2 Day schedule:
Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi Refuge (15,748 ft / 4.800 m)
We will leave from Quito (9,186 ft / 2.800 m) in the morning and drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance. From here we will drive east to the Cotopaxi parking lot (14,764 ft / 4.500 m). We get our gear ready and hike up for an hour to the José Rivas Refuge (15,748 ft / 4.800 m). In the afternoon we will go to the glacier for ice practices and training. We will learn some basic techniques, which include last but not least proper handling of the climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc). We will go back to the refuge for dinner and rest (BL/D).
Day 2: Refuge - Cotopaxi Summit (19,347 ft / 5.897 m) - Quito
We will wake up at midnight and start to the top (19,347 ft / 5.897 m) around 1 am after a light breakfast. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours. The first part is about an hour hike to the glacier, where we put the crampons on and start the glacier ascent. Once at the summit we will take our time for pictures of the crater and surroundings and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the refuge, we will rest, pack our belongings, have something to eat, drink and go down to the parking lot, from where we return back to Quito (B/BL).
Included:
- Superior service
- A registered and fully licensed Tour Operator
- Private transportation to the whole tour
- Professional ASEGUIM Mountain guide (ratio 2 climbers - 1 guide)
- Meals on the mountain as mentioned above (B: Breakfast; BL: Box Lunch; D: Dinner)
- Accommodation in José Rivas Refuge
- Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee, and permit registration
Not included:
- Technical mountain equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Personal mountain gear (warm cloths, sleeping bags, sunglasses, headlamp, etc.)
- Extra drinks in the refuge
- Tips
- Insurance of any kind
- Other non-specified expenses