Quito: 2-Day Cotopaxi Volcano Climb with Guide & Gear｜Ecuador

Day 1: Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park & Ascent to Refuge (4,864 m)

Depart from Quito in the morning, heading south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes toward Cotopaxi National Park. After entering the park and completing registration, continue by vehicle up to the parking area at approximately 4,600 m.

From here, take a 40–50 minute hike to the José Rivas Refuge (4,864 m), where you will settle in, organize gear, and receive a detailed briefing from your guide covering route conditions, safety procedures, and summit strategy.

Enjoy a hot dinner around 5:00 PM, followed by rest. Climbers typically sleep early, as the summit push begins around midnight.

Day 2: Summit Push (5,897 m) & Return

Wake-up is around 11:30 PM. After a light snack and final gear check, begin the ascent on glacier terrain using crampons, rope systems, and headlamps.

The climb involves steady progression over snow and ice slopes of moderate incline (30–40 degrees), navigating crevasses and glacier formations. After approximately 5–7 hours of ascent, reach the summit of Cotopaxi at sunrise.

From the top, take in views that extend across the Andes, including peaks like Chimborazo, Antisana, and Cayambe.

After a short time at the summit, descend carefully back to the refuge (2–3 hours), where breakfast is served. Then, continue down to the parking area and transfer back to Quito, arriving in the early afternoon.