Cotopaxi Trek, 3 days/2 nights, daily from/to Quito The Cotopaxi volcano has a diameter of 30 km / 18.6 miles and an average height of almost 3.810 m / 12,500 feet. If you travel south from Quito along the Panamerican Highway, you reach Cotopaxi National Park, past the Limpiopungo lagoon and the Pita River valley. Cotopaxi dominates the landscape from miles away. You will be able to hike across moor and lava fields near the Rumiñahui volcano.

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito—Cotopaxi National Park
Departure from Quito to your campground inside the Cotopaxi National Park (3.800 m / 12,467 feet). In the afternoon, you visit the Inca ruins of El Salitre, where the Incas worshipped the Cotopaxi volcano. Return to the campground, followed by dinner. Overnight stay in tents. (-/BL/D)

Day 2: Cotopaxi National Park
After breakfast, an interesting hike through the paramo, over sandy slopes and rocks to the Rumiñahui volcano is planned. The summit of Rumiñahui (4.722 m / 15,492 feet) offers a spectacular view of Cotopaxi. You also may be able to observe some giant condors. Return to the campground. (B/BL/D)

Day 3: Cotopaxi National Park—Quito
A four-hour hike takes you to a shelter on Cotopaxi, at 4.800 m / 15,750 feet. After a box lunch, you hike to the Cotopaxi glacier. In the afternoon, return to the parking lot and drive back to Quito. (B/BL/-)

Note: Those who want to summit Cotopaxi will remain at the shelter in the Refugio (15,750 feet) and begin their ascent at midnight.

Day 4: Ascent to the summit of Cotopaxi (5.897 m / 19,347 feet) and return to the shelter. In the afternoon, drive back to Quito.

What you need to bring: rain gear, flashlight, warm clothing, sleeping bag, backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat, small daypack, camera.
 

Please note: Although this is a moderate hike, it can be challenging if you are not properly acclimated to the altitude. Do not expect to find perfectly marked hiking trails as you would in the Alps or in US national parks.

 
Services:

• Trekking tour as described, with private transportation
• Qualified English-speaking travel guides (German-speaking travel guides upon request)
• Meals as described in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL=Box Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Equipment (2-person tents, mules, cook, support personnel, first-aid kit, rubber boots etc.)
• National park admission fees

Non-included services:

• Suitable sports/hiking/trekking clothing
• Not specified meals and beverages
• Tips and personal expenses 

Please be advised: Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to change due to  organizational or climate factors.

 
Prices:  

Minimum number of participants: 2

Cotopaxi Trek, 3 days/2 nights

Subject to change. Prices may be higher on national holidays.