Cotopaxi Lama Express

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival at Hostería PapaGayo Cotopaxi

  Make your journey or get a private transfer to Hostería PapaGayo Cotopaxi. **Night at the Avenue of the Volcanoes - Hostería PapaGayo**

• day 2

  Pasochoa

  The extinct volcano of Pasochoa (4,199 m) is one of the best places to observe the famous Andean condor. The ascent offers superb views of the mighty Cotopaxi and the surrounding volcanoes. Inside the crater, you can admire the last remnants of the Andean primary forest. This is an ideal hike for those new to altitude or starting an acclimatization program. **Night in the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo** Meals included: B/BL

• day 3

  Corazon

  Corazon is an extinct volcano located in the "Illinizas Ecological Reserve," south of Quito. This hike offers spectacular views of the mighty Cotopaxi, fertile farmlands, cloud forest, and the surrounding volcanoes. Corazon was first climbed in the 19th century by Edward Whymper. At that time, the mountain was still topped with a glacier. In Spanish, "Corazon" means "the heart." The mountain was named this way because of its shape as seen from the western side. Climbing Corazon is perfect for a first approach to altitude. **Night in the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo** Included meals: B/BL

• day 4

  Illinizas North

  A truly magnificent climb, Illinizas is the final and perfect preparation for Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. Get ready for a steep ascent through splendid scenery, followed by an exhilarating rush to the summit. For the most adventurous only! The day begins with a good breakfast, ideal for preparing for the climb. We then head to the starting point, "La Vierge," at an altitude of 4,000 m, a place where locals worship the gods of the mountain and the earth. The ascent will take 4 to 5 hours, and the descent about 2 hours. During the climb, you can enjoy varied views of snow-capped mountains, rainforest, and beautiful green lagoons. Temperatures will be around 5 degrees Celsius and, for the last part of the climb, we will use ropes and harnesses to help us. **Night in the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo** Meals included: B/L

• day 5

  Free day

  After breakfast, you can enjoy a day of rest at Hosteria PapaGayo. Optional activities not included: hiking, visit to the Eco Roses farm (Monday to Friday), biking or horseback riding. Please check at the reception for the organization of any of these activities. * Bicycles are included for 5-star programs. ** Night in the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo Meals included: B/L

• day 6

  Ascent of Cotopaxi - 2 days -

  Climbing to the summit of Cotopaxi is one of the most famous and exciting ascents on the continent. It is the highest active volcano in the world! (5,897 m) The ascent to the summit is done during the night; this allows you to admire the sunrise from the top and offers unparalleled views of Quito to the north, Tungurahua and Chimborazo to the south. From the summit, you get a magnificent view of the snow-covered crater, where it is possible to observe steam emissions. The ascent begins either at the parking lot at 4,500 m, or at the "José Rivas" refuge at 4,800 m (depending on where you choose to spend the night: Tambopaxi or the refuge), and climbs through a mix of volcanic sand, snow, and glacier up to the summit. The climb, although not classified as technical, requires the use of professional guides and specialized equipment for glacier hiking. The ascent takes between 6 and 8 hours, while the descent requires 2 hours. **Day 6: Accommodation in Cotopaxi National Park (B / L / D)** We offer you 2 options for spending the night. Please consult your travel agents to choose the place you want: - Hosteria Tambopaxi, located at 3,800 m altitude - José Rivas Refuge, located at 4,800 m altitude

• day 7

  Descent of Cotopaxi

  Back from the summit of Cotopaxi, we will head to Hosteria Papagayo. There, you will leave your climbing equipment and have lunch to celebrate your experience (lunch included in the 5-star package)! Finally, you will go to the vehicle and return to Papagayo, where the adventure ends.