Climb Cotopaxi Volcano – Ecuador Eco Adventure

The Cotopaxi climb holds special significance among mountain climbers across the world for several reasons. Firstly, it is widely favored among climbers in Ecuador and the Andes due to its accessibility, attracting both seasoned mountaineers and novices alike because the entrance to Cotopaxi National Park is short drive from the Panamerican highway. Moreover, The uniqueness of the Cotopaxi climb is amplified by its volcanic nature. As an active volcano, Cotopaxi offers climbers the opportunity to conquer not just a mountain but a dynamic geological monolith with breathtaking views of the crater at its summit. The conical shape of Cotopaxi resembles the symmetrical cone of Japan’s renowned Mount Fuji–but at 5,900 meters it is over 2,000 meters taller–and the volcano often influences weather patterns, adding an element of unpredictability and adventure to the climb. Overall, the combination of Cotopaxi’s iconic silhouette and the challenges it presents make the climb a memorable and sought-after experience for adventurers.

The availability of multiple routes provides flexibility, enabling guides to select the safest path to climb Cotopaxi based on prevailing conditions. The ascent to Cotopaxi’s summit offers two primary routes starting from the Jose Rivas refuge: the Yanasacha route and the Heartbreaker. While Cotopaxi is considered a non-technical climb, it is mandated by law that climbers are accompanied by a certified Mountain Guide to reach the peak. Guides select the route on the day of the climb, carefully assessing the conditions to ensure the safest and most enjoyable journey to the summit.

Safety, Guides, Climbing Equipment, and Mountain Weather:

Our guides have all of the necessary safety accreditations as well as hundreds of hours of experience climbing Ecuador’s two most popular peaks Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.

Our mountain climbing equipment is modern and almost brand new – we have multiple sizes for mountain climbing boots and warm jackets designed for high-altitude.

The weather on Mount Chimborazo is unpredictable but we will try to give you as accurate information as possible on weather forecasts as well as information on how many successful ascents there have been in the previous weeks.

Cotopaxi Refuge ✓ Included

Refuge Jose Rivas is located at 4860 m on Mount Cotopaxi

Dinner ✓ Included

Dinner at the refuge and snacks and drinks during the climb *Please tell us if you are a vegetarian

Cotopaxi Tour Insurance ✓ Included

If something goes wrong on the mountain the insurance pays for a rescue team, first aid, and an ambulance to the hospital.

Travel Insurance ✗ Not Included

Insurance is included on the tour which covers you for rescue and first aid on the mountain as well as the ambulance to a hospital in Riobamba which is where your travel insurance will take over.

Transportation ✓ Included

Transport to and from Mount Cotopaxi is provided from the cities of Quito or Riobamba, the climbing capital of Ecuador

Park Permits ✓ Included

Entrance into the Cotopaxi National Park is included. This helps the park rangers take care of the park

Climbing Gear ✓ Included

Below is a list of mountain climbing equipment that we provide for high-altitude climbs.

Extra Snacks & Alcoholic Drinks ✗ Not included

Extra snacks and drinks can be purchased at High Camp for a reasonable price

Climbing Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador is an exhilarating and challenging adventure that requires a lot of preparation to ensure the safety and success of the climbers. As a tour operator, it is our responsibility to make sure that our clients are equipped with the necessary knowledge, gear, and physical fitness to take on the mountain.

Mount Cotopaxi stands at 5,897 meters, which makes it one of the highest peaks in Ecuador. Climbing such a high altitude requires a high level of physical fitness, and the client must be in good health to attempt the climb. It is important to ensure that the client is physically fit and able to handle the altitude, cold weather, and steep terrain.
Acquiring Necessary Permits: Mount Cotopaxi is a protected area, and climbers require a permit to climb the mountain. As a tour operator, it is our responsibility to acquire the necessary permits for our clients. We must also ensure that the clients are aware of the rules and regulations of the park and abide by them during the climb.
Acclimatization: Acclimatization is an important aspect of preparing for the climb. The body needs time to adjust to the altitude, and climbers must spend several days acclimatizing before attempting to reach the summit. Consider checking out our guided trekking for the El Altar Trek or Ecuador Inca Trail.
Hiring Local Guides: Local guides are essential for the success of the climb. As a tour operator, we hire experienced local guides who are familiar with the mountain and its terrain. The guides provide valuable information about the climb, the weather conditions, and the best routes to take. They also ensure the safety of the clients during the climb.

Can I Climb Mount Cotopaxi Without a Guide?

Is climbing gear included in the Climb Cotopaxi Cost?

How long does it take to climb Cotopaxi?

Do climbers get altitude sickness when climbing Cotopaxi?

Yes. Altitude sickness varies for everyone and there are varying levels of altitude sickness--from mild to life threatening. Our ASEGUIM Certified guides are highly-trained to recognise the symptoms of altitude sickness and are entrusted to make the call whether to push on when clients experience mild symptoms or begin the descent if the symptoms do not alleviate. The best way to counter altitude sickness is to spend time at altitude before the climb, such as trekking El Altar are through Sangay.

Is the Cotopaxi refuge open?

How long in advance do I need to book the Cotopaxi climb?