Trek & Climb: Cotopaxi Summit – 2 Days
Tour Overview
The Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano situated in central-northwest Ecuador. It has an altitude of 5,897 m, making it the second highest volcano in the country and it is still active. It is located 50 km south of Quito and is part of the Andes mountain range. As the geographer and explorer Alexander von Humboldt said, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the most beautiful of all the huge mountains of the Andes. Being a conical shape, that is covered by a white glacier that shines with the sun, contrasting with the blue of the sky it is hard to disagree with von Humboldt! This itinerary allows the opportunity to summit Cotopaxi within 2 days. This climb begins at the José Ribas Refuge (4,500 m) The ascent begins just after midnight on the second day, and most of the duration of the trek is during darkness as this allows the best glacial conditions and makes the climb easier. In order to make the summit, you’ll cross stretches of volcanic sand, glaciers, and snow trails. At a decent pace, you’ll reach the summit after 4 to 6 hrs of mountaineering. A great climb for beginner to intermediate mountaineers & adventurers! ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Quito City to Cotopaxi Refuge
Location: Quito, Refugio Cotopaxi (Jose Ribas)
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Leaving early in the morning you’ll take private transport from your hotel in Quito and make your way to the Cotopaxi National Park. On arrival, you’ll get ready and hike up to the José Rivas Refuge taking a few hours.
In the afternoon, there will be time for some mountain training (knots, rope, ice-climbing). Returning back to the refuge, you’ll take dinner and rest for the evening. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Refuge to Cotopaxi Summit - Quito
Location: Cotopaxi, Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leaving early in the morning at 1.00 AM, after breakfast, you’ll start your hike to the top of Cotopaxi. The climb overall takes between 6 to 8 hrs. The first section is an hour’s hike to the base of the glacier, where you’ll fit your crampons to your boots and then begins the glacial ascent.
Arriving at the summit after an incredible hike, you’ll take your time for some landscape photos, afterward begin the descent to the refuge, taking a few hours to arrive back to the warmth.
At the refuge, there will be time for something to eat, recharge batteries, then return to our transport to head back to Quito.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary.
-
Fully Guided
As detailed in the itinerary.
-
Meals
Meals - Breakfast x1 - Lunch x2 - Dinner x1
-
Transport
Yes.
What's Not Included
-
Additional Services
Not Included.
-
Insurance
Not Included.
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Medium to High.
-
What is the maximum group size?
20 People at max.
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For 3 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Always
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
This depends on the type of tour you've booked. If there is paperwork to be sent (i.e. domestic flights etc.) we will forward these to you ahead of time.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It can be possible in instances, a lot depends on the type of tour being run and it's accessibility
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We don't fund charities directly but we work with local communities where we can to support them and provide resources whenever possible. We utilise local resources with all of our trips so in that respect you are contributing to the local economy and the welfare of it's people.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we’ll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We’ll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we’ll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and ha
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you wold like to share facilities with someone this can be organised
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We have the flexibility to alter trips as necessary if there are travel restrictions in place. For all other changes please refer to our terms and conditions.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
This will depend if you have booked a private or group tour
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Saturday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Sunday - Monday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Thursday - Friday
Apr 24, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 26, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Sunday - Monday
Apr 27, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Apr 28, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 29, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 01, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform unu raymi tour operator & lodges, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 44 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of unu raymi tour operator & lodges charges.
Up to 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Trek & Climb: Cotopaxi Summit – 2 Days
2 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Refugio Cotopaxi (Jose Ribas), Cotopaxi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
Cotopaxi2
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
18-65
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
