Climbing Cotopaxi with the best acclimatization in 8 days

If you land in Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) in the morning, we will visit the Equator line and the Intiñan museum. Overnight in the hotel (-/-/-)

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/-/-)

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/-/-)

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 Refuge” (15,583ft/4.750m). We will relax for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner will be served by late afternoon (B/-/D)

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/-/-)

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. (-/-/D)

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/-/-)

Breakfast and transfer from the hotel to the Airport.