Cotopaxi Summit Highlights 1/3
Cotopaxi National Park
The Cotopaxi national park is a protected reserve encompassing over 333.9 km of forested surroundings with approximately 200 plant species. The area holds Cotopaxi volcano as it main attraction among other neighboring volcanoes. With an elevation of 5,897 m, the volcano is a beauty to behold and a clear landmark of the area. The park is home to many animals in wild like Andean Hawks, Condors, Horses, the Andean Fox, Weasels, birds & others. The park houses a variety of vegetation zones with humid mountain forests predominantly taking over low elevations.
Cotopaxi Summit Highlights 2/3
Jose Rivas Refuge
A 45 minute hike from the parking lot will get you to the refuge at 4800 meters high. Built in 1971, extended in 1997 and refurbished in 2009, the refuge features a two floor construction, 50 bunks, bucket flush toilets, a fire place, lockers to store your extra baggage and gear, electricity and kitchen. The cost of staying at the refuge is included in your tour. Located in the northern flanks of the volcano, it can easily be spotted from afar on a clear day. Climbers will have a few hours sleep before departing the refuge at midnight in order to reach the summit at dawn.
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Cotopaxi Volcano Summit
Summiting Cotopaxi has a positive success rate under the right conditions, acclimatizing is highly recommended and will increase your probabilities and avoid AMS symptoms. The glaciers can be reached with a 40 minute hike from the refuge. Here climbers will be briefed on the schedule and use of technical equipment to be implented the next day. The route is well crevassed to the summit, rompe corazones (heart breaker grade II/PD) is the only current route allowed. Two to three hours of steep terrain will hardly let you catch a break, with no good resting spots in sight; hence the routes name. It can take from 5 to 6 hours to summit Cotopaxi, this is based on weather conditions and pace of fellow climbers. A 2 to 1 ratio is standard, avid climbers can consider hiring a private guide that will follow their pace.
Entrance fee to Cotopaxi national park: free *subject to change.
2 passengers minimum required to operate, or private guidance.
Certified tours by local authorities, compliant with local regulations.
Rates are per person/ tour in US$ dollars, rates are subject to change.
Activities may be changed or canceled for weather or health conditions.
Last revision: Jan 15, 2020 / Valid until: December 31, 2020
Gloves & Mittens
Ice Axe & Harness
Crampons
Carabiners
Double plastic boots (for crampons)
Gaiters
Helmet lamp
Basic sleeping bag
Basis snow-proof trousers
Basic snow-proof jacket *not goretex
EXCLUDED
First layer gloves
Wool Socks
Big backpack
Sunglasses
High factor sunblock
Bottled water
AAA batteries for head lamp
Waterproof & thermal jacket
Waterproof pants
Thermal Pants
Summit Clauses
There is no refunds if the summit is not reached.
1 – 2 ratio (1 guide for every 2 climbers), *not guaranteed.
It is recommended to consider a private guide for avid climbers.
Climbers accept applicable terms for direct summits when booking.
2nd attempts are not guaranteed, but can be pursued with the right conditions.
Foreseen reasons you may not summit
Lack of proper acclimatization or low fitness condition
Weather conditions like an avalanche risk, electrical storm & wind.
Shared guidance, fellow climber(s) cannot continue & no remaining guides.
Your guide can cancel the trek for weather or health related issues.
Please check our terms and conditions for a full breakdown of applicable clauses that apply for day tour bookings.
View Terms & Conditions