Cotopaxi Climb

Cotopaxi Climb

Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world; its summit of 5897 m above sea level is the second highest of Ecuador. This ascent requires previous acclimatization and an excellent physical fitness. The difficulty level varies depending the snow conditions. During dry spell with little snow, it gets more technical. It is recommended to have some previous experience using crampons and ice axe.

With an altitude of 5897 m / 19347 ft, Cotopaxi is the second highest summit in Ecuador and is popular among experienced mountaineers and beginners. The ascent through large snow fields with crevasses and ice seracs is physically demanding, but imagine the thrill of standing on the summit at sunrise! From the top, you can enjoy extensive panoramic views of the volcanic crater, the entire Avenue of the Volcanoes, and even Quito.

Length: 2 days / 1 night

Starting point: Riobamba

Climb from: Refuge

Min Age: 16

Requirements:

* Previous acclimatization

* Excellent physical fitness

Altitude Range: 4800 m – 5897 m

Climbing time summit day:

* Ascent 5 – 6 hours

* Descent 2 – 3 hours

Average gradient: 30 – 45 degrees

Best months: September – February, May - June

Difficulty level: 4

Itinerary

Day 1 Riobamba–Jose Rivas Refuge 

Departure from Riobamba at 9.00 by car and drive for about 2 hours to Cotopaxi National Park. We stop for lunch in a local restaurant and continue for another 30 kilometers to the parking lot at 4600 m / 15092 ft. After a 50-minute hike arrive at the José Rivas refuge at 4800 m / 15748 ft. In the afternoon the guide will give a briefing and teach the basics of the equipment use. Dinner will be served early, afterwards there is time to get a few hours of sleep.

Day 2 Summit Climb

After a coca tea with a light snack, we start the ascent around midnight. Approach of 1,5 hours to the glacier where we put on the crampons and rope up. The glacier slopes have an average steepness of 30 – 35 degrees. We will cross several crevasses and negotiate a few ice seracs before reaching Yanasacha (Black Rock) for the final challenging stretch, with a steepness of 35 – 40 degrees. At the summit you can enjoy the amazing views of the crater and the Volcano Avenue with other snowcapped peaks. The descent to the refuge takes about 3 hours. Short rest and return to Riobamba, arrive at about 13.00.