Cotopaxi Vulkan Gipfel, 2-tägige Klettertour in Ecuador

The experience is tough. I have done a full distance triathlon and this comes close to it in duration and mental strain. We trained by preparing for altitude hikes by getting altitude in the hikes and working up to 750 meters of difference, but could not train for the actual altitude due to sea level living. We acclimitized by being at Quito for at least a week and going to Pichincha two times at 4000 meters. Still, we both experience altitude sickness. I think you can try to get to 4800 meters for more often or longer to get used to it better. This hike is not extremely technical, but gets steep at times in which you have to manage a lot at the same time (not roping up in your partner, ice axe placement, correct feet positioning, managing breath and heartrate). The guiding is more towards those either knowing what they are getting into or professional climbers. David is great guide for pro's, but for amateurs I think he might push too hard. Be aware of that when booking. Part of it is on our behalf for not knowing exactly what we were getting into. My partner (F) was not prepared for this and thus had an awful experience. In the end, we made the summit which is a great and unforgettable experience. I would book this again, but only because I know what it means now. For the first timer, I would not recommend this and book somebody with whom you feel comfortable giving up with. Be aware that this climb has a 50% success rate and you might not get out of it what you want. Climbing to 80% is still gorgeous and with the sunrise is a beautiful experience nonetheless, but manage your expectations.

Great experience climbing Cotopaxi. David was great with communication and making sure I made it up safely.

Amazing trip and Davo, our guide was simply spectacular. Very knowledgeable and experienced, very helpful leading up to the trip by answering all of our questions. If I was to do this trip or any other mountaineering trip again, I would use Davo as my guide for sure.

David ist DER Guide, den man sich wünscht. Er ist auf uns, unsere Wünsche, unsere Möglichkeiten eingegangen. Schon in der Vorbereitung hat er sich angenehm um uns gekümmert, hat Unterstützung angeboten, ohne sich aufzudrängen. Er hat respektiert, dass wir eigene Bergerfahrung mitbringen, hat sich mit uns abgestimmt aber niemals Vorschriften gemacht. Mit David standen wir 5.30 Uhr, kurz vor Sonnenaufgang, auf dem Gipfel des Cotopaxi - bei bester Gesundheit und bestem Wetter. Besser geht es nicht. Wir sind David für seine gut gelaunte und doch rücksichtsvolle Begleitung sehr dankbar. Wer die Berge Ecuadors wirklich erleben will, ist mit David hervorragend beraten. Ein herzliches Dankeschön aus Deutschland an David!