MOUNTAIN FACT FILE - COTOPAXI: 5,897m
(19,347´). 55km South of Quito. Grade 3C.
MOUNTAIN PROFILE: Cotopaxi is a strata volcano and is the most popular climb in Ecuador and probably in the whole of South America. It is the second highest summit in the country and has an almost symmetrical cone that rises from a highland plain of about 3,800 metres (12,500 ft), with a width at its base of about 23 kilometres (14 mi). It has one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world and is clearly visible from Quito.
THE ASCENT: By the normal route at midnight from the Refugio Jose Rivas. 6-8 hours of ascent through a crevasse ridden glacier where roped travel is required for the entire ascent and decent. No real technical difficulties but experience in the use of ice axes and crampons would be very beneficial.
MOUNTAIN FACT FILE - CAYAMBE: 5,790m (18,996´). 65km NE of Quito. Grade 3C.
MOUNTAIN PROFILE: Cayambe is a massive glaciated extinct volcano. It is Ecuador's third highest peak and also has the distinction of being the highest point on the Earth's surface through which the Equator directly passes. Although technically not really difficult the glaciers are very active with numerous crevasses and the mountain is prone to avalanches.
THE ASCENT: Midnight start, 6-8 hours ascent from the Refugio at 4,650m. This is a classic climb up a massive glaciated mountain and one of the most popular climbs in Ecuador and is easily accessible from Quito.
Your itinerary will include a brief description of our trip and an outline of your stays and meals provided. We normally only provide a breakfast at all of our city stop over locations as it gives you the opportunity to vary your cuisine by not being tied to hotel menu for your lunchtime or evening meal. We can provide full board trips on requests in particular if any person has any special dietary needs.
H=Hotel, R=Refuge, Lo=Lodge, Ha=Hacienda, T=Tents, B/L/D=Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, PL=Packed Lunch.
Day 1: QUITO - ARRIVAL DAY. (H)
You will be met in the airport and be driven to your hotel where you will relax in Ecuador’s capital.
Day 2: QUITO - CITY TOUR, ACCLIMATISATION AND EQUIPMENT CHECK. (H/B)
You will be shown the old historic centro of Quito where our AB and in country guide will check your kit before departure.
Day 3: QUITO - PASOCHOA HIKE. (H/B/PL)
You will have your first acclimatisation hike up Pasochoa peak at 4,199m (13,766´), which is on the outskirts of Quito.
Day 4: QUITO - PICHINCHA HIKE. (H/B/PL)
You will have your second acclimatisation hike up Pichincha peak 4,784m (15,696´), which again is but a short drive away.
Day 5: CAYAMBE - TRAVEL TO CAYAMBE. (R/B/L/D)
You will drive to the refuge on Cayambe where we will review your crampon and rope skills in the afternoon then relax before the climb.
Day 6: CAYAMBE - SUMMIT DAY. (H/B/L)
You will start at mid night for the 6-8 hour ascent of this glaciated mountain peak. If your successful you will come down to relax in a nearby hotel in Cayambe.
Day 7: CAYAMBE - RESERVE WEATHER DAY OR OTOVALO VISIT. (H/B/L)
Mountains are fickle things so we will keep this day in reserve as a bad weather day otherwise we will visit Otavalo's colourful markets before driving back to Quito to our hotel.
Day 8: COTOPAXI - DRIVE TO COTOPAXI. (Lo/B/L/D)
We will drive to Cotopaxi National Park and stay overnight at Tambopaxi lodge acclimatisation centre.
Day 9: COTOPAXI - RUMINAHUI ASCENT. (Lo/B/L/D)
We will climb nearby Rumiñahui (4,712m) before our Cotopaxi climb.
Day 10: COTOPAXI - REST DAY. (R/B/L/D)
You will rest during the day before your drive to the refuge on Cotopaxi in the evening where you will begin your 6-7 hour ascent at midnight.
Day 11: COTOPAXI - SUMMIT DAY (Lo/B/L/D)
After you descend from the summit about mid morning you will return to Tambopaxi lodge.
Day 12. COTOPAXI - RESERVE WEATHER DAY OR DRIVE TO QUITO. (H/B)
Another reserve bad weather day or we drive you back to Quito to make use of your remaining time in Ecuador´s capital.
Day 13. QUITO - SIGHTSEEING AND SHOPPING DAY (Day 1 of Chimborazo Extension). (H/B)
A free day for you to reflect on your Andes mountain experience.
Day 14. QUITO - DEPARTURE DAY. (B)
You will be taken to the airport for your flight home.
On our trips we include transport to and from the airport on arrival and departure, all transportation or travel in country including any internal domestic flights, all hotel and trekking lodge accommodation, a dedicated AB leader and all in country guides and porters, any park, mountain fees or permits and any sightseeing/tourist entry fees. Breakfasts at all hotel stays will be provided but lunches and dinners will only be provided where indicated. All meals will be provided during the duration of any trek or climb.
All booked activities and the use of any group equipment such as tents, cooking equipment are included but any additional activities booked with our in country providers will be subject to an additional surcharge.
Hotel = 8 nights, Refuges = 2 nights, Lodges = 3 nights (13 nights total).
Breakfasts = 13, Lunches = 7, Packed Lunches = 2, Dinners = 5 (27 meals out of a possible 38).