Name: Climb Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19,347 ft) in 2 days
Location: Quito, Ecuador

andean summit adventure

Email address verified

51 reviews

Duration: 2 days

Group size: 1 - 10

Climb Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19,347 ft) in 2 days

Quito, Ecuador

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andean summit adventure

Email address verified

51 reviews

Duration: 2 days

Group size: 1 - 10

Climbing the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m / 19,347 ft) is an epic target for many mountaineers coming to Ecuador. This beauty is said to be the world's highest active volcano. The view into its huge crater is simply breathtaking. Definitely a trip of a lifetime - join us!

Technically the climb is not very difficult, nevertheless good fitness is required and some previous glacier travel experience highly recommended.

Another very important point is proper acclimatization. To really enjoy the climb we recommend at least 4 days of preparation, including hikes in altitude and steadily increasing your sleeping altitude if possible.

Any questions? Reach out to our climbing experts on [email protected] or +593968959533 (WhatsApp or call).

For Rescue and Travel Insurance we recommend: Global Rescue.

- see program / itinerary

- certified bi-lingual guide (ASEGUIM / IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA), max. 1 guide per 2 climbers

- transportation in private vehicle from / to Quito

- accommodation at refuge with dinner and breakfast

- park entrance fees & climbing permits

- meals as specified (lunch on day 1, snacks for the ascent)

- group equipment: ropes and other guiding gear

- catering (see program)

- personal technical equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, carabiners, screws, slings etc.)

- sleeping bag for huts, boots and other private equipment - check our equipment list

- insurances (please make sure that you have an insurance covering risks of mountain climbing, we recommend Global Rescue)

- cost for program changes

- tips & any other expenses not explicitly mentioned

- 60 or more days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be refunded, minus handling & administrative charges (if any)

- 59 - 30 days prior to departure: 50% of the total amount paid will be forfeited

- 29 and less days prior to departure: the total amount paid will be forfeited

With full payment or partial payment of the tour the climber accepts the latest version of andean summit adventure's terms and conditions, which can be downloaded HERE.

technical equipment

$20

helmet, harness, crampons & ice axe

sleeping bag

$10

mountaineering boots

$40

please provide info about sizing

private double room refuge / person

$25

small private double room with 1 big bed (only 1 room available) - ideal for couple or individual traveller

Cotopaxi Volcano
Cotopaxi Volcano
Ecuador's 2nd highest mountain
DAY 1 + 2

Pick up in Quito at approx. 10.30 am, drive towards Cotopaxi. We stop for lunch at Rondador restaurant (approx. 12:00), and continue then to the check in of Cotopaxi National Park. Afterwards we drive to the parking lot and hike up to Cotopaxi refuge at 4.865 m / 15,960 ft (45 min). If required there will be a small glacier training in the afternoon (walking techniques), early dinner and rest at the refuge (dorm). Wake up around midnight, small snack and start of the hike to the summit of COTOPAXI (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), which takes approximately 6 - 8 h. After ideally enjoying a breathtaking sunrise at the summit we descend (approx. 3 hours to the refuge, 30 mins to the parking lot) and return to Quito.

tech. data day 1: ↑ 220 m / 720 ft | → 0,8 km / 0.5 mi

tech. data day 2: ↑ 1060 m / 3480 ft ↓ 1280 m / 4200 ft | ↔ 7,5 km / 4.7 mi

catering day 1: - / L / D

catering day 2: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)
Read more

Cotopaxi Volcano

Ecuador's 2nd highest mountain

DAY 1 + 2

Pick up in Quito at approx. 10.30 am, drive towards Cotopaxi. We stop for lunch at Rondador restaurant (approx. 12:00), and continue then to the check in of Cotopaxi National Park. Afterwards we drive to the parking lot and hike up to Cotopaxi refuge at 4.865 m / 15,960 ft (45 min). If required there will be a small glacier training in the afternoon (walking techniques), early dinner and rest at the refuge (dorm). Wake up around midnight, small snack and start of the hike to the summit of COTOPAXI (5.897 m / 19,347 ft), which takes approximately 6 - 8 h. After ideally enjoying a breathtaking sunrise at the summit we descend (approx. 3 hours to the refuge, 30 mins to the parking lot) and return to Quito.

tech. data day 1: ↑ 220 m / 720 ft | → 0,8 km / 0.5 mi

tech. data day 2: ↑ 1060 m / 3480 ft ↓ 1280 m / 4200 ft | ↔ 7,5 km / 4.7 mi

catering day 1: - / L / D

catering day 2: B / - / - (snacks for ascent will be provided)

andean summit adventure

51 reviews

welcome to andean summit adventure, specialists when it comes to mountaineering in Ecuador and beyond. our certified guides and international team are your best choice for making your trip a lifetime experience! let's go for some climbs - cheers! our mountaineering experts are happy to assist with personalized attention to work out awesome climbing plans for you and your family and friends or answer any questions you might have regarding our programs - reach out, we speak English, German and Spanish: [email protected]

I've dealt with many guide services over the years, but Andean Summit Adventure is without doubt the best I have encountered. Their professionalism and conscientious approach to tour organization were evident from the very first contact. Elisabeth was always there with prompt answers to the myriad questions I had during the initial stages of tour planning, and Katty handled all the logistics like a pro. Once in country, my guide, Sebastian Castro, repeatedly went out of his way to make sure that my experience in Ecuador was all that it could be. Accommodations were superb, meals were fabulous, and transportation between trailheads was quick and easy. On the climbs, Sebastian proved to be affable, detail-oriented, safety conscious, and very supportive. When changing circumstances necessitated an alteration to my program, Sebastian worked the details to ensure everything meshed seamlessly within the allotted timeframe. He even took me sight-seeing in Quito during rest periods cleverly built into the schedule. If you want to climb in Ecuador, these are the folks you should be talking to. I'm already planning my next climbing trip to Ecuador with new goals in mind, and you can be sure I'll be booking that trip through Andean Summit Adventure.

By David D for Chimborazo Volcano with acclimatization in 7 days on Jun 28, 2025

Had a great climb with Hugo prior to climbing Cotopaxi. The weather was brilliant and I felt safe knowing that the guide had a wealth of experience.

By Kevin M for Rumiñahui Climb (4.722 m / 15,492 ft) on Jun 27, 2025

Very challenging climb but the guiding service helped take our mind off of any logistics and really helped us get to the top! Food provided was great and I felt safe and taken care of the whole time.

By Devin C for Climb Chimborazo Volcano (6.263 m / 20,549 ft) in 2 days from refuge on Jun 23, 2025

Our overall experience with Andean Summit Adventure is simply awesome. We did not achieve all we set out to do however some things like weather are simply not in our control, wow how powerful if it was 😊 The organisation from first point of contact was top class professional, right through, responding to obstacles, change of plans were super good, communication on what to expect, all first class, not often have we experienced such amazing travel organisation, our guide Jaime a true professional. Thank you all at ASA travel 🍀 We appreciate this experience, thanks, Hrefna and Stefan

By Stefan A for Climb Cotopaxi Volcano with acclimatization in 7 days on Jun 21, 2025

Awesome trip! We had some tough weather and ultimately did not make it to the summit. However, we got amazing experience and had a climb of a lifetime. Highly recommend ASA!