Cotopaxi Express

The Cotopaxi Express Expedition was designed for the time conscious traveler and adventurer in mind. This 19,348 foot peak is located in Cotopaxi National Park, an area rich with alpine lakes, pine forests, and abundant wildlife. Isolated high above the stark and desolate paramo landscape, Cotopaxi's striking cone-like symmetry is truly awe-inspiring. Beginning in Quito (9,500 ft.) we begin the process of acclimatization that is so important for success on the mountains of Ecuador. We visit many historical sites around Quito and the market town of Otovalo, and utilize the wonderful peaks of Pasochoa and Ruminahui to prepare for the ascent of Cotopaxi.

We begin the climb of Cotopaxi from the Jose Ribas hut (15,750 ft.) where we ascend a moraine to gain moderate glacier slopes to the summit. Along the way, however, complex crevasse patterns and snowbridge crossings over deep crevasses keep the climb interesting and provide impressive photo opportunities of amazing ice formations. After passing through a heavily crevassed area midway through the climb, we reach the final summit slope. Here a challenging section of 35-40 degree snow leads to the abrupt finish of the climb on the crater rim of the world's highest active volcano.

For those who would like to attempt to climb Ecuador's highest peak as well, we offer participants the opportunity to add the 3 day Chimborazo Extension to this trip, for a 12 day tour of Ecuador's two most striking peaks.

*If our scheduled climbs do not fit your needs, we can also schedule private dates for groups of 2 or more.

Trip Highlights

• 9 day itinerary great for those who want to minimize time out of country
• Bi-lingual guides ensure your trip runs smoothly
• Most favorable client-to-guide ratio in the industry
• Optional city tour of Old Quito, including historical sites
• Climb Cotopaxi, the worlds highest active volcano
• Satellite phone access and pulse oximeters on all trips

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Quito arriving late evening.
Day 2: Spend today in Quito acclimating. Optional historic city tour of Old Quito.
Day 3: Pasochoa (13,400 ft) acclimatization hike. Hotel stay at La Estancia("The Station").
Day 4: Travel to Tambopaxi in Cotopaxi National Park.
Day 5: Travel by horseback to the base of Ruminahui (15,075 ft) and climb to the top!
Day 6: Travel to the Jose Ribas Hut (15,075 ft) and conduct glacier training seminar.
Day 7: Summit day on Cotopaxi. After summit, return to the valley and stay at La Cienega.
Day 8: Additional summit day or return to Quito. Chimbo extension participants travel to Banos.
Day 9: Return home. Chimbo extension participants rest and relax in Banos.

Additional Information

Included in cost: An AMGA Certified or Trained Guide, all ground transportation, hotel stays in Ecuador, tents and food while on the mountain as well as all group climbing and camping equipment.

Not included in cost: Food and drinks in towns, personal climbing and camping equipment, and international air fare, costs of a personal nature, extra hotels or transportation due to illness, injury, or early return.

Prerequisites: Participants should have prior, basic mountaineering experience. They should be comfortable with self arrest, walking in crampons, and have basic roped climbing experience. If you do not possess these skills, or need review, we recommend doing a skills course with us in Colorado prior to your Peru trip.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out an International Expedition Application, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit 60 days before the trip date. Balance is due 30 days prior to trip departure date. Please click on our Register link to access the required forms.