2-Day Cotopaxi Hiking Tour from Quito with Sunrise Summit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Summit Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world
• 02 Enjoy views of the crater and the beautiful Interandean valley
• 03 Visit Machachi on the way to Cotopaxi National Park
• 04 Stay at the Jose Rivas refuge at 4,860 meters

During this 2-day hiking tour, summit Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. At 5,897 m, it is the second-highest summit in Ecuador. Begin your journey from Quito, with stops at Machachi and the Jose Rivas refuge, and enjoy views of the crater and the Interandean valley.

Walk for 45 minutes to the Jose Rivas refuge, situated at 4,860 meters.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Machachi

Languages English, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Quito to Jose Rivas Refuge

• Meet your tour guide at a predecided location in Quito.

• Depart from Quito at around 11 am.

• Have lunch in Machachi.

• Proceed towards Cotopaxi National Park.

• Arrive at the parking area at around 3 pm.

• Walk for 45 minutes to the Jose Rivas refuge, situated at 4,860 meters.

• Have dinner at 6 pm and then rest.

• Get up at midnight to gear up and have a light breakfast.

2

Day 02

Cotopaxi Summit at Sunrise

• Leave the refuge at about 1 am.

• Climb for about 6 hours and reach the summit for sunrise.

• Enjoy the views of the crater and the beautiful Interandean valley.

• Walk down to the refuge for about 3 hours.

• Pack up and then leave for Quito.

• Arrive in Quito at around 2 pm.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Spanish-, German-, or English-speaking certified mountain guide (ASEGUIM / IFMGA aspirant)

• Technical equipment rental: helmet, harness, crampons, boots, and ice axe

• Night at the refuge

• Meals at the refuge: 1 dinner, 1 light breakfast before the climb, and 1 breakfast after the climb

• Climbing permit

What's Not Included

• Snacks for the climb

• Transportation to and from the refuge

• Insurance

• Tips and gratuities

What to bring

• Personal equipment

• Gloves

• Headlamp

• Sleeping bag

Know before you go

Transportation can be hired from Quito and costs around 120 round trip.

Public transportation is an option, but it would be almost the same price as renting from Quito. Renting a car (no 4WD needed) is the best way to get to the National Park.

Pricing:

• 380 USD per group (* 2 clients per guide)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Quito, Ecuador

Tour start

Quito, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.