Cotopaxi Climb 8 Days

Explore the spectacular geography of Ecuador's "Avenue of the Volcanoes" by climbing three of its stunning summits. This package perfectly prepares you to climb Cotopaxi by first acclimating to altitude on Rucco Pichincha and then Illinizas Norte. Shorter climbing trips won't offer the same level of acclimatization as this slightly longer itinerary. Cotopaxi at 5897m involves a nontechnical but challenging ascent. After the climb, reward yourself with a soak in the geothermal hot springs of Papallacta, where the magic diversity of a volcanic ecosystem creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

What's Included?

• 3 nights hotel in Quito
• 1 night hotel in El Chaup
• 2 night in Cotopaxi
• Climbing Gear: Harness, Crampons, Ice axe, Plastic climbing boots, Gaiters
• 1 night in Papallacta Hot Spring Resort
• Hummingbird Garden
• Meals as specified in the Itinerary
• English Speaking guides
• All ground transportation
• Airport transfers
• All Permits & Entrance Fees

* Accommodation based on double occupancy. Solo supplement of $455 applies for a private room.

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Welcome adventurers to Quito. Our driver will be at the airport when you arrive and transfer you to your hotel. Quito lies in the foothills of the Andes at 2850m (9350 ft) and its historic colonial center is well worth visiting if you arrive earlier in the day. We will have a briefing for the group later in the afternoon at the hotel to go over trip details and plans.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden

Day 2: Climbing Rucco Pichincha & Teleferico

To jumpstart the acclimation process, we will be riding cable cars to Cruz Loma and continuing on to the top of Rucco Pichincha (4050m). With views of the surrounding volcanoes and city below, it is one of the best balconies of Ecuador.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Box Lunch

Day 3: Rose Plantation, El Chaupi

Cradled between 3 sizable volcanic brothers Ilinizas, Cayambe and Chimborazo, you will be charmed by the patchwork fields of El Chaupi. You will get an inside look at rose cultivation and bouquet making processes. After leaving the plantation, you get to choose between spending the afternoon biking, horseback riding, or hiking in the area.

Day 4: Climbing Illinizas North (5116m)

Starting at 3900m, the 7-8 hour Illinizas Reserve trek will acclimate us in preparation for Cotopaxi. The trail will take us through 3 zones of vegetation before reaching the first refuge at 4750m. After taking a break and some tea, we will check conditions and if they are favorable we will continue to the Illinizas North summit (5116m). After descending the evening will be spent resting at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hacienda Santa Anna or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Box Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Climbing Mountain Refuge / Cotopaxi (4800m)

After a morning of relaxing, we will head out in the afternoon to Cotopaxi National Park. Out the window you'll see verdant landscapes with abundant wildlife such as foxes, bulls, horses and rabbits. In the jeeps we will ascend to an altitude of 4500m before parking and hiking 300m to the huts. After dinner we will try to sleep for a few hours in preparation for our midnight ascent to the summit.

Accommodation: Refuge Jose Rivas
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Climbing Cotopaxi (5897m)

It will take 5-6 hours to reach the summit at sunrise. The alpine glacier trek is accompanied by the surrounding mountains and the lights of the capital in the distance. After witnessing a pastel sunrise from the second highest peak in Ecuador, we will descend for 2-3 hours. A 2 hour drive to the hot spring resort of Papallacta awaits us. The volcanic mineral waters are perfect for soaking your tired muscles after two big days of trekking.

Accommodation: Termas De Papallacta
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Hummingbirds Sanctuary

The morning's panoramic drive will take us down to the Amazon rainforest at 500m. We will visit the Guango Reserve where we will encounter up to 15 species of hummingbirds. You will certainly be enchanted by these fantastic little creatures that are famously lithe and vividly colored. Afterwards we will make our way back to Quito.

Accommodation: Wyndham Garden or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure

It's your last day in Quito! Enjoy your breakfast and according to your flight time, We'll make sure you arrive at Quito International Airport with plenty of time before your flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Please review the "Terms and Conditions" carefully before booking and don't hesitate to ask us if any questions.