Located in the Province of Cotopaxi, 71 km from Quito, the Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador has an area of ​​334 sqkm. There are the volcanoes Cotopaxi (5897m) and Sincholagua (4893 m) and the peaks Rumiñahui (4712 m) and Morurco (4840 m). Between these mountains there are several valleys, lagoons and rivers at more than 3500 m. Cotopaxi National Park hosts plenty of wildlife in the paramo ecosystem. In fact, the forests of the park are inhabited by condors, blue-billed ducks, caracaras, Andean gulls, pigeons and hummingbirds. When it comes to mammals, rabbits, white-tailed deer, gazelles, wolves, pumas, bears, foxes and weasels are often found in the park.

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Located in the Province of Cotopaxi, 71 km from Quito, the Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador has an area of ​​334 sqkm. There are the volcanoes Cotopaxi (5897m) and Sincholagua (4893 m) and the peaks Rumiñahui (4712 m) and Morurco (4840 m). Between these mountains there are several valleys, lagoons and rivers at more than 3500 m. Cotopaxi National Park hosts plenty of wildlife in the paramo ecosystem. In fact, the forests of the park are inhabited by condors, blue-billed ducks, caracaras, Andean gulls, pigeons and hummingbirds. When it comes to mammals, rabbits, white-tailed deer, gazelles, wolves, pumas, bears, foxes and weasels are often found in the park.

The ascent to the summit takes place at night, starting from the refuge at 4800 m at 12-1 in the morning. You must go up at this time because due to the optimal conditions of the ice, making the ascent less difficult. It should be well protected from the wind and sheltered inside. You need plastic boots, crampons, ice ax, harness and rope.

Minimum 2 people.

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Trip summary

  • Travel style Tailor-made travel
  • Departure Quito
  • End Quito
  • Countries
    • Ecuador
  • City
    • Riobamba
    • Quito
  • Theme Adventure and trekking
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

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  • 1
    Quito - Cotopaxi
    Day 1 Transfer by car

    We pick you up around 11:00 am in the morning to start the trip. Climbing to the summit of Cotopaxi is one of the most famous and exciting climbs on the continent. It is the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m). The climb to the summit occurs during the night; this allows watching the sunrise from the summit and displays unsurpassed views over Quito to the North, and Chimborazo and Tungurahua to the south.

    From the top you have a magnificent view of the snowcapped crater where it is possible to see steam emissions. The ascent departs from the parking lot at 4,500m or from the “Jose Rivas” refuge at 4,800m (depending where you chose to spend the night: Tambopaxi or Refuge) and climbs through a mixture of volcanic sand, snow and glacier to the summit.

    The climb, although not classified as technical, requires the use of professional guides and specialized glacier hiking equipment. The ascent takes between 6-8 hours while the descent requires 2 hours. The first night you will be accommodated in the refuge.

     

    Visited places:
    • Quito
    • Riobamba
  • 2
    Cotpaxi - Quito
    Day 2 Transfer by car

    The local staff will transfer you back to the airport.

    Visited places:
    • Riobamba
    • Quito

Photogallery

  • Cotopaxi
  • Cotopaxi
  • Cotopaxi

  • Prices and conditions
    Price includes
    •  English speaking guide (Aseguim certification) and transportation to every mountain, technical equipment
    • Transfers: Spanish speaking driver - Company shuttle service, 1 Airport-Hotel, 1 Hotel-Airport
    • Accommodation in the hotels stated in the itinerary or hotels of similar standard, in a double room. 
    • Meals stated in the itinerary
    • Special climbing equipment (pastic climbing boots, gaiters, carmpons, outside gloves, ice axe, climbing harness). If you have your own equipment we recommend you bring it.
    Price does not include
    • Drinks and alcoholic beverages
    • Entry National Park Fee
    • Travel Insurance
    • Extra meals
    • Personal expenses
    • Airlines/Local taxes updates
    • Tips
    • Necessary Equipment (NOT INCLUDED): sleeping bag comfort zone -5°C  (41°F) (rent for $10), big and small back pack (rent for $10), camelback type vessel for water, polar pants, water, inside polar gloves, energy drinks and snacks, polar jacket, camera, sun cream, head lamp (rent for $10), head lamps, warm walking trousers, sunglasses, puffer jacket or similar, personal stuff, wool hat, walking sticks, face mask, large rucksack (50-70 liter) (only needed to transfer gear from the bus dropoff at the Cotopaxi base up to the refuge), reasonable day pack (35 liters) (needed from the refuge to Cotopaxi summit to accommodate plenty of water, crampons, warm gear including puffer jacket, snacks, etc) 

    *The renting of equipment should be confirmed in advance with your agent.