Expedition Cotopaxi 3 Days
5,897m / 19,347 ft · Intermediate
Cotopaxi + Ruminahui — 3 Days with certified ASEGUIM & UIAGM guides. 3 Days / 2 Nights, max altitude 5,897m / 19,347 ft. Difficulty: Technical. Private transportation from Quito included.
Day 1 — Ruminahui (4630m)
We meet at Condortrekk to go to the Cotopaxi National Park in around two hours. We arrive at the Limpiopungo lagoon (3800 m / 12467 ft) where our 5-6 hours ascent to the Rumiñahui volcano begins. Afterwards, we go to Tambopaxi lodge where we rest.- Departure from Quito 10 a.m.
- Cotopaxi National Park
- Rumiñahui 4722 m / 15492 ft
- Rest in Tambopaxi
Day 2 — Cotopaxi Approach (4800m)
We depart from Quito in private transport to the Cotopaxi National Park. We walk around one hour from the parking zone at 4500 m / 14,764 ft to the José Ribas hut at 4800 m / 15,748 ft. We eat a box lunch, then we have a talk and practice in the glaciers with the guides for one hour. Next, we return to the hut.- Departure 10 a.m.
- Parking at 4500 m / 14,764 ft
- José Ribas hut 4800 m / 15,748 ft
- Dinner 6 p.m.
Day 3 — Cotopaxi Summit (5897m)
We get up at midnight to prepare our equipment, drink a special tea and start the ascent to the summit at 5897 m / 19,347 ft. We will be there for around 20 minutes to take pictures and admire the vistas. Then, we return to the hut in three hours. Finally, we walk back to the parking zone and take our transportation.- 5-6 hours walk
- Cotopaxi summit 5897 m / 19,347 ft
- Return to Quito
What's Included
- Certified ASEGUIM / UIAGM mountain guide
- Private round-trip transportation from Quito
- All meals during the expedition
- Accommodation (refuge and/or hotel per itinerary)
- Mountain accident insurance
Technical Equipment
- Mountain Boots
- Crampons
- Ice Axe
- Harness
- Carabiner
- Helmet
- Head Lamp
- Waterproof Gloves (Gore-Tex)
- Gaiters
- Sleeping Bag
Not Included
- International travel and medical insurance (coverage for high-altitude mountaineering strongly recommended)
- Hotel accommodation in Quito before and after the expedition
- Tips for the guide and support staff (optional — based on service quality)
- Trekking shoes (for approaches and hiking days)
- Sunglasses (UV-protection — glacier category 4 recommended for altitude)
- Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar breathable hard-shell)
- Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex or similar breathable hard-shell)
- Thermal jacket (down or synthetic insulation — 600+ fill power recommended)
- Thermal pants (fleece or wool base layer)
- Balaclava (face and neck protection for cold and high winds)
- First layer gloves (thin moisture-wicking liner gloves)
- Socks (merino wool or synthetic — at least 2 to 3 pairs)
- Big backpack (50 to 65L capacity for multi-day trips)
- Trekking poles (adjustable and lightweight — for stability on approaches)
Tour Requirements
- Good physical condition
- Previous high-altitude trekking experience recommended
- Medical clearance for altitudes above 4
- 500m
- Acclimatization at altitude before the climb
Tour Insurance Coverage
All Condortrekk tours include civil liability insurance
Insurance Provider
Sweaden Insurance Company — recognized provider of adventure tourism and mountaineering coverage in Ecuador.
Policy Type
Civil Liability Insurance — covers third-party claims arising from bodily injury or property damage during Condortrekk-operated tours and expeditions.
What's Covered
- Accidents during guided activities
- Emergency evacuation and rescue
- Third-party bodily injury liability
- Property damage during tour operations
What's NOT Covered
- Personal travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation)
- Lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Activities outside the tour itinerary
Important: We strongly recommend all travelers purchase personal travel insurance covering medical emergencies, high-altitude activities, and trip cancellation before departure. Condortrekk's civil liability policy does not replace personal travel insurance.
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