Day 1 Refugio José Ribas (Climbing hut)

Cotopaxi is held to be one of  the highest active volcanoes in the world. In view of the altitude that we will be climbing at, we recommend various days of acclimatization and training. You will get your climbing equipment and we will drive you to Hacienda El Porvenir for an early lunch. Drive form Hacienda El Porvenir to the parking lot of the Refugio.The walk from the car park at 4,500m. to the climbing hut (Refugio José Ribas) at 4,800m. should take us about 45 minutes to one hour. Once in the refuge we will get ready to start our glacier practice. This will provide us with basic knowledge on how to climb on ice and the respective safety measures. In the afternoon we go back to the refuge, have an early dinner and rest until midnight.

Day 2 Cotopaxi Summit

After getting all the equipment ready and having a snack in the refuge, after midnight we start our assault on the summit of Cotopaxi. The ascent takes about 6 hours and the descent 2 hours. To climb Cotopaxi, we need to be physically and mentally prepared. It is not a complicated or technical climb, but we must have enough training and knowledge of mountain safety. After we reach the top, we trudge back down to the refuge, soaking up the incredible colours of dawn above the clouds, and from there return to Quito.

Tour Includes

• Accommodation (dorm bed at climbing hut)
• Meals (3 full meals)
• Described activities
• Guides (Certified Mountain Climbing English speaking guide)
• Climbing gear (boots, crampons, harness, helmet, sunglasses, mittens, piolette)
• Transport form and to Quito

Tour does not include

• Drinks
• Tips