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Home / South America, Ecuador Tours / Adrenaline & Extreme Sport

8 Days Summiting Cotopaxi: A Thrilling Climbing Expedition

Quito, Otavalo, Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Quito,
Duration

8 day(s)

Tour type

Regular & Private

Group size

1-12 people

Physical Level

serious

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OVERVIEW
FEATURES
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY
INCLUDES
AVAILABILITY

Tour Overview

­ Embark on an exhilarating adventure in Ecuador, hiking iconic volcanoes like Fuya Fuya, exploring tranquil Mojanda Lake, and conquering challenging trails like Pasochoa and Ilizina Norte for acclimatization. Culminate your journey with a thrilling ascent of Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador's tallest peaks. This active trip promises awe-inspiring landscapes, adrenaline-pumping hikes, and unforgettable experiences amidst the Andean wilderness.

Activities
Adventure Beauty Camping

Tour Features

Duration
8 day(s)

Max Group Size
1-12 people

Tour Code
8D COTOPAXI

Departure Type
guaranteed

Tour Category
Adrenaline & Extreme Sport

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Age Requirement
18 - 60

Quito

Pickup Time:

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Quito

Dropoff Time:

Highlights
Cuicocha Lagoon

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome back to Quito! Your journey begins with a sense of relaxation and anticipation as you embark on a seamless journey from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to the Community Family House in Otavalo with our exclusive transfer service. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Ecuador's Andean highlands.
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Our transfer ensures a smooth transition from the bustling airport to the tranquility of Otavalo, where you can unwind in elegant accommodations surrounded by breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
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Meals included: -
Day 2

Start your morning with a hike around the breathtaking Cuicocha lagoon. Nestled within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, Cuicocha boasts stunning volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear waters. As you trek along the rugged paths surrounding the lagoon, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding
Andean peaks and lush forests.
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In the afternoon, you will visit the market of Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets of South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicrafts to fresh vegetables and fruits.
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Stroll through the streets and maybe try some local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote, or fried pork with cooked corn.
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Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3

Today's hike will be a little more challenging than the Cuicocha Lagoon. Head south from Otavalo to find Fuya Fuya, the volcano you'll climb today.
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Head south from Otavalo to find Fuya Fuya, the volcano you'll climb today. Start at beautiful Laguna Grande de Mojanda, an alpine lake among rocky peaks. Surrounded by vegetation like achupallas (Andean tall pineapples), the trail to Fuya Fuya's summit is challenging, with a few relatively exposed rock scrambles to
reach either of its two peaks. The views and the feeling of accomplishment should make up for it, though!
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Once you've completed the hike, you will return to Quito to relax.
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Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4

Today, a private transfer will take you about an hour and a half south of Quito for a hike up the extinct Pasochoa Volcano. At 13,800 feet (4,200 m) in elevation, this volcano offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including a rare original Andean forest tucked within its crater. This unique landscape supports hundreds of birds and other wildlife, like wild horses and the Andean condor. Take in the sights and sounds of the Ecuadorean Andes on this five-to-six-hour hike before heading to Cotopaxi for a well-earned rest.
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Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5

A truly stunning climb, Illinizas is the perfect final preparation for Cotopaxi. Get ready for a steep climb through magnificent landscape followed by an exhilarating scramble to the summit.
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For the more adventurous only! The day commences with a good breakfast ready for the climb! We then make our way to the starting point – “The Virgin”, at a height of 4,000m, a place at which the local people worship the mountain and earth gods. Here we will begin to walk for 6 hours towards the summit of Ilinizas Norte, which is 5,150 m high. If it is snowing, we will need crampons.
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Then back to the Virgin it will take us around 3 hours where the transportation will be, then return to Cuello de Luna Lodge Cotopaxi.
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Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6

After a very early breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up by transportation towards Cotopaxi National Park.
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This is the most popular mountain climbing tour in Ecuador, reaching the top of the 5,897 meter (19,347 feet). Cotopaxi is one of the three highest active volcanoes in the world, last erupting in the 1940s, and is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. The climb to the summit will be strenuous, but once you reach the top, amazing views of the crater and incredible sunrise views of the surrounding region are part of your reward.
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You will hike from the parking area at 4600 meters to the refuge at 4800 meters where you will enjoy a delicious box lunch, and in the afternoon (weather permitting) you will hike to the glacier to practice with the
equipment.
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You will return to the refugee and enjoy dinner.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7

Day #2 of the adventure of reaching the Cotopaxi summit will start at midnight to prepare the equipment and have a cup of hot tea. You have trained for this moment - to climb one of the highest active volcanoes in
the world!
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Shortly afterward, after organizing your equipment, you will begin your climb to the 5890-meter peak. The climb typically will take around 5 to 6 hours approximately.
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You will reach the top at sunrise and take some time to enjoy the amazing views and take pictures before you begin the descent, which typically takes about 3 hours.
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After returning to the refugee, you will return to your hotel in Quito.
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Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8

At the scheduled time specified beforehand, a transfer arrangement will be made for you to ensure a smooth and timely journey to the airport.
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This transfer service will conveniently transport you from your current location to the designated airport, allowing you to catch your flight and return home comfortably. Have a nice trip!
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Meals included: Breakfast

Included

4 nights in Standard Category Hotels
1 night of Camping at Jose Rivas Refugee
2 nights in a Community Family House

English speaking guide

Meals according to the itinerary

Private transportation service

Climbing equipment

Excluded

International flights

Travel Insurance

Tour Booking

Travelers
Departure Month
Regular Tour Prices
Start End
Nov 5, 2025 Nov 12, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 6, 2025 Nov 13, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 7, 2025 Nov 14, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 8, 2025 Nov 15, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 9, 2025 Nov 16, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 10, 2025 Nov 17, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 11, 2025 Nov 18, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 12, 2025 Nov 19, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 13, 2025 Nov 20, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 14, 2025 Nov 21, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 15, 2025 Nov 22, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 16, 2025 Nov 23, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 17, 2025 Nov 24, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 18, 2025 Nov 25, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 19, 2025 Nov 26, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 20, 2025 Nov 27, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 21, 2025 Nov 28, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 22, 2025 Nov 29, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 23, 2025 Nov 30, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 24, 2025 Dec 1, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 25, 2025 Dec 2, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 26, 2025 Dec 3, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 27, 2025 Dec 4, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 28, 2025 Dec 5, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 29, 2025 Dec 6, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Nov 30, 2025 Dec 7, 2025 €1786.042
Double room
Private Tour Prices
Start End
Nov 5, 2025 Nov 12, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 6, 2025 Nov 13, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 7, 2025 Nov 14, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 8, 2025 Nov 15, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 9, 2025 Nov 16, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 10, 2025 Nov 17, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 11, 2025 Nov 18, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 12, 2025 Nov 19, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 13, 2025 Nov 20, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 14, 2025 Nov 21, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 15, 2025 Nov 22, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 16, 2025 Nov 23, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 17, 2025 Nov 24, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 18, 2025 Nov 25, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 19, 2025 Nov 26, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 20, 2025 Nov 27, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 21, 2025 Nov 28, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 22, 2025 Nov 29, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 23, 2025 Nov 30, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 24, 2025 Dec 1, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 25, 2025 Dec 2, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 26, 2025 Dec 3, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 27, 2025 Dec 4, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 28, 2025 Dec 5, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 29, 2025 Dec 6, 2025 €0
Double room
Nov 30, 2025 Dec 7, 2025 €0
Double room

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