Trekking & Climbing the Cotopaxi National Park
9 days/8 nights
$1500
P/P Double Occupancy
The Cotopaxi National Park is a very appealing and striking natural area for eager climbers looking for an adventure! The valley of Limpiopungo at an average height of 3,800 m is located at the base of the Rumiñahui, Sincholagua and the Cotopaxi volcanoes.
Day 1 Arrival in Quito
Upon arrival at the Quito International Airport, you’ll be transferred to the hotel. Lodging in Quito
Day 2 Full day tour in Quito (B)
In the morning we will visit to the old historic quarter with the colonial narrow cobbled streets and beautiful churches. In the afternoon we’ll visit the town of La Mitad Del Mundo (“Middle of the World”) and the Equator Monument. Lodging in Quito
Day 3 Quito – Pita River camp (D, BB)
Today you’ll be driven from Quito to the small city of Sangolqui and the small village of San Fernando. From here our first three hour trek will take us along small villages and cultivated camps. We’ll have the opportunity to observe the way of life of the Ecuadorian highland “campesinos” and enjoy nice views of Ecuador’s paramos (moorlands). We will hike to the Pita River’s banks, where our first camp is located at 3150 meters.
Day 4 Pita River – Sincholagua camp (B, D, BB)
We will hike up to 3,700 meters, to the foothills of Pasochoa volcano. We will enjoy great views of Sincholagua volcano and weather permitting, we can already see the beautiful snow capped cone of Cotopaxi Volcano. We will continue our trek through the Pedregal Tambo highlands with wonderful views of Pasochoa, Sincholagua and Cotopaxi Volcanoes. We will camp at 3,800 meters at the base of Sincholagua volcano.
Day 5 Climb Mount Sincholagua (4,893 m) (B, D, BB)
This day we will have the opportunity to climb to the summit of Mount Sincholagua a nice rocky peak. This is a long, demanding day, but worth the effort to enjoy great views of the highlands and the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano. Return to our camp on Limpiopungo valley.
Day 6 Climb Rumiñahui Volcano (B, D, BB)
Today starts with a steady climb by the lower ridges of the Rumiñahui Volcano until we meet the rocky section that leads us to the summit of this volcano. Then we will trek back to our camp at 3,800 m.
Day 7 Camp Sincholagua – Cotopaxi Hut (B, D, BB)
We will transfer you by car to the Cotopaxi parking lot at 4,600 m. From here we make a short trek to the hut at 4,800 m. Afternoon climbing practices in the nearby glaciers. Stay overnight in the hut.
Day 8 Climb Cotopaxi summit – Quito (B, BB)
After midnight starts the 6-7 hours climb to the summit of the impressive Cotopaxi volcano. Weather permitting we will enjoy excellent views of the Ecuadorian volcanoes and the beautiful surroundings. Descend to the parking lot and drive back to Quito. Lodging in Quito
Day 9 Departure from Quito (B)
You’ll be transferred to the airport.
Prices Include
- All noted meals during the excursion
- Professional mountain guide
- Communal climbing gear (ropes, belays)
- Cook & helper
- Private transportation
- Entrance fees
- Overnight in hotels and tents
Prices Do Not Include
- Personal trekking equipment
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Services not mentioned
Notes
- Rates are per person - double occupancy
- This tour’s difficulty is: moderate-hard
- This trip is not recommend for people with heart problems
- Prices are subject to change, and are per person in US$ (valid until December 15 2009)
