Cotopaxi Summit Climb: 2 Days

Climbers roped together among the ice towers of the Cotopaxi glacier Sunrise above the clouds from the summit of Cotopaxi The snowy summit crater of Cotopaxi Volcano The José Rivas Refuge at sunset on the slopes of Cotopaxi Hikers walking up to the José Rivas Refuge below the Cotopaxi glacier The shadow of Cotopaxi's summit on the clouds at dawn

Overview

Climb Cotopaxi Volcano to its 5,897 m summit with a certified mountain guide: a night at the José Rivas Refuge, a midnight start on the glacier and sunrise at the crater. For fit hikers who are already acclimatized.

Itinerary

Day 1: Machachi to the José Rivas Refuge

We meet around midday at our office in Machachi, check your gear and drive into Cotopaxi National Park to the parking lot at about 4,600 m. From there, a walk of about an hour up to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 m. Come acclimatized: a hike such as the Rumiñahui Volcano Hike a few days before makes a real difference.

Starts and ends: our office in Machachi
Pickup in Quito: available as an extra

Glacier practice and an early night

In the afternoon your guide goes over the crampons, the ice axe and the rope with you at the edge of the glacier. An early dinner at the refuge and to bed before dark.

Day 2: the summit push

Up before midnight and out by headlamp, roped to your guide. The route crosses the Cotopaxi glacier between crevasses and ice towers: about 6 to 7 hours up, at a slow, steady pace.

Sunrise at 5,897 m

At the top, the summit crater of Cotopaxi and, on a clear morning, Chimborazo, the Illinizas and Antisana above the clouds.

Descent and return to Machachi

About 3 hours down to the refuge, then the parking lot and the drive back to Machachi, early in the afternoon. For more climbs and treks in Ecuador, see Ecuador Ascents.

What's included

Included

  • Certified mountain guide (ASEGUIM or IFMGA), one guide for every two climbers
  • Transport from and to our office in Machachi
  • Night at the José Rivas Refuge with dinner and breakfast
  • Climbing gear: helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe and rope
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Pickup in Quito or other cities (you can add it as an extra)
  • Mountain boots, warm clothing and headlamp (ask us about rentals)
  • Park entry fees, if any
  • Tips

Good to know

Acclimatization
You need at least three or four days at altitude before the climb, with one or two acclimatization hikes above 4,500 m. Our Rumiñahui Volcano Hike is a good one: tell us your plans and we'll help you.
Fitness
No technical experience is needed, but you must be fit: it's a long night on steep snow and ice above 5,000 m. Your guide teaches you the basics on the first day.
Weather and the volcano
The summit depends on the weather, the glacier and the volcano. The park closes the route to the summit during volcanic alerts. Your guide decides on the day, and safety always comes first.

How booking works

  1. Choose your date and group. The price per person drops as your group grows, and you see the total before you send anything.
  2. Check availability. Nothing is booked or charged yet; we confirm your date first.
  3. Pay and enjoy. Once confirmed, we send you a secure payment link by email or WhatsApp.

FAQ

How hard is it to climb Cotopaxi?
It's a non-technical glacier climb, but a hard one: about 1,000 m up, at night, from the refuge at 4,864 m to the summit at 5,897 m. Most people who reach the top are well acclimatized and in good shape.
Can I climb Cotopaxi without a guide?
No. The park only allows climbers on the glacier with a certified mountain guide and a booked place at the refuge. We arrange both.
What if we don't reach the summit?
Many climbers turn back because of the altitude or the weather. Your guide decides when to turn around. The price stays the same, because the guide, the refuge and the gear are booked for you.
What do I need to bring?
We provide the climbing gear. You need mountain boots that take crampons, warm layers, a down jacket, warm gloves and a headlamp. Ask us if you need to rent boots or clothing.
How long does it take to climb Cotopaxi?
The Cotopaxi summit climb takes 2 days: the first to reach the José Rivas Refuge and practice on the glacier, the second for the summit push, about 1,000 m up at night, and the descent. Most climbers reach the top around sunrise.
When is the best time to climb Cotopaxi?
You can climb Cotopaxi all year. The drier months, June to September and December to January, usually bring the most stable weather on the glacier, and the summit push starts around midnight, while the snow is firm.
Can you pick me up in Quito?
Yes. Add the pickup in Quito when you check availability, or ask us about other cities. It has an extra cost.

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$580 per person
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