views of cotopaxi volcano ecuador
trekking to cotopaxi
cotopaxi national park explanatory poster
climbing to the summit of cotopaxi
panoramic view from the cotopaxi volcano
walking on ice in cotopaxi
ice and snow on cotopaxi volcano ecuador
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Cotopaxi Ascent to the Summit

Guided 2-day Cotopaxi ascent to the Cotopaxi summit, Ecuador’s second highest peak

(2 reviews)

🌋 The volcano currently has some activity. In the highest part there may be gas emissions, so the guide will bring masks that you should use in case of need.

Riobamba
2 days
Spanish and English
Starts: From the Riobamba office at 9:00 AM
Ends: To the Riobamba office at 3:00 PM
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Cotopaxi Ascent is a 2-day private tour designed to take you to the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador’s second-highest peak at 19,347 feet (5,897 meters) above sea level. Guided by a professional mountain guide, you will enjoy a safe and unique experience on one of the country’s most iconic volcanoes.

The tour includes all the required high-mountain technical gear: boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, headlamp, glacier glasses, sleeping bag and more, so you can focus entirely on the adventure.

No prior technical climbing experience is required, but you should be in good physical condition and properly acclimatized to the altitude to increase your chances of success and fully enjoy this unforgettable experience.

Tour details

Included

  • Mountain guide
  • Private transportation
  • Lodging in shelter
  • Meals
  • Coffee, tea and water
  • Access to Cotopaxi National Park
  • Certificate of ascent to the summit
  • Mountain equipment

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Trekking poles (available for rent 5 USD/day)
  • Waterproof jacket (available for rent for 5 USD/day)
  • Backpack (available for rent Large: 5 USD/day - Small: 3 USD/day)

Important information

Prior acclimatization is mandatory

To complete the ascent safely, avoid altitude sickness and the associated risks, it is essential to acclimatize well before starting the ascent. If you have not acclimatized properly and the guide does not consider the activity safe, you will return to the beginning of the route without reaching the summit.

Altitude recommendations and physical preparation

For proper acclimatization you should spend at least one week in the Andes, starting in cities like Quito or Riobamba (at 9,186 ft) and progressively ascending to altitudes of 11,500–14,750 ft. It is also recommended to do previous trekking routes at these elevations and, if possible, to sleep at 13,120 ft before starting the ascent.

Mountain equipment included in the tour

The tour includes all the necessary technical mountain equipment: high mountain boots (sizes 37–47), crampons, ice axe, harness with carabiner, helmet, headlamp with batteries, glacier goggles, balaclava, gaiters, fleece gloves, mittens, fleece pants and overtrousers. Purified water, a sleeping bag with sheet and a thermos are also provided.

Recommended acclimatization trek

From Howlanders we recommend climbing the Carihuairazo Volcano beforehand as an acclimatization trek before climbing the Cotopaxi or Chimborazo volcanoes.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 46 days before the tour starts, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. If you cancel between 45 and 31 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a 75% refund of the amount paid. If you cancel between 30 and 16 days before the start of the tour you will receive a 50% refund of the amount paid. After this time or in case of not doing the activity, no refund will be made and it will not be possible to modify the reservation.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Riobamba - Cotopaxi National Park

Ascent Details

  • Ascent time: 1 hour
  • Elevation: 15,748 feet (4,800 meters)
  • Difficulty: High
09:00 A.M.

City of Riobamba

The guide will be waiting for us at the Riobamba office at 9:00 a.m. Once the group is together, we will load the equipment into the 4x4 and head toward Cotopaxi National Park. The drive will take approximately 2.5 hours, traveling along the Panamericana Norte.

Once inside the park, we will drive another 18.6 miles (30 km) until we reach 15,092 feet (4,600 meters). From here, we will begin a 1-hour hike to reach the refuge located at 15,748 feet (4,800 meters).

cotopaxi national park access sign ecuador

Climbing Practice

In the afternoon, we will head to the glacier for a climbing practice session. During this time, you will learn how to properly use the mountain equipment and review all the essential safety rules.

After the practice, we will return to the refuge for an early dinner and rest for several hours to prepare for the summit attempt.

practice glacier climbing before ascending cotopaxi volcano

DAY 2 Cotopaxi Volcano - Riobamba

Summit Ascent Details

  • Ascent time: 6–7 hours
  • Descent time: 3 hours
  • Starting elevation: 15,748 feet (4,800 meters)
  • Highest elevation: 19,347 feet (5,897 meters)
  • Difficulty: High
01:00 A.M.

Ascent to Cotopaxi Volcano

The ascent to Cotopaxi Volcano will begin at 1:00 a.m., taking advantage of the firmer snow conditions during the early hours. Along the way, we will encounter crevasses and slopes ranging from 35° to 45°.

Upon reaching the summit at 19,347 feet (5,897 meters), and if the skies are clear, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi crater and the other snow-capped volcanoes that make up Ecuador’s famous Avenue of the Volcanoes.

views of the avenue of volcanoes on the trek to the top of cotopaxi volcano ecuador

Descent to the Refuge

After reaching the summit and taking in the incredible views, we will begin our descent back to the refuge, where we will collect our backpacks.

The 4x4 vehicle will be waiting for us to drive back to Riobamba, with a stop along the way to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This will mark the end of an unforgettable Cotopaxi climbing experience.

summit of cotopaxi volcano in ecuador

What to bring to Cotopaxi Ascent to the Summit tour

To make the ascent to Cotopaxi Summit, it is essential to have proper clothing and equipment for high-altitude mountaineering.

You should bring:

  • 30–40 liter backpack (for ascents) or 50–60 liters if going to Campo Alto
  • Several layers of warm and waterproof clothing: thermal underwear, mountain socks, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, waterproof jacket and pants
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) and lip protection
  • Personal toiletries and any required medication

The tour includes:

  • High-mountain boots (sizes 37–47)
  • Crampons, ice axe, and harness with carabiner
  • Mountain helmet and glacier goggles
  • Headlamp with batteries
  • Balaclava, gaiters, fleece gloves, mittens, fleece pants, and overtrousers
  • Sleeping bag with sheet and thermos flask
  • Purified water

Available for rent at the office:

  • 30–40 liter backpack (USD 3/day)
  • 50–60 liter backpack (USD 5/day)
  • Jacket (USD 5/day)
  • Trekking poles (USD 5/day per pair)

Where does the tour Cotopaxi Ascent to the Summit start

The tour starts at our Riobamba office at 9:00 a.m., where the team and your mountain guide will be waiting for you to begin the adventure. At the end of the activity on the second day, you will return to the same starting point around 3:00 p.m., so you can comfortably plan the rest of your day. The exact address will be provided in your booking confirmation.

Questions & Answers

  • What mountain equipment is included in the tour?

    The tour includes all the necessary high-mountain technical equipment: boots, crampons, ice axe, harness with carabiner, helmet, headlamp, glacier goggles, balaclava, gaiters, gloves, mittens, fleece pants and overpants. A sleeping bag with sheet, thermos, and purified water are also provided. You only need to bring your personal clothing, toiletries, medication, and a backpack.

  • Is the tour available all year round?

    Yes, the tour is available year-round. However, the best months to climb Cotopaxi are generally May to July and November to February, when weather conditions are more favorable.

  • How can I prepare for the altitude reached on the Cotopaxi tour?

    The altitude difference requires more effort for everyday tasks and can cause altitude sickness. It is very important to arrive in Riobamba at least one day before the start of the tour and to avoid physical exertion. We also recommend eating lightly, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol.

  • Is it necessary to have previous mountaineering experience?

    Previous technical mountaineering experience is not mandatory, but it is advisable to be in good physical condition and to have done previous hikes at high altitude. During the ascent, the guide will teach you how to use the equipment and the basic techniques required.

  • What happens if I fail to acclimatize properly?

    Acclimatization is essential for your safety. If the guide considers it unsafe to continue, you will have to return to the starting point without reaching the summit. For this reason, we recommend spending at least one week in the Andes and doing lower-altitude treks or ascents before attempting Cotopaxi.

Cotopaxi Ascent to the Summit tour reviews with Howlanders

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