Climbing Pasochoa
volcano in ecuador

Altitude: 4200m / 13779 ft

Distance: 9km / 5.5 mi

Duration: 1 day

Date: All Year

Climbing Pasochoa volcano in Ecuador is one of the greaters experiences for mountaineers. Pasochoa volcano is a 4200m high extinct volcano located 30km south of Quito (19mi) on the outskirts of the Cotopaxi National Park. Pasochoa climbing is a perfect and quite common mountain to start in the world of hiking and mountaineering, plus it is excellent to start gaining acclimatization to climb other high mountains such as Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana or Chimborazo. Basically, it is a perfect hike for begginers. The landscapes offered while climbing Pasochoa volcano are very varied, besides that, its horseshoe crater hosts a wide variety of species in addition to its impressive grass plains and volcanic rock walls that will make you enjoy this hike like no other. It is a unique place in Ecuador.

Inside the caldera, there is a forest that has been a protected area since 1982 since it is one of the last areas in the ecuadorian highlands with humid forests typical of the Andes, where a great variety of flora and fauna lives. There are two main routes for climbing Pasochoa in Ecuador, however, the second one is the most common for climbers. The first is through the entrance to the protected area ‘Pasochoa Wildlife Reserve’, a well signposted but quite long route, which also offers trails not only to the summit but to different areas of the reserve, where you can also camp. Secondly, the route most chosen by climbers to ascend is through the Pasochoa Hydroelectric. This route is not very long but it will make us gain a lot of height in a short time, so it’s perfect for acclimatization.

Finally, you can read detailed information about the Pasochoa Wildlife Reserve in the next page and see what adventures says about climbing Pasochoa volcano in Ecuador. This trek is normally done in one day and every four passengers will have a certified mountain guide. If you travel alone, the ascent will be carried out only by the certified guide with the passenger. Come to live this incredible experience climbing the Andes of Ecuador. It is certainly a hike that you can’t miss.

DAY 1: Climbing Pasochoa Volcano in Ecuador

We will pick you up from your hotel or place of your choice at 06h00 where we will have a one and a half hour trip until we reach the Pasochoa’s hydroelectric, point where we will begin our hike. We will give some brief safety instructions and after approximately 4 hours we will reach the summit of Pasochoa volcano where we will enjoy the amazing landscapes that surround us and we will see the neighboring giant volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Antisana, Ilinizas and many more. The descent will take us approximately two and a half hours to our vehicle. The return trip takes an hour and a half, so we will make a stop to get lunch before leaving you again at the starting point at your hotel or place of your choice.

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT (INCLUDED):

• Helmet.
• Harness.
• Shared Equipment (rope, carabiners, cord). 

PERSONAL CLOTHING (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 (in case of rain).
• An extra thermal or jacket (in case of extreme cold).
• Backpack between 25L and 35L.
• Gloves.
• Factor 4 sunglasses (with UV protection).
• Buff.
• 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 4 people.
✓ Private door-to-door transportation for the entire day of the tour.
✓ Entry Permits. 
✓ Adventure video about the experience in the program.
✓ Mountain equipment (specified above).
✓ Lunch on the way down on the day of the ascent.
✓ 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 Pasochoa Volcano in Eacudor’ 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.