SCHEDULE

Minimum: 2 participants

Advance reservation required

Departure: 9:00 AM

Return: 5:00 PM on Day 2

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Maximum Elevation: 5,897 m (19,347 ft)

Location: Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Difficulty: High – Technical snow and glacier climb.

Requirements:

• Excellent physical condition.
• Previous high-altitude mountaineering experience.
• Basic knowledge of crampons and ice axe techniques.
• Proper acclimatization is highly recommended.

DAY 1 – JOSÉ RIVAS MOUNTAIN HUT

Meet at Turismo Ecuador 24

Meet at the Turismo Ecuador 24 office for registration, liability waiver signing, and a complete briefing about the expedition.

Departure from Baños de Agua Santa

Travel by private transportation to Cotopaxi National Park, enjoying spectacular Andean landscapes along the way.

Your mountain guide will introduce you to the park's geology, wildlife, and volcanic history.

Arrival at Cotopaxi National Park

Drive to the parking area located at approximately 4,600 meters (15,091 ft) above sea level.

From here, begin the hike toward the refuge.

Acclimatization Hike to José Rivas Refuge (4,864 m)

A 45- to 60-minute hike leads to the historic José Rivas Refuge, allowing your body to continue acclimatizing before the summit attempt.

Equipment Check

At the refuge, your certified mountain guide will inspect all technical equipment, including:

• Crampons
• Ice axe
• Helmet
• Harness
• Headlamp
• Mountaineering boots
• Safety equipment

A complete explanation of glacier travel, climbing techniques, and safety procedures will follow.

Dinner & Rest

Enjoy an early dinner before resting for several hours in shared mountain hut accommodations prior to the midnight summit push.

DAY 2 – SUMMIT DAY

Wake-up

Wake up shortly after midnight for a light snack and final preparations.

Summit Ascent

Begin the ascent toward the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 m / 19,347 ft).

The climb takes approximately 6–7 hours across glaciers and snowfields using technical mountaineering equipment.

Throughout the climb, your certified mountain guide will monitor the pace, safety, hydration, and acclimatization of the group.

Reach the Summit

Standing atop one of the world's highest active volcanoes is an unforgettable achievement.

Weather permitting, enjoy panoramic sunrise views of:

• Antisana Volcano
• Iliniza North & South
• Cayambe Volcano
• Chimborazo Volcano
• Cotopaxi National Park
• Ecuador's famous Avenue of the Volcanoes

Celebrate your achievement and capture unforgettable photographs.

Descent

Descend safely following the same glacier route back to José Rivas Refuge under the supervision of your guide.

Breakfast

Enjoy a light breakfast, rest briefly, and collect your equipment.

Return Trip

Hike back to the parking area before returning by private transportation to Quito, Latacunga, or Baños de Agua Santa, depending on your itinerary.

End of services.

What to Bring

• Mountaineering backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Energy drinks
• Energy snacks
• Thermal clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Inner and outer gloves
• Wool hat
• Neck gaiter
• High-altitude trekking boots
• UV-protection sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Personal items
• Two AAA batteries for your headlamp

Related Tours

Explore Ecuador's top mountaineering expeditions:

• Chimborazo Climb
• Cayambe Climb
• Antisana Expedition
• Iliniza Norte Climb
• Cotopaxi National Park Tour
• Quilotoa Full-Day Tour
• High-Altitude Trekking Adventures

Climb with Turismo Ecuador 24, one of Ecuador's leading mountaineering and adventure tour operators.