Llama Express

Meals included:

Make your way or get a private transfer to Hostería PapaGayo Cotopaxi.

Meals included:

Inactive since the last ice age, the Pasochoa volcano (4,199 m/13,776 ft) is one of the best places to see the famous Andean Condor. The climb offers superb views of the mighty Cotopaxi and surrounding volcanoes. During the ascent, you can see inside the crater which has the last remnants of the primary Andean forest. Still living within the forest are pumas, foxes, skunks, and many bird species. This is a perfect first hike for those who are new to altitude or those who are beginning an acclimatization program.

Meals included:

Forming part of the Avenue of Volcanos south of Quito, Corazon is a great climbing option to get acclimatized. Corazon, meaning heart, is called so due to its shape. The climb up is through the grassy paramo landscape and as you reach the peak you will be met with rocky outcrops. From the peak, on a clear day, you will have breathtaking views of the other peaks that form this stunning section of the country.

Meals included:

A truly stunning climb, Illinizas is the perfect preparation for Cotopaxi. Get ready for a steep climb through a magnificent landscape followed by an exhilarating scramble to the summit. The day commences with a good breakfast ready for the climb. We then make our way to the starting point, “The Virgin”, at a height of 4,000 m (13,123 ft), a place at which the local people worship the mountain and earth gods. The climb will take 4-5 hours and 2 hours to descend back down. During the climb, you will enjoy amazing views of snow-capped mountains and beautiful green lagoons.

Meals included:

After breakfast, you will enjoy a day of rest at Hostería PapaGayo Cotopaxi. Optional non includes activities: Hiking, visiting Eco Roses farm (Monday to Friday), biking, or horse riding. Please check in reception for the organization of any of those activities.
Bikes are included in 5-star programs.

Meals included:

Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in Ecuador at 5,897 m (19,347 ft)! The climb to the summit occurs during the night; this allows for watching the sunrise from the summit and displays unsurpassed views over Quito to the North, and Chimborazo and Tungurahua to the south. From the top, you have a magnificent view of the snow-capped crater where it is possible to see steam emissions. The ascent departs from the parking lot at 4,500 m (14,765 ft) or from the refuge “Jose Rivas” refuge at 4,800 m (15,780 ft) (depending on where you chose to spend the night: Tambopaxi or Refuge) and climbs through a mixture of volcanic sand, snow, and glacier to the summit. The climb, although not classified as technical, requires the use of professional guides and specialized glacier hiking equipment. The ascent takes between 6-8 hours while the descent requires 2 hours.

Climbing at this altitude can be very difficult, so please be sure that you are well-prepared. We recommend acclimatizing by spending at least six nights above 3,000 m (9,842 ft) and climbing twice around 5,000 m (16,404 ft) in the same week. This can be achieved through a Gulliver acclimatization program such as the 5 or 7-day program. Following an acclimatization program offers a much higher chance of making a successful climb of Cotopaxi.

** NOTE: In case you do not want to use the previous night for the first climb, you can change it for a Quito-PapaGayo Or PapaGayo-Quito transfer** 

Special climbing equipment included

Necessary Equipment not included

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

*Day pack of 35 liters. (Needed from the refuge to Cotopaxi summit to accommodate plenty of water, crampons, warm gear including puffer jacket, etc)

**Large rucksack (50-70 liter) (only needed to transfer gear from the bus drop off at the Cotopaxi up to the refuge)

• All Gulliver cars come with advanced satellite tracking devices to control position and speed, or for extra safety in an unlikely case of an accident. Every car has full insurance. We always make sure to fulfill the highest security and safety standards for all our clients.

• You must have current travel insurance including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

• We put all our effort into organizing the tour, therefore cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours notice. A 50% refund will be given back. Cancellations will not be refunded with a shorter time notice.

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

• Please note tips for our guides are not included in the price.