CLIMBING COTOPAXI
VOLCANO IN ECUADOR

Altitude: 5897m / 19348ft

Distance: 6km / 4mi

Duration: 2 days

Date: All year

Climbing Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador is one of the most rewarding experiences that exist in the world of mountaineering. Cotopaxi is the second highest mountain in Ecuador with 5897m (19348ft) after the Chimborazo Volcano (6268m – 20564ft) and is located within the Cotopaxi National Park at 45km/28mi of the city of Quito. Climbing Cotopaxi volcano is one of the most popular expeditions in Ecuador and to climb to this mountain, previous technical experience is NOT needed, but it is important to be in good physical condition and have acclimatization in altitude (above 4000m – 5000m).

Climbing Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador offers incredible views. We will see its magnificent 800m diameter crater, its neighboring volcanoes such as the Antisana, Ilinizas, Cayambe, Chimborazo and many more. Also we will se the city of Quito illuminated in the background while we ascend. Climbing Cotopaxi volcano is very popular among the backpackers, experienced mountaineers and adventurous people who want to live this experience like no other.

For security, climbing Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador is done at night and every two passengers will have a certified mountain guide. If you travel alone, the ascent will only be held by the certified guide with the passenger. Come to live this beautiful experience with us climbing Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador, one the most famous summits of the wolrd.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Nowdays, Cotopaxi is in eruptive process, so the climb to the summit is not allowed. However, we still can enjoy the national park from below and the beautiful views and landscapes that it offers.

DAY 1: Ascent to the José Ribas refuge 

Altitude: 4864m/15958ft

We will pick you up from your hotel or place of preference at 10 am in our private transport. We will have an hour and a half trip of  until we reach the Cotopaxi National Park where we will have our lunch and we will register our entrance to the park. Then, we expect half an hour more in our transportation to the parking lot where we will start our 40 minute hike to the Cotopaxi’s Refuge José Ribas. We will be in the shelter around 14h00 where we will accommodate in our places, enjoy the incredible landscape and give a brief safety instructions just before dinner. We will have a delicious dinner around 17h00 and then we will prepare our things for climbing Cotopaxi volcano. We will sleep around 18h00 until 23h30 and get up before midnight to finish dressing, drink tea and eat something light to start our climb to the summit.

DAY 2: Climbing Cotopaxi Volcano 

Altitude: 5897m/19347ft

This is the day! This is the day we are climbing Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador. Our ascent begins at 00h30 where a hike of approximately 6 hours to the summit awaits us. Around 06h30 just with dawn, we will reach the summit of this majestic volcano where we can appreciate its incredible 800m diameter crater and neighboring volcanoes such as the Antisana, Cayambe, Chimborazo, Ilinizas and many more. After approximately 30 minutes at the summit, depending on the weather conditions, we will begin the descent that will take us around 3 hours. We will arrive back at the refuge where we will have a delicious breakfast. Then we will get our things and descent to the parking lot where our private transport will be waiting us to start our return to Quito where we will finally leave you in your hotel or place of preference.

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT (INCLUDED):

• Helmet.
• Harness.
• Mountaineering Boots.
• Crampons.
• Ice Axe.
• Shared Equipment (rope, carabiners, cord). 

CLOTHING REQUIRED (NOT INCLUDED): 

Three layers of clothing for the legs and torso:
• Base layer: Thermal clothing for body and pants (usually made of synthetic material).
• Second layer: Warm jacket and pants, preferably water repellent (goose down, fleece or polar type).
• Third layer: Waterproof jacket and pants.
• An extra thermal or jacket (in case of extreme cold).
• Backpack between 25L and 35L.
• Thin and thick gloves.
• Factor 4 sunglasses (with UV protection).
• Buff or thermal hat.
• Thin and thick socks.
• Sunscreen.  

In case you do not have something from the list of personal clothing, Mauna Expeditions can provide you with the rental or sale of said accessories.

The services included in the cost of the program are:

✓ Registration and preparation for the best experience of your life.
✓ Guidance for the ascent with certified guides (ASEGUIM/UIAGM), one guide for every 2 people.
✓ Private door-to-door transportation for the 2 days of tour.
✓ Entry Permits. 
✓ Adventure video about the experience in the program.
✓ Mountain equipment (specified above).
✓ Night at the Cotopaxi’s refuge with all meals included.
✓ Thermo of Mauna Expeditions.
✓ Buff of Mauna Expeditions.
✓ Lunch Box and hydration for the ascent.

The following services are NOT included in the cost of the program:

X Clothing and personal equipment.
X Airplane tickets.
X Hotel or hostel in Quito or place of preference.
X Life insurance or against some type of accident.
X Other expenses NOT specified in our program.
X Tips. 

1 person: 
2 people: 
3-5 people: 
6-10 people: 
11-24 people:

To book a tour and set prices depending on the number of adventurers coming, please contact us CONTACT US.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM

To book the ‘ Climbing Cotopaxi in Ecuador’ tour, Mauna Expeditions requires a payment of 25% of the cost of the program. Full payment must be made up to a maximum of two weeks before the start date of the tour. We do not send vouchers or confirmation messages until full payment for the program is made. Our team reserves the right to cancel the tour if the full payment is not made until the start date of the program.

The Mauna Expeditions team has put a lot of effort into organizing your program. Therefore, any cancellation must be made at least 21 days in advance. After 21 days, Mauna Expeditions may make a 50% refund depending on the cause of cancellation. Any cancellation notified less than 21 days from the start date of the program will be charged a penalty of 100% of the value of the program.

COSTS

Costs vary depending on the size of the group. A minimum of 1 person and a maximum of 24 people are required to make the ascent. For costs information please CONTACT US.

RECOMENDATIONS

Mountaineering is a high-risk sport, where we are exposed to conditions on extreme occasions. We do not recommend doing this activity for people with asthma or some kind of heart condition. The level of difficulty of the program is demanding and there is nothing that interests us more than your safety and that you enjoy our program without any external problem.