Cotopaxi volcano

To climb the highest active volcano of the world takes 2 days after previous acclimatization.

DAY 1

Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park in the morning. Visit of a small local museum (3200 m) and Limpiopungo Lake (3700 m).

From there, we go by car to the parking area at 4500 m and hike up to the Refuge "Jose Rivas" (4800 m). In the afternoon, we walk up to the glacier where our professional mountain guide gives us a briefing on first aid and rescue; we practise the use of the equipment and get familiarized with the conditions. Afterwards, we return to the Refug and there is time to chat about the mountains in Ecuador and their origin, we have a good dinner and rest.

DAY 2
The day starts at midnight with a light breakfast. At 01:00 am we begin ascending to the summit where we arrive at about 06:30 am to see the sunrise and the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The descent takes about 2 hours and a half so we reach the Refuge at about 09:00 am and are back in Quito (or the city of your choice) at mid day.

SECOND OPTION

3 DAYS

On the first day transfer to Cotopaxi National Park in the morning. Visit of a small local museum (3200 m) and Limpiopungo Lake (3700 m). There we start hiking to the central peak of Rumiñahui at about 4700 m. This is a trekking of 5 to 6 hours, during which we can enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. We spend the night in tents at an altitude of 3700 m.

Day 2 and 3 as described above.

The additional day to Rumiñahui is recommended for people who need to acclimatize their body to the altitude.

THIRD OPTION

3 DAYS

On the first day climbing up to the glacier at 4800 m. Then mountain bike downhill tour starting at the parking area at 4500 m until we reach the archaeological ruins of the National Park. Overnight in tents.

Day 2 and 3 as described above.