Cotacachi Volcano 2-day climb for beginners

Join Pablo, an IFMGA certified guide, and climb up to the Cotacachi Volcano in this 2-day program, near Quito, in the northern Andes in Ecuador.

Not specified

2 Days

All year

Description

Join me in this 2-day program and let's climb up to the majestic Cotacachi Volcano! It is located in the northern Andes in Ecuador, 65 kilometres of Quito.

Centuries of glacial action sculpted the Cotacachi Volcano and formed almost vertical slopes. Also, from its summit, we will have spectacular views. We will see the snow-capped peaks of Cotopaxi, Cayambe and the Imbabura peak.

Besides, we will visit the beautiful Cuicocha Lake. The Cotacachi Volcano erupted violently 2000 years ago, originating a big land depression that later became the Cuicocha Lake.

Also, we will be able to see the Andean flora around the lake. We will observe highland birds, native orchids and other animals. And, if we are lucky enough, we will get to see the Andean condor!

I think this is a perfect acclimatization hike if you want to warm up for a more challenging climb. And it is perfect for beginners! Besides, we will enjoy amazing views!

So contact me if you have any questions about this climb to the Cotacachi Volcano! I will be happy to guide you up there. Also, I offer a great 2-day ascent to Cayambe Volcano (5790 m)! You can check it out!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito - Lake Cuicocha - Base Camp

We will leave Quito in the morning and drive to the Cotacachi Reserve, near Lake Cuicocha. Then we will hike for about five hours around the lake and enjoy our lunch. We will then head up to our basecamp, have dinner and settle in for the night.

Day 2: Cotacachi Volcano summit (4420 m)

After an early breakfast we will start our hike to Cotacachi, with the beautiful light of the sunrise. It will take us approximately four hours to reach the summit (4,420 m). Then, we will hike down for about three hours to the trailhead. After our descent we will drive back to Quito.

Details

More info

Contact me for information about the price and equipment.

Meeting point

About the guide

Pablo

Mountain Guide

UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide from Ecuador.

I fell in love with the mountains at a young age while climbing Ecuador’s volcanoes with my father. I guided in the Andes for 8 years and have been guiding for the past four years in the Northwest United States. In 1997 I expanded his adventure skills by taking on rock climbing. I represented Chimborazo province three times as the Ecuadorian National Rock Climbing Champion.

I completed his UIAGM certification with the Bolivian Mountain & Trekking Guide Association, accredited by the National School of Ski and Alpinism of Chamonix (ENSA), and completed Advanced Alpine and Rock Guides Courses with American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).

I usually spend some months every year in Ecuador (from October to January, but it varies every year). The rest of the year I am based and guide in Europe.

Languages

English

Certificates

ASEGUIM

Request more information

What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari

5.00

I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!

Niklas

5.00

I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.

Greg

5.00

I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.

Colin

5.00

Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!

Lesley

4.00

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.