Climbing Cotopaxi
A mountaineering adventure: “Climb Cotopaxi, 19,347 feet”
A glacier ascent, fairly benign in good weather conditions, but physically testing, nonetheless. It is necessary to be in very good form for the 3,289 feet ascent from the hut; a steep incline in high altitude. The technical level is comparable with the Mount Blanc ascent in France: slope is generally in snow, on glacier terrain with crevasses, with a slope inclination reaching 45° right before the top.
The conditions vary according to the years, but this climb is accessible, in general, to skilled hikers in great physical condition. A minimal experience of walking with crampons.
Duration : 2 days
First Day of Extension (Day 8 of the normal trip): Baños – Cotopaxi Hut
Early in the morning, we leave Baños in direction of the national park of Cotopaxi. We begin the climb towards the hut from the end of the road, located at 15,748 feet. Settle in at the hut, followed by a brief ice climbing lesson to familiarize you with the use of ice axe and crampons. Night in the hut.
Second day of Extension (Day 9 of the normal trip): Ascent of Cotopaxi
Early rise for ascent of Cotopaxi. A 7 to 8 hour climb to reap the benefits: the remarkable spectacle of the crater which one says is the most beautiful being in the world; in any case, the highest active volcano of the planet. Return to the hut, then exit Cotopaxi Park and return to Quito. Night at the hotel.
On the whole, 8 to 10 hours hiking.
Final Day of Extension: Departure Quito
Transfer to the airport and depart on homeward-bound flight.
Price
One person: $ 650
Two people and more: $ 400 per person.
The price only includes: transfers as described, meals during the two days, the High Mountain Guide and their expenses (one guide for every two participants), the utility and safety equipment, one night in the Cotopaxi hut, one night in Quito (half board).
You can rent mountain equipment with our representative:
- ice axe + crampons + harness + head lamp: $45 (indicative)
- mountain boots: $25 (indicative)
A glacier ascent, fairly benign in good weather conditions, but physically testing, nonetheless. It is necessary to be in very good form for the 3,289 feet ascent from the hut; a steep incline in high altitude. The technical level is comparable with the Mount Blanc ascent in France: slope is generally in snow, on glacier terrain with crevasses, with a slope inclination reaching 45° right before the top.
The conditions vary according to the years, but this climb is accessible, in general, to skilled hikers in great physical condition. A minimal experience of walking with crampons.
Duration : 2 days
First Day of Extension (Day 8 of the normal trip): Baños – Cotopaxi Hut
Early in the morning, we leave Baños in direction of the national park of Cotopaxi. We begin the climb towards the hut from the end of the road, located at 15,748 feet. Settle in at the hut, followed by a brief ice climbing lesson to familiarize you with the use of ice axe and crampons. Night in the hut.
Second day of Extension (Day 9 of the normal trip): Ascent of Cotopaxi
Early rise for ascent of Cotopaxi. A 7 to 8 hour climb to reap the benefits: the remarkable spectacle of the crater which one says is the most beautiful being in the world; in any case, the highest active volcano of the planet. Return to the hut, then exit Cotopaxi Park and return to Quito. Night at the hotel.
On the whole, 8 to 10 hours hiking.
Final Day of Extension: Departure Quito
Transfer to the airport and depart on homeward-bound flight.
Price
One person: $ 650
Two people and more: $ 400 per person.
The price only includes: transfers as described, meals during the two days, the High Mountain Guide and their expenses (one guide for every two participants), the utility and safety equipment, one night in the Cotopaxi hut, one night in Quito (half board).
You can rent mountain equipment with our representative:
- ice axe + crampons + harness + head lamp: $45 (indicative)
- mountain boots: $25 (indicative)
