Three-day mountaineering tour to Cotopaxi summit

The Cotopaxi is an active volcano of the Andes, located 50 km. from Quito, the capital of Ecuador. It is 5897 m. high and is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Its last great eruption was in 1877. Nevertheless, from 2003, its volcanic activity has increased, and the ascents were canceled for a while.

However, now you have again the opportunity to reach the summit of this huge peak in this 3-day mountaineering experience. The beauty of Cotopaxi will mark you for the rest of your life: it is a perfect cone covered with glaciers, whose stalactites and stalagmites shine at night with the light of the moon.

The volcano is situated in the Cotopaxi National Park, created to protect the Latacunga Canton. It is a more than 30 thousand hectares park with a great variety of trees. There we can found wild horses, deers, bears, rabbits, wolves, hawks, owls and toucans, among others.

On the first two days we will need some acclimatization in the base of Rumiñahui Mountain and ice climbing training in the Cotopaxi's glaciers. The real adventure starts the third day from José Ribas Refuge. We prefer to start hiking at night to see the sunrise from the summit. So we will leave from the refuge at 1am after a light breakfast. The ascent takes 6 to 8 hours.

The landscape that we will cross to reach the summit is really amazing: from forests, moors and lagoons to archaeological ruins of the natives who once inhabited the region. From the summit you can have a scenic view of Quito, northern Chimborazo and southern Tungurahua.

So, if you are ready for this once-in-a-lifetime mountaineering experience, get in touch with me. I am sure that you will be fascinated by the imposing beauty of Cotopaxi Volcano!