Day 1
Meeting at the hotel in Quito, transfer (2 hours) to the start of the trail located at an altitude of 3848 m. From this place we begin our acclimatization hike to the Pasochoa volcano (4164 m). A well-marked trail leads through agricultural land to the paramo zone. Here the trail heads south, gradually climbing up to the base of the crater. The last section is the steepest, along the mountain path we climb to the edge of the crater. The last meters to the summit of the Pasochoa volcano pass along the rim of the crater with a beautiful view of the Machachi Valley, also known as the "Volcanoes Avenue", and the highlands to the west. On clear days, there is a beautiful view of the volcanoes Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Ruminahui and Artisana. Descent along the same path to our starting point. Next, the group will be transferred (2 hours) to a mountain lodge Ilinizas near the town of El Chaupi (2930 m).
Night at the mountain house.
Ascent: 516 m / Descent: 516 m / Maximum altitude: 4164 m / Activity duration: 5 h.
Meals included: picnic, dinner
Day 2
In the morning, a short drive (1 hour) from our mountain lodge to the parking lot located at an altitude of 3680 meters. From here the group will follow the paramo trail (Andean Highlands), which turns into a rocky moraine as it climbs. The terrain becomes steeper when we reach a clearly visible ridge that rises into the valley that separates the two peaks, where the hut of Nuevos Horizontes (4677 m) is located. Upon arrival at the hut, the mountain guide will give appropriate instructions for the next day's ascent and help prepare all the necessary equipment. The Nuevos Horizontes hut is a very basic apartment with one large area containing both bunk beds and a kitchen.The hut has basic amenities such as a kitchen, dining tables and toilets.
Overnight at the hut.
Ascent: 817 m / Maximum altitude: 4677 m / Activity duration: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 3
Today we make an ascent to the North Iliniza Volcano (5126 m), one of the two peaks of the Iliniz massif. The North Summit is technically easier, but still requires physical strength. The ascent starts immediately from the Nuevos Horizontes hut (4677 m). First, we head to the saddle, and then we go north to the summit of North Iliniza. The climb itself is very panoramic as it follows the southern ridge of the mountain with breathtaking scenery on both sides. Depending on the weather conditions and the physical condition of the team, the descent can be carried out along the same path or along the northern ridge, along a large talus, turning into a circular route. Back at the parking lot, the team will be transported (3 hours) to Cotopaxi National Park for a good rest after the ascent.
Overnight at the hut.
Ascent: 449 m / Descent: 1266 m / Maximum altitude: 5126 m / Activity duration: 8 h.
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 4
Morning breakfast, 2-hour transfer to the Cotopaxi’s Parking area (4587 m). From here we have an hour trek to the Cotopaxi mountain hut (4847 m). Here we have a short rest, then we still go for about 40 minutes to the lower part of the glacier (4990 m). There will be brief instructions from the guide on the use of crampons, ice ax, rope and all the necessary technical equipment for the ascent. Being here will improve our acclimatization for a successful ascent. After training, the team will return to the hut for the night. The rest of the day is preparation for the ascent. The guides will provide detailed instructions on all aspects of the ascent and help with all the equipment. An early dinner will be served and then rest until the guides call for breakfast, usually around midnight.
Overnight at the hut.
Ascent: 403 m / Descent: 143 m / Highest Altitude: 4990 m / Distance: 1.2 km one way / Activity duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 5
We'll have an early rise. The departure time will be determined by the mountain guides depending on the physical condition of the team and the weather forecast, usually in the range from 23:00 to 2:00. Breakfast will be served 1 hour before our departure. The group will begin their ascent from the hut along a well-marked trail that climbs smoothly along a shallow stone moraine for about 1 hour. Once on the edge of the glacier (4990 m), the group will gather and split, in the case of a large group, into smaller teams at the rate of 2 participants per 1 guide. Climbing Cotopaxi requires endurance and considerable mental strength. The Cotopaxi Glacier is fairly safe and the climb is not technically difficult, but there are several crevasses and a few ice slopes that make the route dangerous. The first part of the glacier is a gentle slope that gets steeper as you climb, there are a series of places known as the "Heartbreaker" which are quite difficult parts of the ascent due to the steepness and duration. Thereafter, a very beautiful ridge gradually gains height, passing near the protruding rock known as "Yanasacha", at an altitude of about 5630 m. From here, a relatively long traverse to the right before another series of return roads leading to the edge of the crater, and a few meters later - to the main summit of the Cotopaxi volcano (5897 m). The ascent takes an average of 7-8 hours. The summit of Cotopaxi is one of the most impressive peaks, overlooking a crater with a double edged and on clear days you can see most of the neighboring volcanoes: Antisana, Kayambe, Ilinizas, Chimborazo, El Altar and the active Tunguragua. The descent is carried out along the ascent path and takes from 3 to 4 hours. Returning to the hut, as soon as the whole group is reunited, a short descent (20 minutes) to the parking lot, return to Quito (3 hours).
Ascent: 1050 m / Descent: 1315 m / Highest Altitude: 5897 m / Distance to the summit: 2.47 km and distance from the summit to the parking spot: 3.22 km / Activity duration: 10-12 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic.
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