Cotopaxi (5,897m), 5-day ascent with acclimatization on Rucu Pichincha & Iliniza Norte, from Quito

Join Jaime, IFMGA-certified mountain guide, for a 5-day mountaineering tour in Ecuador. Start with acclimatization ascents and finish at the summit of the impressive Cotopaxi!

Andes

5 Days

All year

High

Intermediate

Highlights

* Discover three summits and an amazing crater lake in only 5 days.

* Reach the top of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

* Stay in two beautiful mountain lodges and a scenic mountain hut.

Description

Do you want to live an unforgettable 5-day alpine adventure in South America? Then come to Quito, Ecuador, for a guided ascent with acclimatization to Cotopaxi!

Cotopaxi 5,897m), an active stratovolcano in the Andes, is the second highest peak in Ecuador. It is located in the Latacunga canton, about 50km south of Quito. First summited in 1872, this mountain is very popular: it receives up to 100 climbers every weekend.

For this mountaineering tour, we will meet in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. The first days we will acclimatize climbing to Rucu (4,696m), one of the summits of the Pichincha volcano (4,784m), and Iliniza Norte (5,696m). Finally, after a rest day at the Quilotoa crater lake, we’ll be ready for the final ascent to the summit of Cotopaxi! For more information, you can check the itinerary below.

Please note that this tour requires a good fitness level. In addition, basic mountaineering experience is preferable. Of course, I will be there to help and guide you!

So, if you want to climb three summits in 5 days, including Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, please contact me. Come to Quito, Ecuador, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

We can also climb a lot different peaks in Ecuador. Take a look, for example, at my Tungurahua, Chimborazo, and Cayambe programs.

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

Price details

The inclusion of meals is detailed in the itinerary. Pick up on the first day and drop off on the last day can be arranged according to your accommodation.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rucu Pichincha

After breakfast, at 8AM, we will drive to TeleferiQo and ascend with the cable-car to Cruz Loma (4,100m). 3-4- hour climb to Rucu, one of the summits of the Pichincha volcano. Descent and transfer to Ilinizas Lodge, in El Chaupi.

Included: transfers, lunch box, and accommodation (meals included).

Day 2: Iliniza Norte

At 6am we drive to Los Ilinizas Natural Reserve. Hike up to the Nuevos Horizontes Hut (3 – 4 hours) and ascent to the summit of Iliniza Norte (2 to 3 hours). Descent to El Chaupi and transfer back to the lodge.

Included: transfers, lunch box, and accommodation (meals included).

Day 3: Quilotoa Crater Lake

After breakfast we will drive to the Quilotoa crater lake. From there, we can hike down to the lagoon (2 hours), just walk to the nearby viewpoints, or visit the local community.

Included: transfers only.

Accommodation in Tambopaxi mountain lodge (dinner & breakfast included)

Day 4: Cotopaxi

After breakfast, around 10AM, we will drive to the Cotopaxi National Park. After a hike to the refuge and a short glacier training we will rest and have dinner.

Included: transfers, lunch box, accommodation and dinner.

Day 5: Cotopaxi: summit day

We will wake up at 12PM, have breakfast, and start the ascent to Cotopaxi (7 to 8 hours to the summit). Descent and drive back to Quito.

Included: transfers and lunch box.

Details

More info

Full mountaineering equipment is required: ice axe, helmet, harness, crampons, sleeping bag, headlamp, proper clothing, etc.

Meeting point

Quito, Ecuador.

FAQs

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Hotel Dann Carlton Quito Quito Ecuador

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Swissôtel Quito Quito Ecuador

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Wyndham Garden Quito Quito Ecuador

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About the guide

Jaime

4.9

(18)

Mountain Guide

Certified IFMGA - ASEGUIM Mountain Guide, National guide, Rescue Team Member GRA & Lawyer.

As passionate mountaineer and with almost 20 years of guiding experience, I worked with clients from all over the world. Each tour is a unique experience and I will pleased to guide you to the marvellous summits of Ecuador and South America. My journeys have allowed me to guide and summit several mountains in Peru, like Alpamayo, Chopicalqui & Tocllaraju amongst others and to experience some mountain climbing in the Alps of Austria and Italy.

I’m based in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador’s famous piece of heaven, where we run together with my Austrian girlfriend a small tour operator and a consulting office.

Continuous improvement and keeping up with the State of the Art is our mission:in 2017, I completed the IFMGA certification and, recently, in 2018, I received the National guide certification from the ministry of Tourism.

President of Baños Trail Running Club, I run every week with my team. My achievement of 2018 : Finishing 1st of my category for the 100km Ruco Ultra Trail.

I’m looking forward to exploring our beautiful mountains together with you.

Languages

German | French | English

Certificates

ASEGUIM | IFMGA

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Man

Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!

Maxine

Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.

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