains tours / outdoors activities)
Activities or hikes that are often demanding and / or extensive. Trails with considerable slopes, narrow, and not always well marked. For mountaineering an acclimatization process is required (heights more than 4.000 m). Safety when walking. Predisposition for heights. It requires very good health and good physical condition. Adventurous spirit.
BW-4 (Heavy Mountain Tour / outdoors activities)
In this category, mountaineering begins on a high alpine landscape (heights more than 5,000 m). For mountaineering, an acclimatization process is required. Use of crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets are required. It requires excellent general health and physical condition. A sporting spirit and predisposition for demanding weather conditions.
BW-5 (extremely heavy mountain tour / outdoors activities)
Very serious mountain tours that demand a high level of risk-taking even for experienced mountaineers. Routes over very steep, and very exposed rock. As a rule, these alpine excursions are unmarked. The knowledge of the use of the equipment is extremely important. Technical mountains are climbed on this type of tour.
Our active trips are generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Do not hesitate to contact us, we will be glad to advise you.
Booking Request
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