Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. It has a perfect cone-shaped peak and snow-covered crater, and it is the main attraction of the Cotopaxi National Park. The ascent is not technically difficult, but there are many crevasses. Sufficient acclimatization and good physical condition are essential for this climb.

Day 1: We leave Riobamba at 9am by car and drive to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We continue for another 30 kilometers up to the parking place at 4600 m. After a 50 minute hike we arrive at the refuge (4800 m). In the afternoon the guide will teach you how to use the equipment in a climbing practice on the glacier. Dinner and rest in the refuge.

Day 2: At about 1am, when the snow is still hard, we start the ascent. The total climbing time to the summit is 6 - 7 hours, and you will pass the big round crater which is more than 500m wide. The descent to the refuge takes about 3 hours. In the afternoon we have lunch in a restaurant and then return to Riobamba, arriving at about 4pm.

Riobamba, 9am

Mountain guide (1 guide climbs with maximum 2 people)
Transportation from / to Riobamba
Accommodation in refuge
Meals (2 box lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 meal in restaurant) and purified
Drinking water
Climbing ropes and safety gear

Warm clothing
Sun screen
Sunglasses
Hat

1 single person with private guide: USD 330
2 people with 1 guide: USD 200 per person

*Prices do not include $10 entrance fee to the Park

Jose Rivas Refuge

Julio Verne

2 days

Climbing

Advanced - Good fitness and advanced skills required