Warning of Increased Volcanic Activity of Cotopaxi
Climb Volcano Cotopaxi
Mount Cotopaxi in the Cotopaxi National Park is the second largest mountain in Ecuador and its 5,897m (19,347ft) summit makes it one of the largest active volcanoes in the world.
Mount Cotopaxi is the most popular climb in Ecuador because backpackers with no mountain climbing experience can attempt the climb to see the stunning view of the volcanic crater at the summit. After recent volcanic activity, however, the government closed Cotopaxi National Park to the public for safety reasons over the last 120 days but reopened it now that the volcano has settled.
Safety and Guides:
Our guides have all of the necessary safety accreditation as well as hundreds of hours of experience climbing Ecuador’s two most popular peaks Chimborazo and Cotopaxi. The weather on Mount Cotopaxi 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.
Tips for Climbing Mount Cotopaxi
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.
- Assessing the Client’s Physical Fitness: The first step in preparing for the climb is to assess the physical fitness of the client. 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.
- Planning the Itinerary: The next step is to plan the itinerary for the climb. This involves deciding on the number of days required for the climb, the routes to take, and the necessary equipment for the climb. The itinerary must be flexible enough to account for weather conditions, the physical fitness of the client, and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the climb.
- 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.
- Gear and Equipment: The gear and equipment required for the climb are essential for the success of the climb. We must ensure that our clients are equipped with the appropriate gear for the climb, including warm clothing, climbing boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and climbing harnesses. It is also important to make sure that the gear is of good quality and in good condition.
- 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. We include acclimatization days in the itinerary to ensure that our clients are well-adjusted to the altitude and ready for the climb.
- Training: Climbing Mount Cotopaxi requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance. We provide our clients with a training plan to help them prepare for the climb. The training plan includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance training to build the necessary strength and stamina for the climb.
- 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.
- Safety Precautions: Safety is of utmost importance during the climb. We take all necessary safety precautions to ensure the safety of our clients. This includes providing our clients with safety equipment such as radios, first aid kits, and emergency oxygen. We also ensure that our clients are well-informed about the dangers of the climb and how to handle emergencies.
- Environmental Conservation: As a responsible tour operator, we prioritize environmental conservation. We ensure that our clients adhere to Leave No Trace principles during the climb. This includes packing out all trash and waste and leaving the mountain in its natural state.