Ecuador is an astonishingly beautiful country that has some of the highest volcanoes in the world. Our expedition tackles Cotopaxi the highest active volcanic peak in the world. We provide a careful program of acclimatization and skills training to ensure you have the best chance of success and enjoyment. Ecuador combines culture, great food, wonderful friendly people with great mountains. We initially climb on the volcanic peaks of Pasochoa (4200m) Riminahui (4721m) before taking time out to visit the beautiful Quilotoa Lagoon within an extinct volcanic crater. Ilinizas Norte takes us to over 5000m as final acclimatization for our main objective the beautiful conical summit of Cotopaxi (5897m). The views of the surrounding volcanic peaks are a spectacular as you gaze through the clouds on your previous endeavors and savour the clear air and views of the distant Andes.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1: International flight to Quito
It is possible to save this day and reduce the duration down to 10 days, however the flight cost would be more expensive.

Day 2: Quito
Arrive in Quito and settle into your hotel.  Meet with the rest of the team and start to acclimatize to the thin air. Quito is 2850m so you may already feel slight effects of the altitude.  (H)

Day 3: Acclimatisation Quito
Visit the old city of Quito, the best conserved colonial town in South America. The fabulous, richly decorated churches, museums, squares and the numerous colonial buildings come under the banner of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch in town (not included), and then an ascent of Cruz Loma (4050m) by cable railway for an unforgettable view of the capital and the highest Ecuadorian summits.  (H, B)

Day 4: Ascent of Pasochoa (4200m)
A short journey out of Quito allows you to take a lovely acclimatisation walk up Pasochoa where there is a very good chance to see the magnificent Condor soaring above us. (Ld, B, L)

Day 5: Ascent of Riminahui (4721m)
Riminahui is an extinct vocanoe with three summits and provides good acclimitisation with breath-taking views out across to Illinizas and Cotopaxi our next summits (Ld, B, L, D)

Day 6: Quilotoa Lagoon (3900m)
Today is an acclimatisation and Rest Day, where we walk down into the volcanic crater of Quilotoa to visit its lagoon

In the afternoon we drive down the famous “Volcanoes Valley”, to reach the small village of El Chaupi located at the foot of the twin summits of Illinizas Norte and Sur. We transfer to the place known as “La Virgen.
(R, B, L, D)

Day 7: Illinizas Norte summit (5116m)
Early in the morning we leave, the walking is fantastic for the next few hours and brings us to the pass between the two summits.  A further 2 hours are needed to climb the north peak of Illinizas (5116m). This route does not present any major difficulties although you may need to use your hands at a few points. (H, B, L)

Day 8: Cotopaxi Refuge and Skills workshop
After breakfast we leave for the Cotopaxi National Park. A dusty road takes us up to 4600m, just 200m below the Cotopaxi refuge (4800m). With food & equipment this takes around 45 minutes up a sandy path to the Refuge. After Lunch we walk up to the glacier to recap/train in the use of ice axe, crampons, and glacial travel techniques.
(R, B, L, D)

Day 9: Cotopaxi summit (5897m)  
After a midnight alarm call, we aim to depart from the refuge at 1:00am to climb the world’s highest active volcano (5897m). This ascent is almost totally on glacial terrain but without any major difficulties. There are only a few crevasses, and these are well marked.  Only the presence of fresh snow or strong winds can make this ascent a difficult one.  It will take you around 6 to 7 hours to reach the magnificent glacial clad volcanic summit cone. Back to the refuge around 10:00 am for a light lunch before continuing down to the road to meet our transport back to Quito

Day 10: Return international flight
Breakfast and transfer to the airport to take your flight home. (B)

Day 11: Arrive back in the UK (10 days with more expensive flights)

Photos

Insurance

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