Cotopaxi 2-day guided ascent, Ecuador
Ascend the snow-covered summit of the active Cotopaxi volcano with IFMGA-certified Pablo guiding you atop Ecuador’s stunning second highest peak.
Not specified
Andes
2 Days
Sep, Oct, Nov
Fit
Intermediate
Highlights
- Reach the second highest peak of Ecuador.
- Scale the active volcano of Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest.
- Witness incredible views and the strength of nature.
Description
Conquer the snow-covered coned volcano peak of Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s second highest peak that soars to 5,897 meters (19,347ft).
Just 55 kilometres (34 miles) south of Quito, the region is famous for its incredibly clear weather due to its geography. So for most climbs you will be able to witness beautiful panoramas of the Andean landscape, like the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Reach the summit and enjoy incredible views of the Cotopaxi crater, which measures 800 meters (2,624ft) in diameter, and releases a steady stream of gases and steam.
Being an active volcano, Cotopaxi erupts roughly every 100 years. The last eruption lasted from August 2015 to January 2016, but the first ever recorded was in 1534 during the Spanish conquest.
It once erupted during a battle between the Spanish conquistadors and the Incas that caused both sides to run for their lives. For the Incas, Cotopaxi was a significant spiritual symbol, and believed the eruption was an ominous sign. The Spaniards, who had never experienced volcanic activity, were simply terrified of its deadly powers.
Wilhelm Reiss, a German geologist, and Angel Escobar, from Colombia, were the first to climb the rim of the crater in 1872. Their ascent took them over a lava flow that was still warm. In 1880, Edward Whymper, a British mountaineer, climbed Cotopaxi from the north, which to this day is the most popular route to the summit.
Because of the region’s stable weather conditions, it’s possible to access the summit all year round. The level for this trip is not technically difficult, although there is one section that contains snow bridge crossings and complex crevasse patterns, requiring ice climbing gear. And in general, potential participants need a good level of fitness.
Reserve your place now to conquer Ecuador’s second highest peak, the active volcano of Cotopaxi, and witness the incredible force of nature on this 2-day guide.
Itinerary
Day 1: To Jose Rivas Refuge
After driving to the base of Cotopaxi at 4,600m (15,091ft), we will hike to Jose Rivas Refuge at 4,800 m (15,748 ft). Then we will review our glacier and technical skills to prepare for the ascent of Cotopaxi.
Day 2: Climb the Cotopaxi summit
Our day starts early to ensure we have enough time to reach the summit by 7:00am. After 6-7 hours of climbing we will watch the sunrise, and begin our descent. It will take 2-3 hours to return before we drive to Quito.
About the 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.
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