“Cotopaxi Express”, 3 days to the summit with Illiniza ascent (Ecuador)
Fernando, an ASEGUIM mountain leader, and his team would like to invite you to this incredible ascent to the summit of Cotopaxi. Join him on this mountaineering adventure, and climb Illiniza Norte too.
Private
Andes
3 Days
Jan, Feb, Jun - Aug, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Stand at the top of Cotopaxi right at sunrise, and enjoy its dazzling views.
- Reach the summit of Illiniza, the perfect way for acclimatization.
Description
Discover the beauty of one of the most majestic volcanoes in the world. Reach the summit of Cotopaxi along with Illiniza, on this 3 days ascent.
Cotopaxi is not only incredibly beautiful, it is also one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. It is also the second highest in Ecuador, rising at 5,897 meters.
On our first day we’ll depart from Quito early in the morning until we reach the La Virgen parking lot. Thereupon we’ll begin hiking towards the Nuevos Horizontes mountain refuge, from where we’ll gear up and ready to climb Illiniza Norte. This magnificent volcano is the ideal way to acclimatize for Cotopaxi. And it offers some of the most dazzling views of the area.
After a good night sleep at the Andes Alpes Hostel, we’ll drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we reach the Cotopaxi National Park. From there, we’ll hike to the Jose Ribas Refuge (4,864 m).
On our last day we will finally reach the summit of Cotopaxi. We’ll leave at midnight, having breakfast on the way. After 6-8 hours we’ll reach the top. Then we’ll begin our descent, back to the refuge and the parking lot, where our private transportation will be waiting to drive us back to Quito.
Don’t hesitate! Join me on this mountaineering adventure. Request to book this trip today and let’s live an unforgettable trip in Ecuador.
Looking to further explore the area? I also guide this Chimborazo Volcano 2 Day Guided Tour.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
Price details
- The price includes: the fee of an ecuadorian qualified and experienced local Mountain Guide (ASEGUIM/UIAGM) ratio 2 climbers 1 guide; registration in the System SIB (System Information of Biodiversity); Technical mountain gear (mountaineering Boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet); private transportation and transfers to Cotopaxi National Park; 4 nights accommodation at the Andes alpes; 1 night accommodation at the Cotopaxi Refuge Jose Rivas; all meals during the hikes and climbs. The price does not include: personal mountain gear (warm cloths, sleeping bags, sunglasses, head lamp, etc.); international flight tickets; accommodation in Quito, tips, insurance of any kind Travel accident and health insurance, luggage insurance and trip cancellation; other non-specified expenses.
Meeting point
Details
More info
Mountain refuges and hostels.
About the guide
Fernando
4.7
(27)
Mountain Leader
ASEGUIM Guide from Ecuador
Fernando Iza was born and raised in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador and knows the country’s peaks intimately. He is an official ASEGUIM mountain guide with more than 18 years of mountaineering experience climbing in all of Ecuador, as well as in South America, Switzerland, France, and the United States.
Fernando has worked for mountaineering companies in Ecuador, Europe and the United States from a young age. Now, he has set up his own basecamp at Ilinizas Mountain Lodge, right next to Iliniza Volcano, Rumiñahui Volcano, and the famous Cotopaxi Volcano. He has summited Cotopaxi more than 637 times and has summitted Chimborazo Volcano close to 200 times.
Fernando got his degree in Tourism Technology at Cenestur Institute, and in 2021 started studying Business administration with Cuosera.
He has completed important courses such as:
- Mountain Guides Course by ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides),
- Mountain Guides Evaluation by ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme) in October 2006. This event was organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador and ENSA of France
- Pre-course UIAGM, an event organized by ASEGUIM and ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme)
- Wilderness first aid courses
- Ecuadorian Red Cross courses
- He speaks fluent Spanish and English, as well as a little German, French, Hebrew and Kichua
The most spectacular guided tours that Fernando has done.
- Antisana South Peak Open new rout
- Alpamayo
- Matterhorn
- Denali
Languages
German | French | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM
What people are saying about Fernando
Carlos
Very professional guide, we felt safe all the time. The lodging is very nice and has equipment in case you didn't bring enough
John
My guide was outstanding in leading the way to victory onto Cotopaxi Summit. I have been recommending Explore-Share to everyone because of how much I trust and value the program’s mission and the guides. I can’t wait to continue adding more journeys with Explore-Share 🏔️
Mario
Fernando was excelent, I fell secure with all his experience. TOP!
MICHAIL
Fernando is a very experienced guide, with a great know-how in hiking high altitudes. The hike was demanding, so having a guide who was responsible and knew how to coach us while climbing was extremely important. We could not make it to the top, but the adventure was absolutely worthy!
Carolyn
Had a really great trip climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes. Fernando is a very capable guide. His true passion is big, technical climbs and he is a less excited about the more basic acclimatization hikes. The lodging and food in El Chaupi is great. There was not a ton of advanced communication and the pre-trip prep each night before was a little sparse and lacking in detail. There was limited flexibility if we wanted to adjust the itinerary (such as including an extra walk to a lagoon, ect). Overall, a good experience.
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