Where?

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.

Not specified

Andes

8 Days

Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov, Dec

Fit

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

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

Price details

Price includes: Land transfers / Accommodations in tourist class hotels (double room) and refuges / Breakfast in the hotels / All meals during the hikes and climbs

Does not include: International flight tickets / Meals and drinks in hotels / Personal climbing equipment

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Quito

We can visit the Equator Line and the Intinan museum. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2: Quito - Pasochoa – Machachi

We drive from Quito for about 2 hours through the base of Pasochoa Volcano (4,200 m). After a 6 hour hike through an amazing forest, we will reach the summit. Transfer to Machachi by late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 3: Machachi - Corazón

We will drive to village “El Chaupi”. Eight hour hike towards Corazón Volcano’s summit (4,786 m). Return to Machachi by late afternoon.

Day 4: Machachi - Nuevos Horizontes Hut

We will leave from Quito village “El Chaupi”. Three hour hike to the “Nuevos Horizontes Hut” (4,750 m). Dinner at late afternoon.

Day 5: Hut - Illiniza Norte Summit - Machachi

We will get to the summit of Illiniza Norte (5,126 m) after 3 hours of easy climbing. Overnight in an old hacienda.

Day 6: Machachi - Cotopaxi Refuge

We’ll drive to Cotopaxi National Park and hike for one hour to José Ribas Refuge (4,800 m). Training at the glacier. Dinner and rest in the refuge.

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.

Day 8: Flight back home

Breakfast and transfer from the hotel to the Airport.

Details

Accommodation

Tourist Class Hotels in the city. Refuges in the mountains.

Meeting point

Quito, Ecuador.

About the guide

-Edgar

4.84

(25)

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 17 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 and Germany. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, 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

Residence

Machachi

What people are saying about this trip

Oded Guttman

5.00

January, 2023

The organization of the tour was flawless and every detail was taken care of. We engaged with Edgar through out previous months and he was very responsive and professional. Edgar had a minor injury prior to our trip so his brother, Segundo, was our guide. Segundo did a terrific job, he is very experienced and led us through the climbs with a lot of professionalism and knowledge. We really benefited from his abundant experience and we had a lot of fun.