Cotopaxi, mountaineering in the middle of the world – 8 days

This high-altitude mountaineering program has been carefully designed by us to ensure proper acclimatization, giving you the best possible chance of successfully completing the incredible challenge of climbing Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano at 5,897 meters. We will begin our acclimatization in the Otavalo region of northern Ecuador, hiking around Lake Cuicocha (3,200 m), then climbing Fuya Fuya (4,200 m), a stunning viewpoint overlooking Lake Mojanda, and finally concluding our journey in the northern part of the country with the ascent of Imbabura (4,580 m), the iconic peak of the Imbabura province. We will then move south to climb Pasochoa (4250 m) before heading towards our 2 main objectives: Illiniza Nord (5126 m altitude), a superb summit, which gives an alpine atmosphere, and the majestic Cotopaxi.

Itinerary :

Day 1: Quito – Cuicocha lagoon – Otavalo

Departure from Quito by private vehicle to the Imbabura province and the beautiful Cuicocha Lagoon. Hike around the lake and its crater. Approximately 4.5 hours of walking with a picnic lunch. Visit to the indigenous community of Peguche.
Accommodation in Otavalo.
L (box lunch)

Day 2: Otavalo – Ascent of Fuya Fuya – Traditional Market of Otavalo

After breakfast, we will travel by private vehicle to the Mojanda Lagoon before ascending the Fuya Fuya volcano (4,263 m). Located in the Western Cordillera, this summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and Cayambe. We will visit the traditional market of Otavalo in the afternoon.
Accommodation in Otavalo.
B – L (box lunch)

Day 3: Otavalo – Ascent of Imbabura – 4630 m – Quito

After breakfast, we will travel north by private vehicle to the town of Ibarra and then to San Clemente, a small village at the base of the Imbabura volcano, home to a Caranqui community. We will begin our hike at approximately 3,250 meters, eventually reaching the summit at 4,630 meters. From there, weather permitting, we can admire the region with its vast valleys and beautiful Andean landscapes. After a 7-hour hike, we will return to the vehicle for the late afternoon drive back to Quito.
Accommodation in Quito.
B – L (box lunch)

Día 4: Quito – Ascent of Pasochoa – Machachi

After breakfast, we will travel by private vehicle, heading southeast this time, towards the Pasochoa Botanical Reserve located in the Central Cordillera. The reserve is unique and incredibly rich in both flora and fauna. We will traverse diverse vegetation before ascending to the summit. The significant elevation gain makes this climb somewhat challenging but is a valuable opportunity to further your acclimatization. The summit reaches an altitude of 4,200 meters.
Accommodation in Machachi.
B – L (box lunch) – D

Day 5: Machachi – Ilinizas Refuge

After breakfast, we will travel by private vehicle to the village of Chaupi, located at the foot of the Ilinizas massif. From Chaupi, we will take a mountain road to the area known as “La Virgen” in the beautiful Ilinizas Nature Reserve, where we will begin our hike, carrying our own gear, to the mountain refuge at 4,700 meters.
Accommodation in the refuge.
B – L – D

Day 6: Ascent of North Iliniza – Lasso

After breakfast, we’ll depart at dawn for the ascent of North Iliniza, which rises to 5,126 meters, to take advantage of the best conditions and admire the extraordinary view this summit offers of the Andes and its beautiful valleys. Conditions permitting, of course. We’ll then descend back to the valley and continue to Lasso, close to Cotopaxi volcano.
Accommodation in Lasso.
B – L

Day 7: Lasso – Cotopaxi Refuge

After breakfast, we will depart by private vehicle for Cotopaxi National Park. We will drive up to the parking area at 4,500 meters and then hike to the refuge (45-minute walk). We will participate in an ice climbing school to test equipment and assess each participant’s skill level. Rest.
Accommodation in the refuge.
B – L (box lunch) – D

Day 8: Ascent of Cotopaxi – Quito

Around 1:00 a.m., we will begin our rope ascent of the world’s highest active volcano with our mountain guides. Return to the refuge and then we´ll go back to Quito. End of program.
Accommodation in Quito.
B