3 Days.

Province of Cotopaxi.

From 3 to 10 participants.

The Cotopaxi is not hard to climb concerning the required technical skills.

Nevertheless, it is with its altitude of almost 6.000m a very high mountain, which requires some acclimatization, before climbing the peak.

This 5-day program will offer you the opportunity to reach this goal.

Day 1:    With the car we drive on the Volcano Street towards the south to the “Valle de los Chillos” and afterwards to the northern entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, which is called “El Pedregal”. From this point on we start the biking tour at an altitude of 3.200m.

Most of the way is going upwards. We go from an altitude of 3.200m up until 3.800m, where we will have a break to visit the old Inca ruins of El Salitre and to eat lunch.

After lunch we follow a path heading towards the Limpiopungo valley. Here we build our camp. End of the biking tour.

Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 2:    Discussion about climbing to the peak and climbing on ice.

Breakfast, afterwards car drive to the parking lot (4.500m) and hike (45 min.) to the refuge.

Discussion about climbing on a glacier (2 ½-3 Stunden), afterwards return to the refuge, where we eat dinner and spend the night.

Day 3:    Climbing the Cotopaxi.

At midnight we enjoy a breakfast and start our climb afterwards. We follow the normal route and expect to reach the summit after 6- 7 hours.

On the way we can enjoy the impressive view onto the crater of this amazing volcano. With good weather we can see until the Chimborazo volcano.

Afterwards we descent to the refuge and subsequently to the parking lot. Return to Quito at about 18:00. Overnight in the hotel.

Transportation (4-wheel mini bus).

Basic climbing equipment: Boots, crampons, gear, ice ax.

Multilingual mountain guide.

All meals during the tour.

Drinks (non-alcoholic).

Fee for the refuge ($ 22.00).

All overnight stays in the refuge, hotel and on the campsite.

Entrance to the National Park.

Meals that have not been mentioned.

Personal expenses.

Own equipment (wind jacket, trekking shoes, hat, etc.).

Tips (tourist guide, driver, luggage carrier, etc.).

Alcoholic drinks.

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