A two‑day guided climb to Cotopaxi’s 5,897 m summit that combines glacier travel, alpine shelter nights, and expert guides. Expect technical terrain, early starts, and the stark grandeur of one of Ecuador’s highest active volcanoes.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold wind cuts across the high plain as headlamps pick out the serrated ridge of Cotopaxi, the cone rising above the páramo like a challenge. On night one you cross wind-scoured trails to a refuge beneath the volcano, the sky wide and bone-bright; on the summit push you trade breath for steady rhythm as crampons bite thin ice and the world compresses into one step after another.
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
2 days (≈48 hours)
Fitness Level
High‑altitude fitness required—good cardiovascular conditioning, endurance for sustained uphill glacier travel, and experience with long nights.
Wildlife
History
Indigenous communities have long regarded Cotopaxi as an important landmark tied to agricultural cycles; the park was established to protect volcanic and high‑Andean ecosystems.
Conservation
Glacial retreat and visitor impact are ongoing concerns—stay on trails, pack out waste, and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Cotopaxi Ascent today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before the climb
Spend 48–72 hours in Quito or Latacunga to reduce altitude sickness risk; hydrate and avoid alcohol the day before summit night.
Practice crampon and ice‑axe use
Basic skills with crampons and an ice axe are required—take a practice session beforehand if you haven’t used them.
Pack layered insulation
Temperatures swing dramatically—use moisture‑wicking base layers, an insulating midlayer, and a waterproof shell.
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Summit pushes start in the dark; a reliable headlamp and spare batteries are critical.
Crampons
Rigid crampons for secure traction on ice and hard snow during the summit push.
Ice axe
Necessary for self‑arrest and secure travel on steep snow slopes.
Insulated mountaineering boots
Stiff, insulated boots compatible with crampons keep feet warm and supported at altitude.
Warm down jacket
Lightweight but high‑loft insulation for summit temperatures and exposed conditions.