Andes Fox Express Cotopaxi

Meals Included:

You will be provided a transfer to Hostería PapaGayo Cotopaxi from Quito or Quito Airport. Please review with your Gulliver travel agent if you will need transportation from another location or if you will be arriving on your own accord.

Night at Hosteria PapaGayo Cotopaxi

Meals Included:

A truly stunning climb, Illinizas is the perfect final preparation for climbing Cotopaxi. For this reason, prepare for a steep climb through a magnificent landscape. In continuation, an exhilarating scramble to the summit. The day will start with breakfast at Hosteria PapaGayo, following a transfer to the starting point. You enter the Ilinizas Reserve with your guide and hike to “The Virgin”, consequently called so because local people worship the mountain and earth Gods at this location.

The climb will take between 4 and 5 hours, whereas the descent will take about 2 hours. During the climb, you will enjoy varied views of snow-capped mountains, rainforests, and beautiful green lagoons. Temperatures will be around 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit).  And most importantly, guides will assist with rope and harness for the last section of the climb.

Night at Hosteria PapaGayo Cotopaxi

Meals Included:

Equally as important as the climbs, a rest day is scheduled. Following breakfast, you are free to enjoy a day at leisure. While at PapaGayo you can enjoy various activities. For example, visit the neighboring Eco Roses plantation (Monday to Friday), go for a bike ride, soak in the Jacuzzi, or even take a short horseback riding lesson. Surely, you will find something to pass the time and enjoy the farm life.  However, remember to check with reception first to coordinate the activity.

Night at Hosteria PapaGayo Cotopaxi

Meals Included:

Day 4  Day 5

Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at 5,897 m (19,437 ft). You will leave Hosteria PapaGayo in the afternoon after lunch to the Cotopaxi National Park. The mountain expedition begins at the parking lot located at 4,500 m (14,763 ft) until you reach the refuge “Jose Rivas”.

The refuge is at 4,800 m (15,748 ft). You will have dinner and time to rest, afterwards, you will prepare for the ascent just before midnight. Although climbing Cotopaxi is not classified as technical, it still requires the use of professional ASEGUIM guides and glacier equipment. As a result, the ascent will take between 6-8 hours. On the other hand, the descent will be about 2 hours. Once you reach the summit, you will have an unbelievable view of the clouds. Other volcano peaks are visible, for example, Cayambe and Chimborazo.

Confirm equipment rentals with your Gulliver Agent

• All mountain programs will be subject to weather conditions and safety protocols, including health risks. Gulliver Expeditions does not issue refunds if the summit was not reached. Each Gulliver guide is highly trained and experienced. Nevertheless, they are excellent motivators for you to reach the summit. However, guides will be expected to take into consideration your safety at all times. Therefore, they are responsible to make any decisions to stop a climb and return without being held responsible.

• Each Gulliver vehicle is equipped with satellite tracking devices to control position and speed. Every car is provided full insurance and the highest security and safety standards.

• It is important to inform your Gulliver agent of any known medical conditions or allergies you may have.

• Gulliver has put significant effort into organizing your program. Therefore, cancellations will require a minimum of 30 days’ notice.  Within 30 days, Gulliver may be able to offer a 50% refund – subject to certain conditions.  Cancelations made in less than 30 days will require a full cancelation fee.

• Mountain climbing is a high-risk activity, consequently exposing your physical ability to extreme conditions. For this reason, you need to have a checkup with your doctor.  Also, avoid taking medication during your climbs, because the altitude may cause various effects.  However, if you must, please inform your guide beforehand, as well as speak with your doctor.