COTOPAXI EXPEDITION

Day 1 – Quito (2,850 m) – Refugio José Ribas (4,864 m)

We head to Cotopaxi National Park via the Pan-American Highway, passing through the Casphi control post. We continue our journey for approximately 1.5 more hours until we reach the parking lot at 4,500 masl. From this point, we begin our trek to Refugio José Ribas at 4,864 m with all our high-altitude mountaineering equipment, traversing defined terrain for approximately 1 hour. Once at the refuge, we settle in, organize our backpacks and equipment. After dinner, we rest early.

Day 2 – Refugio José Ribas (4,864 m) – Cotopaxi Summit (5,897 m) – Quito (2,850 m)

We begin our climb at approximately 00:00 from the refuge. Our glacier traverse follows technically easy terrain for approximately 10-11 hours of climbing. We'll cross a long, seemingly endless glacier with sections of steep slopes, which we'll overcome without difficulty with proper crampon technique. There are no rappel sections or rock climbing required, allowing us to move efficiently and reach the summit at a good time. Once at the peak, practically alongside the crater, our sacrifice is rewarded with a spectacular view of an active volcano's crater, with a 360° panorama opening to other surrounding volcanoes. The sunrise completes an unforgettable climb.

Our descent follows the same route as our ascent. We return to Refugio José Ribas to regain energy and organize our gear, then continue our descent to the parking lot where transportation awaits for our return to Quito.