Cotopaxi (05 Days)

05 Days/04 Nigths
Max. Altitude: 5897 m / 19,347 ft
Route: Rumiñahui 4700 m / 15,419 ft, Illiniza 5116 m / 16,784 ft, Cotopaxi: 5897 m / 19,347 ft
Availability: All year
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
People per Guide: 3

This program is for climbers who want to get well acclimatized before the big Cotopaxi ascent. It is a very good program for climbers with previous altitude experience. In 6 days we will climb to the top of 4 mountains. Three will be mountains without glaciers and the Cotopaxi with glacier. We recommend good fitness health and mountain climbing experience.

Itinerary

Day 01: Climbing Pasochoa 4200 m / 13,779 ft
We pick you up at your hotel in Quito. We head towards the foothill of Pasochoa Mountain to start our trekking. We traverse beautiful moorlands and head to the base of the rocky mountain. A short hike up and we will be at the summit, one of the most beautiful balconies in the Central Andes. On a clear day we can admire Sincholagua, Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui and possibly Antisana volcano. It takes us about 5-6 hours to go up and down. This is one of the best treks to start an acclimatization process in the altitude. We head to our lodge to rest.

Day 02: Climbing Rumiñahui 4700 m / 15,419 ft
The imposing Rumiñahui with 4700m is our last hurdle before the Cotopaxi. We start our tour at the edge of the stunning Limpiopungo lagoon at 3900m. We hike to the summit and back in approx. 4-5h. The tour ends directly at the amazing Lodge los Mortiños where we will have dinner and relax with a panoramic view.

Day 03: Climbing Iliniza North 5116 m / 16,784 ft
After early breakfast we head to Ilinizas Reserve. We will reach 12`870 feet (3900mts). Our trekking tour starts passing by 3 different vegetation zones up to the refuge (hut) after 2-3 hrs trekking at 15´675 feet (4750mts). In the refuge we will take a cup of tea, recover and continue to the summit of Illiniza Norte if the weather conditions and mountain conditions allow us. The summit of Illiniza Norte is at 16’785feet (5116mts). Our trekking tour up and down 4012.8 feet (1216mts) will take us around 7-8hrs, a long journey but probably the most important one for our climb to Cotopaxi later on. We come down to rest at our lodge.

Day 04: Climbing Mountain Refuge 4800 m / 15,748 ft - Cotopaxi
The morning helps us to relax and spend a few pleasant hours in the lodge. We will have early lunch to go shortly after noon in the direction of the National Park. The road to Cotopaxi by the National Park is unique. You often see wild animals such as horses, bulls, birds, rabbits and foxes. We drive almost 1h. from 3600m to 4500m, where we leave our jeeps. The last 300mts to the hut we make on foot. Before sunset we have dinner and try to sleep a few hours, because at midnight our adventure will start. The unique and compelling Cotopaxi 5897m is waiting for us.

Day 05: Climbing Cotopaxi 5897 m / 19,347 ft
The big day of the trip begins shortly after midnight at 4800 m / 15,748 ft. 5 -6 hours we will need to get to the main summit of the world famous Cotopaxi (5897 m / 19,347 ft). A complete alpine glacier tour surrounded by beautiful mountains and the lights of the capital in the background. Goal of ascension is to reach the summit when the sun arises to enjoy the magnificent colors. We need 2-3 hours for the descent. We return afterwards to Quito.

What’s included

• Local certified English/Spanish-speaking mountain guide
• Accommodation mentioned above
• Private transportation
• Meals mentioned in program above
• Transportation, Accommodations, meals for all guides and driver

• Travel accident and health insurance
• Airfare
• Soft and alcoholic beverages
• Extras and services not mentioned above
• Insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Glacier, climbing and extra trekking gear (we can assist with the rental)
• Taxes

WHAT TO TAKE:

• Small backpack
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
• Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
• Lightweight pants
• Regular and long underwear (at over 13,000 ft./4,000 masl)
• Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
• Light cap and wool hat
• Rain poncho (or rain gear)
• Water bottle
• Light gloves
• Medium weight socks
• Hiking boots
• Sleeping bag (-10º to 0ºC)
• Small daypack
• Strong waterproof duffel bag
• Sunglasses, Sun block, lip balm
• Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
• Towel.

technical equipment

• Gloves (Good gloves)
• 1 technical axes (per person)
• 2 carabiners lock (per person)
• 1 Deysichay (Life Line)
• 1 ATC descender (Rappel)
• 2 Cord for prusik
• Cap for cold