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2-day guided climb to Cotopaxi summit
Jaime, a certified IFMGA Mountain Guide with 20 years of experience, invites you to take part in a 2-day climbing adventure to the Cotopaxi summit.
Highlights
Reach the summit of one of the most important volcanoes in the world.
Go through the Cotopaxi National Park and get to see the local wildlife.
Contemplate the incredible volcano's crater from the top.
Description
From an ocean of clouds, a snow-covered mountain peak arises…Come and discover the most popular volcano among climbers in Ecuador.
Standing high at an altitude of 5897 meters, Cotopaxi is the second-highest mountain in the country and one of the most important active volcanoes in the world. It is located to the south of Quito and the northeast of Latacunga.
Join me on a 2-day climbing tour to the Cotopaxi summit and explore one of the most beautiful touristic attractions of Ecuador. We’ll also visit the Cotopaxi National Park and contemplate the wildlife at Laguna Limpiopungo, walk from the José Rivas Hut to the Cotopaxi volcano, and marvel at the impressive crater at its roof!
You can arrange the tour for the day that you prefer. The possible pick-up points are Baños, Riobamba, Ambato, Machachi, and Quito. Cotopaxi is a great volcano for those that are starting to enjoy mountaineering, not too difficult but exciting! Although this climbing tour requires a low technical level, it is important to have good acclimatization and fitness.
As for the itinerary, on the first day, we will drive to the parking lot of the Cotopaxi National Park, where we will start the ascent to the José Ribas Refuge. In the afternoon, we will improve our skills in glacier training.
On the second day, we will start climbing the Cotopaxi by midnight and after 6 – 7 hours, you will be able to admire the wonderful crater at the top of the volcano. The descent will take us another 3 hours and then we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
So, are you ready for an unforgettable Cotopaxi experience? Then contact me and get ready for an incredible Andean adventure. It will be a pleasure to guide you to the top of one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Ecuador.
Also, you can take a look at this program that I lead to the top of Tungurahua in Ecuador.
Details
Accommodation José Ribas Hut |
More info If you´ll be staying in Quito for a couple of days prior to the ascent, a good acclimatization routine would include visiting the old town, climbing the towers of Basilica del Voto Nacional, doing Rucu Pichincha Summit (from TeleferiQo) - up to 4.696 m. Another good option is going for Middle of the world and go for a hike at Pululahua Crater. As for the equipment, we can help you with technical equipment, but you need to bring shoes with you. |
Meeting point Baños, Riobamba, Ambato, Machachi and Quito. |
Photos
About the guide
Certified IFMGA - ASEGUIM Mountain Guide, National guide, Rescue Team Member GRA & Lawyer.
As passionate mountaineer and with almost 20 years of guiding experience, I worked with clients from all over the world. Each tour is a unique experience and I will pleased to guide you to the marvellous summits of Ecuador and South America. My journeys have allowed me to guide and summit several mountains in Peru, like Alpamayo, Chopicalqui & Tocllaraju amongst others and to experience some mountain climbing in the Alps of Austria and Italy.
I’m based in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador’s famous piece of heaven, where we run together with my Austrian girlfriend a small tour operator and a consulting office.
Continuous improvement and keeping up with the State of the Art is our mission:in 2017, I completed the IFMGA certification and, recently, in 2018, I received the National guide certification from the ministry of Tourism.
President of Baños Trail Running Club, I run every week with my team. My achievement of 2018 : Finishing 1st of my category for the 100km Ruco Ultra Trail.
I’m looking forward to exploring our beautiful mountains together with you.
What people are saying about this trip
Matthew Fleischman
5.00
March 2021
Maxwell Gregory
5.00
December 2020
Jaime was an awesome guide! Everything was taken care of, he was very aware about going at the best pace for me, and did everything possible to ensure a successful and safe summit.
Sarah Hill
5.00
November 2020
We summited Cotopaxi with Jamie Vargas as our guide. It was an unbelievable and perfect experience. Jamie was very knowledgeable, skilled, and personable. He shared just enough information with us for each part of the trip for us to be prepared but not too overwhelmed. It was very easy to communicate with our guide and the company before the trip. The food was really nice and the whole experience staying at the refuge and meeting other climbers and guides. We were very confident in Jamie’s skills and ability to keep us safe. His saying “never give up!” was very motivating for our successful summit. The gear was all very nice and up to date, we were given every tool we needed. I felt every emotion during this day from excitement, to fear, to fatigue, to gratitude, I cried very much at the summit because it was so beautiful and it was such a big accomplishment for myself and my husband. Overall this experience was our favorite for our time in Ecuador and even one of my favorites of my whole life! Highly recommend Jamie with Andean summit adventure. Worth every dollar as an investment for an experience of a lifetime!
Philippe Coopmans
3.00
December 2019
I found it pretty expensive to have a private guide. The climb was only 8 hours in total and costs me €570,-. Well, that’s the only complain i have. The service all over was great. Jaime was not my guide so i can rate him, it was Juan of course. He was an ok guide, sometimes a bit hurry up. And next time it would be good to get some more explanations about the dangers of the glacier. I’ve spoken to some real mountaineers and found out there were far more dangers then i realized when climbing the cotopaxi. Maybe something for you guys to consider next time. Best regards, philippe coopmans
Nora Hertig
5.00
November 2019
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Devin
5.00
May 2019
Amazing experience. Wonderful guide Diego. Can’t wait to get back and summit another volcano.
Piotr
5.00
January 2019
Jaime was absolutely amazing. He always made sure that safety is the priority, even when I was tired and had problems with altitude. I\'d climb any mountain with him!
Tyler Long
5.00
January 2019
The traveller did not leave a comment.
Tim Edinger
5.00
June 2018
I had an excellent experience with Andean Summit Adventure during my recent climb of Volcano Cotopaxi. Elisabeth did a tremendous job coordinating all of the logistics details for my trip while I was still in the United States. Jaime Vargas, my guide, provided a first-rate, safe, and excellent experience during the climb itself. I was completely happy with the support that Andean Summit Adventure provided me and I highly recommend them as a tour/guide service for outings in South America.
Prices per person
Group of 1 | USD 650 each |
Group of 2 | USD 380 each |
Group of 3 | USD 380 each |
Group of 4 | USD 360 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
Price details
Included:
- 10 am pickup
- Lunch on day 1
- Snack for the ascent
- Accommodation at refuge with dinner and breakfast
- Permits
- Equipment rental possible but subject to an additional fee.
- Pick up on the first day and drop off on the last day can be arranged according to your accommodation.
For booking assistance
Have any doubts? Talk directly with an Explore Share assistant.
The Concierge service is a great tool for when you still haven't decided what kind of Adventure you're looking for and you're open to suggestions
Super fun! Jamie is awesome. The experience was way more than I expected.