Cotopaxi (5,897m), 5-day ascent with acclimatization on Rucu Pichincha & Iliniza Norte, from Quito
Join Jaime, IFMGA-certified mountain guide, for a 5-day mountaineering tour in Ecuador. Start with acclimatization ascents and finish at the summit of the impressive Cotopaxi!
Andes
5 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Discover three summits and an amazing crater lake in only 5 days.
- Reach the top of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
- Stay in two beautiful mountain lodges and a scenic mountain hut.
Description
Do you want to live an unforgettable 5-day alpine adventure in South America? Then come to Quito, Ecuador, for a guided ascent with acclimatization to Cotopaxi!
Cotopaxi 5,897m), an active stratovolcano in the Andes, is the second highest peak in Ecuador. It is located in the Latacunga canton, about 50km south of Quito. First summited in 1872, this mountain is very popular: it receives up to 100 climbers every weekend.
For this mountaineering tour, we will meet in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. The first days we will acclimatize climbing to Rucu (4,696m), one of the summits of the Pichincha volcano (4,784m), and Iliniza Norte (5,696m). Finally, after a rest day at the Quilotoa crater lake, we’ll be ready for the final ascent to the summit of Cotopaxi! For more information, you can check the itinerary below.
Please note that this tour requires a good fitness level. In addition, basic mountaineering experience is preferable. Of course, I will be there to help and guide you!
So, if you want to climb three summits in 5 days, including Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, please contact me. Come to Quito, Ecuador, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We can also climb a lot different peaks in Ecuador. Take a look, for example, at my Tungurahua, Chimborazo, and Cayambe programs.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- The inclusion of meals is detailed in the itinerary. Pick up on the first day and drop off on the last day can be arranged according to your accommodation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Rucu Pichincha
After breakfast, at 8AM, we will drive to TeleferiQo and ascend with the cable-car to Cruz Loma (4,100m). 3-4- hour climb to Rucu, one of the summits of the Pichincha volcano. Descent and transfer to Ilinizas Lodge, in El Chaupi.
Included: transfers, lunch box, and accommodation (meals included).
Day 2: Iliniza Norte
At 6am we drive to Los Ilinizas Natural Reserve. Hike up to the Nuevos Horizontes Hut (3 – 4 hours) and ascent to the summit of Iliniza Norte (2 to 3 hours). Descent to El Chaupi and transfer back to the lodge.
Included: transfers, lunch box, and accommodation (meals included).
Day 3: Quilotoa Crater Lake
After breakfast we will drive to the Quilotoa crater lake. From there, we can hike down to the lagoon (2 hours), just walk to the nearby viewpoints, or visit the local community.
Included: transfers only.
Accommodation in Ilinizas Lodge mountain lodge (dinner & breakfast included)
Day 4: Cotopaxi
After breakfast, around 10AM, we will drive to the Cotopaxi National Park. After a hike to the refuge and a short glacier training we will rest and have dinner.
Included: transfers, lunch box, accommodation and dinner.
Day 5: Cotopaxi: summit day
We will wake up at 12PM, have breakfast, and start the ascent to Cotopaxi (7 to 8 hours to the summit). Descent and drive back to Quito.
Included: transfers and lunch box.
Details
More info
Full mountaineering equipment is required: ice axe, helmet, harness, crampons, sleeping bag, headlamp, proper clothing, etc.
Meeting point
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Jaime
4.9
(46)
Mountain Guide
Certified IFMGA - ASEGUIM Mountain Guide, National guide, Rescue Team Member GRA & Lawyer.
As passionate mountaineer and with almost 20 years of guiding experience, I worked with clients from all over the world. Each tour is a unique experience and I will pleased to guide you to the marvellous summits of Ecuador and South America. My journeys have allowed me to guide and summit several mountains in Peru, like Alpamayo, Chopicalqui & Tocllaraju amongst others and to experience some mountain climbing in the Alps of Austria and Italy.
I’m based in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador’s famous piece of heaven, where we run together with my Austrian girlfriend a small tour operator and a consulting office.
Continuous improvement and keeping up with the State of the Art is our mission:in 2017, I completed the IFMGA certification and, recently, in 2018, I received the National guide certification from the ministry of Tourism.
President of Baños Trail Running Club, I run every week with my team. My achievement of 2018 : Finishing 1st of my category for the 100km Ruco Ultra Trail.
I’m looking forward to exploring our beautiful mountains together with you.
Languages
German | French | English
Certificates
ASEGUIM | IFMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Taher
Jaime is the man. It was an amazing journey. Right from the start to the end, he helped us with everything, guiding in what we should bring, how to approach each mountain and prepare. Shout out to Elisabeth, who was amazing with the planning, always ready with answers to our queries and very efficient and organized. The team made it possible and very easy for us to experience Cotopaxi and Quito
Eric
It was a beautiful trip. Perfectly organised with a very good and experienced guide. Highly recommended!
Travis
My Guide Paul did a fantastic job and I had a great time on our Hikes. Unfortunately Cotopaxi was closed, but we were able to adjust and climb Cayambe instead, which was still a challenging and rewarding hike. Overall I had a great time. Thank you
Nobuo
Mr. Jaime was very experienced guide. He correctly evaluated my weak points during the first acclimatization climb. Modified climb plan from 2nd day, during climb, he guided to cover those weak points. It was impressive that he accurately assumed every course time. On the other hand, he always encouraged me to continue moving, without him I think it was not possible to reach summit of Iliniza Norte. Unfortunately, we couldn't get summit of Cayambe (substitution of closed Cotopaxi for possible eruption) due to risk of possible avalanche, however it would be better for me to have another chance to visit Ecuador more prepared. I definitely recommend. Explore-Share service was very effective, easy to settle with credit card.
paul
Fantastic people ! They were all friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable . I recommend them without reservation
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