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Mountain Climbing Cotopaxi

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Cotopaxi NP 1 day
Otavalo 1 day
Quito City Tour
Quito Middle of the world
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Climbing Cotopaxi
Climbing Chimborazo
Climbing Iliniza
Climbing Cayambe
Climbing Pichincha
Trekking Pasochoa
Trekking Quilotoa
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Cotopaxi Volcano 5897m

Of all the volcanoes in Ecuador Cotopaxi has caused the most death and destruction, completely destroying Latacunga three times in 1742, 1768 and 1877. It was first climbed by Wilhelm Reiss and Angel M Escobar in 1872. Today it is the most visited and climbed volcano in Ecuador.

The climb is not technically difficult, but ropes, ice-axes and crampons are absolutely necessary. The climber must be in good physical condition and have the proper acclimatisation time. The climb may be attempted year round.

The Cotopaxi area has the highest number of clear days per year in the Ecuadorian Andes and has an average nightly temperature of -15° C. The crater has a circumference of about 800 meters

The José Ribas Refuge has about three dozen bunk beds, running water collected from the roof, a kitchen, outhouses, a fireplace and storage facilities.

Day 1:

We meet at the Quito at 08.30 for tea and coffee and a final gear check. Afterward we drive to a Hoste just south of Machachi to have lunch, drop off any unneeded gear, and take a bathroom break. From the hostel we drive into Cotopaxi National Park and reach the car park at an altitude of 4600m. The José Ribas Refuge hut at 4800m is a 45 minute hike further up the mountainside. After something hot to drink and claiming a bunk, we will do some basic glacier training including different techniques of walking in crampons and using an ice axe.

Day 2:

The adventure starts at midnight. We reach the glacier in about 45 minutes after leaving the hut. After roping up teams begin the glacier climb towards the large rock band known as Yanasacha (Large Black Rock) in Quechua, and then on towards the summit with an ascending time of 5-8 hours.

This is from where we will enjoy the greatest views of the crater and the neighbouring peaks. The descend time is 3 hours.

During the drive out of the park we stop at the small park museum (natural history, flora, fauna) to change clothes and where, if you still have any energy, the opportunity exists to hike the short nature trail. We arrive back in Quito around 3pm.

Rate per Person 235.- US$
min. 2 persons

All rates are in US $, per Person
Rates include:
Private transportation
All meals
Equipment  (plastic boots, crampons, gaters, harness, mitons, balaclava, ice axe)
English speaking mountain guide

Not included:
Entrance fees in the National Parks