2-day Guided summit on Cotopaxi, near Quito

If you’ve ever pondered the idea of climbing in the stunning Andes of Ecuador then look no further! This is your chance to join experienced guides on an unforgettable journey through the mountains!

Cotopaxi is an active stratavolcano in the Ecuadorian Andes and situated about 50km south of Quito.

At 5897 meteres above sea level, it is the second highest Ecuadorian peak after Chimborazo. Therefore it’s also the second furthest place on earth from the Earth’s centre due to its location on the ‘equatorial bulge’.

One of the highest volcanoes in the world Cotopaxi is truly a splender to behold and provides epic panoramic views of the Andes from its summit.

This active volcano last erupted in 2016 and reopened for climbing in 2017, there are not many opportunities in the world to climb active volcanoes and get to see the magic first hand!

On our first day we will drive 3 hours from Riobamba until the Jose Rivas refuge at 4800m. After lunch we will continue walking 3 more hours to reach a glacier at 5000m.

After spending time at the glacier we will return to the refuge for rest and acclimitisation. We will set off on our climb to the summit at midnight to take advantage of the hard snow.

It will take about 6 to 7 hours to reach the summit, from this elevation the panoramic views are beyond belief and you will be transfixed looking out across the mountainous horizon!

Our decent will last about 3 to 4 hours to the refuge and then we will taxi you back to Riobamba or a different destination.

We always take more than sufficient precautions needed on a trip like this. My colleagues and I have years of local experience dealing with these conditions.

We require that you have previous mountaineering experience at altitude and that you are of a high fitness level. This is needed because an altitude of over 6000m is not suitable for beginners.

If ascending an active volcano and one of the highest in the world tickles your fancy, then sign up now and I will be so excited to explore this magnificent landscape and meet this challenge with you!

Excited by this trip? Then consider this amazing mountaineering ascension of mount Chimborazo, Ecuaror’s highest peak for 2-days of stunning scenery and fantastic climbing!