Climbing Cotopaxi Volcano

The highest active volcano in the world, Ecuador

Climbing Tours in Ecuador
2 days
Highlands
$220 - 350 per person
climbing tours cotopaxi highland tours

Description
Itinerary
Includes
Contact

Cotopaxi is considered one of the world`s highest active volacanoes and is at 5897m (19,348ft), Ecuador`s second highest mountain and one of the highest in South America. Its perfectly symmetrical cone, covered in a thick blanket of snow and ice, gracefully rises from a beautiful paramos plateau. The climb up Cotopaxi is not highly technical, but does require a pre-climb glacier travel course with crampons, ice axe and ropes the afternoon before summiting. Then leaving around midnight, climbers traverse up the volcano arriving to the top of Cotopaxi after sunrise at 6am.

Day tours to Cotopaxi with hiking, trekking or biking are a must if climbing the summit isn't for you.

Herds of wild horses graze on the extensive plains at the foot of the volcano or gather to drink at the lovely Limpiopungo lagoon, which reflects the jagged white peaks of nearby Volcan Rumiñahui 4,712m (15459ft) and makes a great spot for watching waterfowl and other birds. Walking or hiking in Cotopaxi National Park, you will notice pumice, ash, stone and other volcanic debris amid the tiny páramos plants. On a day trip to the National Park it is possible to drive as high as 4,600m (15,092ft) up Cotopaxi then trek up a sandy scree slope to reach the snout of the glacier at 4,800m (15,748ft). Because of the thinness of the air these 200m (656ft), which seem tantalisingly short, can take well over an hour to climb.

Day 1
Schedule	Itinerary
10:00	Arrive at PapaGayo and check equipment. (Transportation not included, you have the option to spend the night in the beautiful Hosteria – PapaGayo, for more information please ask us).
11:00	Depart for Cotopaxi National Park.
12:00	Arrive at the parking lot at 4,500m (14763 ft) and begin hike up to “Jose Rivas” refuge.
13:00	Reach refuge at 4,810m (15780 ft).
14:00	Lunch.
15:00	Begin mountaineering instruction and get explanation on the climb (depending on the weather and the decision of the guide):
	- Crampon techniques.
	- Ice axe use.
	- Self arrest.
	- Roped team travel.
	- Pressure breathing.
17:30	Dinner.
18:30	Sleep.
23:30	Wake up, eat a small snack and gear up for climb.
24:00:00	Begin climbing!!!
Day 2
Schedule	Itinerary
Sunrise	Depending on your climbing experience, you will arrive at the Summit of Cotopaxi for a magnificent display of colors as the morning sun begins to flood the sky.
10:00	Arrive back at the Refugio, after a successful climb, enjoy much deserved snacks.
11:30	Leave Cotopaxi National Park towards PapaGayo.
12:15	Arrive to PapaGayo, and making a gear checks.
13:00	Optional – celebration lunch ($10).
14:30	Stay at PapaGayo or return to Quito (not included).

Important Notice: Mountain climbing can be a high risk activity which can expose your physical ability to extreme conditions. For this reason we highly recommend to realize a previous appointment with your doctor for a general physical check up. We also recommend to not be taking any medication during your climbs, but in case have to, you must previously ask your guide for authorization to take those medications during the tour.

It is important that you have current travel insurance includingpersonal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

We put a lot of effort in organizing the tour; therefore cancellations require 24hrs notice by which we would give you a 50% refund. Cancellations will not be refunded with a shorter time notice.

Please note tips for our guides are not included in the price. If you enjoyed your trip, a tip of around 10% would be greatly appreciated.

GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR ADVENTURE!

Price Includes: Professional bilingual guide (maximum 1 guide per 2 people), transportation from to Cotopaxi and return, bed at refuge ´Jose Rivas´ on the 1^st night, lunch on 1^st day, dinner and breakfast at the refuge, special climbing equipment including:

- Polar pants	- Plastic climbing boots	- Gaitors
- Polar jacket	- Crampons	- Outside gloves
- Waterproof pants	- Ice axe
- Waterproof jacket	- Climbing harness

Price Excludes: transportation from/to Quito, sleeping bag, inside gloves, tips for guide, optional celebration lunch.

Necessary Equipment:

- sleeping bag (available to rent for $10)	- big and small back pack (available to rent for $10)	- warm hat
- water	- inside polar gloves	- energy drinks and snacks
- camera	- sun cream	- 2 batteries AAA
- clock	- sunglasses	- Head lamp (available to rent for $10)

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

Climbing Cotopaxi Volcano

Gulliver Expeditions