Brief Itinerary 5D/4N

Climbing the highest active volcano in the planet is a great experience and a beautiful challenge. We have designed the best acclimatization program,  to enjoy climbings some of the most gorgeous picks of the Central Andes of Ecuador. This program will take to explore the native forest of Pasochoa Volcano, the vast  highland paramos of Rumiñahui, while we learn about the geology, the natural and cultural history of the area. The Three Summit Challenge will get you ready for your goal: Climb the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano.

  • Day 1: Climbing Pasochoa Volcano
  • Day 2: Climbing Rumiñahui Volcano
  • Day 3: High Ropes Course and Hike
  • Day 4: Glaciers School
  • Day 5: Climbing Cotopaxi

Level of Difficulty

Technical Level: Advanced
Physical effort: Advanced

Detailed itinerary

Climbing Pasochoa Volcano

A private transportation and bilingual guide will  pick you up from your Hotel in Quito, we will do a quick stop at El Porvenir for a hot canelazo and then we will drive you from El Porvenir to Pasochoa Reserve, crossing the paramo plains. Our hike will begin in Hacienda Santa Rita Private Reserve, at an altitude of 3,300 meters, (10826 ft), from which we will begin climbing Pasochoa Volcano. The route crosses patches of native Andean forest and open “páramos” a type of moorlands. We will trek through fields covered with high straw and will enjoy the magnificent view of the neighboring mountains covered with snow such as Antisana, Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Sincholagua watch over us during this climb. We will have a box lunch in the middle of the day. Hiking time is about 7 hours total round trip. Hiking difficulty is low. Overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir. (Packed lunch).

Climbing Rumiñahui Volcano

After breakfast we will drive to Limpiopungo Lake inside the Cotopaxi National Park. Our mountain climbing expert guide, knowledgeable on the geology, ecology and botany the region, will explain the highlights of this pristine and beautiful territory.  We start our climb at 4000 mts. (13123ft) until we reach the base of the rock we start climbing through steep sand slope until we reach the Central Summit 4634 m. (15200 ft.). Then we loop through exclusive trails towards Hacienda El Porvenir. This route is unique because we have the chance to climb through one way and return to the Hacienda through a different path. We will traverse agricultural fields and reach the high grasslands of the paramo. On the way we might see herds of wild horses and cattle grazing. Packed lunch is included. We will return to the Hacienda El Porvenir house for an overnight stay. The climb takes about 7 hours round trip. (Breakfast/Packed lunch).

 

 

High Ropes Course and Manto Blanco hike

After breakfast we will participate in the High Ropes Course. This is a high adventure activity with low environmental impact, letting people with little or no knowledge of climbing techniques have a unique experience in a safe environment. You will traverse ladders, nets, tightropes, swinging logs, wobbly bridges, and more fun surprises at 20 ft from the ground (6m). Lunch. In the afternoon we will make a short hike on exclusive Hacienda trails and arrive to Manto Blanco waterfall. This conservation area has been reforested with native trees. Overnight stay at the Hacienda. (Breakfast/Lunch).

Cotopaxi Glaciers School

After breakfast we will drive to Machachi to try out our mountain climbing gear. We will have an early lunch at Hacienda El Porvenir and transfer via car to the Refugio Jose Ribas. From there we will climb to the hut (4800 m / 15.744 ft). During the afternoon we will practice safety and mountain climbing techniques with our specialized climbing guide to get acquainted with the gear. We will then eat dinner and rest in the refuge. 23H00 we prepare ourselves for the climb that will lead us to Cotopaxi Summit (5897 m / 19.342 ft.) Calorie-rich snack before departing. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

Climbing Cotopaxi 

Today we face our biggest but most exciting challenge! Prepare to climb one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. The climb to the Cotopaxi Summit takes from 6 to 8 hours approximately, and 3 to 4 hours to descent. Our vehicle will be waiting for us at the car park and will transfer us to Hacienda El Porvenir, where we will enjoy a goodbye lunch and also a hot shower. Return to Quito. (Lunch).

 

Tour Includes

  • Accommodation (dorm bed at climbing hut)
  • Described meals 
  • Described activities
  • Licensed English speaking Mountaineering Guide
  • Climbing gear for Cotopaxi(boots, crampons, harness, helmet,  piolette)
  • Entrance fee to Santa Rita Ecological Reserve
  • Entrance to APU Mountain SPA wet area
  • Transport from and to Quito

Tour does not include

  • Dinner at El Porvenir
  • Sleeping bag (mandatory at the Refuge)
  • Personal climbing gear
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • International Airfare to Quito
  • Anything else not described on the tour

Important notes

  • Itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions.
  • TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TOUR, YOU MUST SIGN OF WAIVER OF LIABILITY.