Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Refuge "Jose Rivas"

The tour starts in Quito at 10:30 am where you will meet with the mountain guide and check the equipment. After when you have all the equipment you’ll drive to the parking area in the Cotopaxi National Park until 4600 meters for about two hours then we will hike up to the refuge Jose Rivas at 4810 meters where you will have the lunch. In the Afternoon you will have a technical speech about climbing instructions, first aid, and security advice.

After having our dinner and arranging the equipment for tomorrow, we should go to bed early as we get up at midnight to start climbing. Lunch and dinner included this day.

Accommodation: Refuge "Jose Rivas" (bunk beds).

Day 2: Refuge "Jose Rivas" - Cotopaxi National Park - Quito

We will wake up at midnight in order to leave at 1 am. We’ll need 6 - 7 hours to reach the top, and another 3 - 4 hours to descend. After returning to the refuge, we’ll have our meal and rest for a while, with the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna in the surrounding area. After this brilliant experience, we’ll leave Cotopaxi National Park and head to Quito, where the tour will end.

Note: Minimum 2 passengers for this tour.

DAY 1: 09:00

Meeting with your guide at the Imagine tour office, check the equipment

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DAY 1: 09:30

Depart from Quito towards Cotopaxi National Park

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DAY 1: 11:30

Arrive in Cotopaxi National Park

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DAY 1: 11:35

Hike up to the refuge "Jose Rivas"

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DAY 1: 13:00

Lunch time

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DAY 1: 15:00

Technical speech about climbing instructions, first aid and security advice

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DAY 1: 18:00

After having dinner and arranging equipment for tomorrow, we will go to bed early as we get up at midnight to start climbing

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DAY 2: 00:00

Wake up at midnight in order to leave at 1am

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DAY 2: 06:00

Reach the top

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DAY 2: 10:00

Descend from the top

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DAY 2: 12:00

Return to our refuge and eat some snacks

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DAY 2: 15:00

Arrive in Quito

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- Professional bilingual guide (maximum 1 guide per 2 people)
- Private transport
- Bed at refuge "Jose Rivas" on the first night
- Lunch on the first day, dinner and breakfast at the refuge
- Special climbing equipment included in the package: polar pants/trousers, plastic climbing boots, gaiters, polar jacket, crampons, gloves, waterproof pants/trousers and jacket, ice axe, climbing harness, sleeping bag

- Bottle of water
- Inside polar gloves
- Energy drinks and snacks
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Warm walking trousers
- Sunglasses
- Warm gear including puffer jacket or similar etc
- Wool hat
- Walking sticks
- Face mask
- Large rucksack (50-70 litres)
- Day pack (35 litres),
- Camelbak type water bottle
- Batteries AAA

- Warm clothes and trekking shoes
- Bottle of water and snacks
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal items
- Camera / video camera
- Two pairs of batteries AAA

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

Changes: It is FREE to change the tour date before 5:00 pm (Quito time) 2 days before the tour begins.

No Shows & Cancellations of this tour - If you cancel before 5:00 pm (Quito time) 2 days before the tour begins, there is a 10% administration fee (+ the card fee). After this time, there is a 100% no show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. Is it safe?

   Yes! In fact, this kind of adventure tour is one of the safest, because we have a specific security strategy, supported by policies and procedures clearly defined and tested. We provide special climbing equipment, which includes polar pants, plastic climbing boots, gaiters, a polar jacket, crampons, gloves, an ice axe, a climbing harness, a sleeping bag, and waterproof pants/trousers and jacket.

2. What time zone is used in Latacunga, Cotopaxi?

   Local time in Latacunga, Cotopaxi is GMT -5, the same as on Ecuador's mainland.

3. What kind of weather can we find in Latacunga, Cotopaxi?

   Latacunga, Cotopaxi has a mild humid temperate climate, with warm summers and no dry season. The warmest months are October and November, and the coolest months are from June to August. The temperature varies from 8°C to 20°C.

4. Do I need climbing skills?

   Reaching the top of this volcano is a must for every mountaineer who wants to reach even higher peaks. It is technically not a difficult mountain, but being in good physical condition is a basic requirement for a successful climb.