Climbing Cotopaxi with the best acclimatization in 8 days
Explore the summits of Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, Illiniza and Corazón under the guidance of Edgar, an IFMGA certified mountain guide.
Andes
8 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Description
At the beginning of the 19th century, the German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt named the mountain range that crosses Ecuador from North to South as the "Avenue of Volcanoes". It is an inter-Andean valley that spans over 300-kms with more than 70 volcanoes that dot it.
On this trip, I offer you to hike up to the summit of four of the most popular Ecuadorian volcanoes, including the Cotopaxi (5,897 m). These mountains of granite and lava offer some of the most extraordinary landscapes in South America. From their summits, you will enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of this incredible mountain range.
In Quito, on the day you arrive, we can visit the Equator Line and the Intinan museum. Then, the next day the real mountaineering adventure begins!
Our first summit will be the Pasochoa Volcano (4,200 m). On the way to its summit, there is a very well preserved Andean forest. More than 60 species of native trees, birds (such as the gallinazo and the condor), and mammals (such as foxes, wolves, and pumas) inhabit the forest.
During the next few days, we will reach the summits of Corazón (4,786 m) and North Illiniza (5,126 m). In Corazón, we will find ancient ruins and a protected forest with native medicinal plants. Illiniza, a potentially active volcano, has two snow-covered peaks. Upon Iliniza Norte, which requires basic climbing skills, we will complete the acclimatization for the final experience.
Finally, I will take you to the summit of Cotopaxi, the symbol of Ecuador. Located in Cotopaxi National Park, it is surrounded by virgin forests, mountains, and lakes. The hike starts at midnight from José Ribas Refuge and takes about 6 to 8 hours. At the top, we will enjoy a panoramic view of vegetation-covered slopes and mineral traces of old eruptions.
So, are you ready for this amazing trip to the Ecuadorian volcanoes? Contact me and let's start planning today! I promise we will see some of Ecuador's most beautiful and unique natural areas.
And if you are looking for a shorter tour, I also propose this Two-day mountaineering tour to Cotopaxi Volcano. Check it out!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
- Accommodation
- Group equipment
- Avalanche equipment
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Mountain guide's expenses
Price details
- Price includes: Land transfers / Accommodations in tourist class hotels and refuges / Breakfast in the hotels /
- Does not include: International flight tickets / Meals and drinks in hotels / Personal climbing equipment
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive to Quito
If you land to Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) in the morning, we will visit the Equator line and the Intiñan museum. Overnight in the hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: Quito - Pasochoa – Machachi
We will leave from Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) early in the morning and drive southeast for about 2 hours through the Andean highlands until we get to the trailhead (10,827ft/3.300m). The hike goes through an amazing primary Andean forest, great for bird watching, as we will arrive on the summit (13,878ft/4.230m) and if the weather allows, we will be able to see the surrounding snow capped mountains such as Antisana, Cayambe, Illinizas, Cotopaxi and even Chimborazo far away to the south on clear days.
It will take us about 6 hours. Transfer to Machachi by late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel (B/-/-)
Day 3: Machachi - Corazón
We will leave from Machachi early in the morning and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the village of “El Chaupi”. We will continue driving up to the trailhead (13,123ft/4.000m), where we start our hike. The first part of the hike takes us up through the small Andean grass. Then we will get on the sandy and scramble section, which leads to Corazon summit (15,702ft/4.786m). We will have lunch during the hike that is about 8 hour long.
Return to Machachi by late afternoon (B/-/-)
Day 4: Machachi - Nuevos Horizontes Hut
We will leave from Machachi in the morning and drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the village of “El Chaupi”. We will continue driving up until we get to “La Virgen parking lot” (12,795ft/3.900m). Once there, we will start a 3-hour hike up to the “Nuevos Horizontes Hut” (15,583ft/4.750m). We will relax for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner will be served by late afternoon (B/-/D)
Day 5: Hut - Illiniza Norte Summit - Machachi
Our climbing day starts at 5 am. We will have a light breakfast, pack our climbing equipment and leave the refuge an hour later. We will continue hiking up towards the saddle formed between both peaks and then to Illiniza Norte summit (16,818ft/5.126m). The approach to the top involves an easy 3-hour scrambling. Once at the summit, we will enjoy and admire the beautiful surroundings. Overnight in the hotel (B/-/-)
Day 6: Machachi - Cotopaxi Refuge
We’ll drive to Cotopaxi National Park and hike for one hour to José Ribas Refuge (3,895 m). Training at the glacier. Dinner and rest in the refuge. (B/-/D)
Day 7: Refuge - Cotopaxi Summit - Quito
We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (5,897 m) of Cotopaxi Volcano. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours, and the return between 2 and 3 hours. Drive back to Quito. Overnight in the hotel. (B/-/-)
Day 8: Flight back home
Transfer from the hotel to the Airport. (B/-/-)
About the guide
-Edgar & Guides' team
4.7
(36)
Mountain Guide
UIAGM/IFMGA-ASEGUIM Mountain Guide from Ecuador.
I am a mountain guide, but also a passionate traveler, climber in rock and ice, and photographer. I spend my free time and holidays exploring new destinations, discovering new mountains and cultures.
I have more than 27 years of experience climbing mountains and volcanoes not only in Ecuador, but also in other South American countries such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, and in the Alps in Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Nepal. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, Aconcagua in los Andes and Mt. McKinley in Alaska. This experiences prepared me to lead expeditions in challenging routes all around the world.
I studied 6 years of Tourism in the University, and followed ASEGUIM courses to become a mountain guide. I’ve also been evaluated by ENSA, and completed first aid courses in the Ecuadorian Red Cross.
I like guiding people from all around the world, and help them discover and enjoy the mountains, while reaching their objectives. I speak Spanish, English, German, Italian, and a bit of Russian.
Languages
Russian | Italian | German | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM | UIAGM
What people are saying about -Edgar & Guides' team
Daniel
Fabian was assigned as my guide from Lonely Summits. I enjoyed his guiding services. However, Lonely Summits communication was bad. They used Whatsapp and I did not feel comfortable 3 times when their responses prior to starting the trip were delayed days/week. This did not make me feel confident in the service I was getting into. During the trip I had to request a pickup time as the office forgot about me. The office staff did not speak English, just translated English via Whatsapp. Do not market to higher paying US customers if you do not speak English. Lonely Summits did not provide any suggestions for activities to do during my free time. There were none included in their price but they did not suggest any ideas. The original plan included mountaineering gear but they sent me a list of items to rent from them. A typical Bait and Switch tactic. If they cannot handle follow-through on what they promise each client, then stop offering trips with inclusions you do not provide.
Lukas
Trip started badly as we were informed that all meals would be provided, the guide told us no meals were included. The guide spoke very little English making communication difficult. The guide was very quick walking and often was out of sight of us. We asked him to slow down which he ignored and kept up a very quick pace. Not great. Felt very rushed and uncomfortable.
Carlos
It was really great working with Segundo Parra , very professional , easy going and a good leader to work with , it made the trip very fun , I would recommend him completely , and myself I think next year I would go with him to other mountains in Ecuador
Adam
Chris
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