Climb Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador
Take on one of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes with certified mountain guides. Our guided Cotopaxi summit expedition includes glacier instruction, technical climbing equipment and a carefully planned itinerary.
19,347 feet / 5,897 m
Easy access from Quito
Personalized experience
Experienced Mountain guides
Why Choose Our Cotopaxi Climb?
We organize guided Cotopaxi summit climbs with certified mountain guides and the technical climbing equipment required for the ascent. Based in Machachi, Ecuador, we provide personalized guidance and careful expedition planning. After dinner at the mountain refuge, your guide gives an informative briefing about the summit climb, the itinerary and the conditions to expect on the mountain.
certified mountain guides
Our certified mountain guides have high-altitude mountaineering experience and prioritize your safety throughout the Cotopaxi expedition.
Technical Equipment Check
Before departure, we check your technical climbing equipment at our office in Machachi to ensure the required gear is available and ready for your expedition.
small groups, personal support
We keep our Cotopaxi climbing groups small to provide personalized attention, clear communication and support throughout the expedition.
Cotopaxi Climb Itinerary – 2 Days
Our 2-day Cotopaxi climbing expedition starts in Machachi, Ecuador, with a complete equipment check before heading to the mountain refuge. After dinner, your guide provides an informative briefing about the summit attempt and the conditions to expect.
Day 1: Equipment Check & Mountain Refuge
Meet at our office in Machachi to check your climbing equipment and ensure everything is complete. Travel to Cotopaxi National Park, hike to the mountain refuge, have dinner and attend an informative briefing before resting.
Day 2: Cotopaxi Summit Attempt & Descent
Begin the summit attempt during the night, weather and mountain conditions permitting. Follow your guide across the glacier toward Cotopaxi’s 5,897-meter summit. Descend safely and return to Machachi after the expedition.
Cotopaxi Climb Cost: What's Included?
Our guided Cotopaxi climbing packages include a certified mountain guide, technical climbing equipment, expedition coordination and a pre-climb equipment check in Machachi. Contact us for current prices, availability and details of what is included in your expedition.
Request Current Pricing
- Certified ASEGUIM mountain guide
- Small-group climbing expedition
- Two-day, one-night program
- Private transportation from Machachi
- Personalized expedition coordination
✓ what's included
- Certified mountain guide
- One night at José Rivas Refuge
- Dinner and breakfast at the refuge
- Private transportation from and to Machachi
- Technical climbing equipment
- Cotopaxi National Park entrance and climbing permits
- Equipment check at our Machachi office
▤ what to bring
- Warm, waterproof mountain clothing
- Sleeping bag
- Mountaineering backpack
- Warm gloves and neck gaiter
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Water and personal essentials
- Suitable physical fitness and acclimatization
how difficult is it to climb cotopaxi?
Climbing Cotopaxi is a physically demanding high-altitude mountaineering experience that involves glacier terrain and a summit at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). Good physical fitness, proper acclimatization and suitable mountain conditions are essential. Previous mountaineering experience is beneficial. Our team can help you understand the requirements and prepare for your guided Cotopaxi climb.
Climb Cotopaxi with Certified Mountain Guides
Your Cotopaxi summit expedition is led by professional mountain guides certified by ASEGUIM. We organize small-group climbs with careful planning, technical equipment checks in Machachi and communication with our team throughout the expedition.
best time to climb cotopaxi
Cotopaxi can be climbed throughout the year, but weather and glacier conditions can change quickly. There is no guaranteed best day for a summit attempt. Our team checks the forecast and current mountain conditions before each expedition, and your guide makes safety decisions based on the conditions on the mountain.
photos from cotopaxi expeditions
frequently asked questions about climbing cotopaxi
The climb is commonly organized over two days; acclimatization may need to be planned separately.
Prices depend on group size and included services. Contact us for a current quote.
Yes, acclimatization is strongly recommended before attempting a high-altitude summit.
Equipment varies by program. Confirm the current list before booking.
This is a demanding glacier climb. Fitness, acclimatization and preparation are essential.
The guide assesses conditions and may change or stop the attempt when safety requires it.