Cotopaxi Lama Express

7 days, 4 summits

Mountain Town Adventure Sport

Cotopaxi Lama Express - Main photo of the trip

Cotopaxi Lama Express - Photo 2 of the trip

Cotopaxi Lama Express - Photo 3 of the trip

Cotopaxi Lama Express - Photo 4 of the trip

Cotopaxi Lama Express - Photo 5 of the trip

Have you ever climbed mountains over 5000 m before? It doesn't matter if your answer is yes or no. Our specialized programs are perfect for both: beginner and advanced climbers.

Trip Description

In our 7-day program, you are going to acclimatize very well and acquire the ability to climb one of the highest mountains in South America. Always climbing between 4000 and 6000 m of altitude, the landscape offers you unforgettable views of the country. With the support of a professional and bilingual guide, you will learn skills that will help you reach the summit of Cotopaxi at the end: the highest active volcano in the world, incredibly beautiful from bottom to top.

Accomodation

PapaGayo Cotopaxi Inn, José Rivas Refuge or Tambopaxi Inn

Stay program

day 1
Arrival at Hostería PapaGayo Cotopaxi
Make your own way or hire a private transfer to your accommodation to spend the night at Hostería PapaGayo Cotopaxi, on Avenida de los Volcanes. Meals included: lunch
day 2
Pasochoa
The extinct Pasochoa volcano (4.199 m) is one of the best places to observe the famous Andean condor. The ascent offers magnificent views of the mighty Cotopaxi and the surrounding volcanoes. Inside the crater, you can admire the last vestiges of the primary Andean forest. It is an ideal hike for those discovering altitude or starting an acclimatization program. **Night on the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo** Meals included: breakfast, lunch
day 3
Corazon
El Corazón is an extinct volcano located in the "Illinizas Ecological Reserve", south of Quito. This hike offers spectacular views of the mighty Cotopaxi, fertile agricultural lands, the cloud forest, and the surrounding volcanoes. El Corazón was first climbed in the 19th century by Edward Whymper. At that time, the mountain was still crowned by a glacier. In Spanish, "Corazón" means "the heart". The mountain received this name due to its shape, seen from the western side. Climbing El Corazón is perfect for a first approach to altitude. **Night on the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo** Meals included: breakfast, lunch (box lunch)
day 4
Illinizas North
A truly magnificent climb: the Illinizas are the final and perfect preparation for Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. Get ready for a steep ascent through a splendid landscape, followed by an exciting dash to the summit. Only for the most adventurous! The day begins with a good breakfast, ideal for preparing for the climb. Then we head to the starting point, "La Virgen", at an altitude of 4 000 m, a place where the inhabitants venerate the gods of the mountain and the earth. The ascent will take 4 to 5 hours and the descent, around 2 hours. During the climb, you will be able to enjoy varied views of snow-capped mountains, the tropical rainforest, and magnificent 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 on the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo** Meals included: breakfast, lunch (box lunch)
day 5
Free day
After breakfast, you can enjoy a day of rest at Hostería PapaGayo. Optional activities not included: hiking, visit to the Eco Roses farm (Monday to Friday), cycling or horseback riding. Please check at the reception to arrange any of these activities. * Bicycles are included for 5-star programs. ** Night on the Avenue of the Volcanoes – Hostería PapaGayo Meals included: breakfast, lunch
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 takes place during the night; this makes it possible to admire the sunrise from the summit and offers unparalleled views of Quito to the north, and of Tungurahua and Chimborazo to the south. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the snow-covered crater, where it is possible to observe steam emissions. The ascent begins either in the parking lot, at 4,500 m, or at the «José Rivas» refuge, at 4,800 m (depending on the place chosen to spend the night: Tambopaxi or refuge), and climbs through a mix of volcanic sand, snow and glacier to the summit. The ascent, although it is not classified as technical, requires the use of professional guides and specialized equipment for glacier trekking. The ascent takes between 6 and 8 hours, while the descent requires 2 hours. **Day 6: Accommodation in Cotopaxi National Park (breakfast/lunch/dinner)** We offer you 2 options to spend the night. Please check with your travel agents to choose the place you want: - Tambopaxi Lodge, located at an altitude of 3,800 m - José Rivas Refuge, located at an altitude of 4,800 m
day 7
Descent of Cotopaxi
On the way back from the summit of Cotopaxi, we will head to Hostería Papagayo. There, you will leave the climbing equipment and have lunch to celebrate your experience. Finally, you will go to the vehicle and return to Papagayo, where the adventure ends. Optional: Festive lunch with champagne at PapaGayo (10 USD additional)