Climbing Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi 5897ms (19347ft) is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world with almost a perfect cone shape, covered with thick glaciers of approsimately 1000ms.  The trip is focussed on reaching the summit of this volcano so, it offers all what you need to succeed. 

Itinerary

D1   Quito - Guagua Pichincha volcano - Los Chillos valley

An early start to leave for Guagua Pichincha 4784m (15,695ft) volcano.  1 1/2 hours drive before you start the climbing from an altitude of 3750m (12,303ft).  This is one of the active volcanoes of the country with a crater of 1,5km of diameter, 700m (2296ft) of depth and releasing a permanent smoke. The walk is moderate with a very steep trail.  The summit offers you a spectacular view of other volcanoes and some snow-capped ones.  After this first summit you go to Los Chillos Valley for the night (south west of Quito)

D2   Pasochoa – Lasso

The spectacular Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Los Chillos valley. Extending across 500ha, Pasochoa encompasses rare humid Andean shrub forest around an extinct volcano crater.  It has a remarkable biological value.  There are several vegetation zones, but much of the plant-life is Andean forest. It is said that the area was affected by the eruption of Pasochoa volcano some 100 000 years ago. This resulted in a large bowl crater. As the zone has been difficult to access and was never suitable for agriculture or other forms of farming,   The trek to the summit is an easy one and takes 3 to 4 hours to get there.  Transfer to Lasso for the night.

D3   North Iliniza – Lasso

Rising early to climb North Iliniza 5116m (16,784ft),  The first part of your ascension will take you to a coil between the two ilinizas and where the refuge 4750m (15,584ft) is located.  The second part is going up to the summit of north Iliniza at 5116ms (16784ft), this rocky mountain does not represent any particular technical difficulty but it is one of the stages in your accllimatization.  When you manage to reach North Illiniza's summit you can enjoy a spectacular views extending right out to Cotopaxi volcano and some other ones. This is an unforgettable moment.  Back down to the transport to go to Lasso for the night.

D4   Cotopaxi Refuge

Today you drive to Cotopaxi national Park where you can enjoy vegetation of different altitudinal ranges from 3200m (10499ft) to 4800m (15748ft), bird wildlife, wild horses, lava flows and the cotopaxi itself.  After driving through the park you reach the car park at 4600m (15092ft) from where you start a hike up to the refuge.  In the afternoon you will have a practice in the glacier and the distribution of the rope team for the next day.

D5   Cotopaxi summit – Quito

Very early rise to start your 5 to 7 hours climb.  The summit offers you an spectacular view of the crater, considered to be one of the mos beautiful in the world.  Back to the refuge and down to the car park to join the transport to be driven back to Quito

PRICES

Price includes :
— Safe glacier materials for the climbing
— Private transport
— Price based in double rooms with private bathrooms.
— meals
— Entrance fees to Pasochoa, Ilinizas and Cotopaxi.
— English speaking guide through the whole trip

— One nights in a mountain refuge
Price does not include :
— International flight to Quito
— Airport exit tax $40,70 per person
— Any travel insurance
— Tips for guides and drivers
— Anything not mentioned in the tour