COTOPAXI

Service Description

Day 1 - We leave Quito and after a couple of hours driving we will get to Cotopaxi's parking lot and start walking towards Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. After 1 hour we reach the highlight of the trip at a 15,744 ft refuge. Preparing for the climbing at Jose Ribas refuge for a climb to Cotopaxi the following day. After organizing teams and eating dinner, it will be time to go to bed at midnight to be rested for the ascent! Day 2 - The summit attempt for climbers starts out without any glaciers, but will eventually take you through snow slopes that lead to an ice shelf at 17,000 feet. As the morning progresses, we see the sunrise over the park,overlooking a tropical forests, and spotting the glacier, Antisana at 18,714 feet. We will travel through the most complex areas of the glacier, crossing snow bridges, dodging large cracks and climbing moderate terrain to reach the summit cone. Once there, 35-40 degree snow slopes and a short walk on the ridge lead to the second highest summit in Ecuador. After making our way to Quito everyone meets for an evening of good food, sharing stories, and celebrating.