Cotopaxi

SUMMITS 5000M

CotopaxiGuided expedition · Ecuador

Cotopaxi, at 5,897 m, is one of the highest and most photographed active volcanoes on the planet, crowned by what many call the most beautiful crater on Earth. This is a fully guided glacier summit attempt, operated end to end by PEAKS with certified mountain guides.

We sleep at the José Ribas refuge, 4,850 m inside Cotopaxi National Park, and set off for the top in the middle of the night to stand on the crater rim at sunrise. We climb as a rope team (2 climbers per guide), with high-end technical equipment and a full crampon, ice axe and rope briefing before stepping onto the glacier.

It is an ideal summit for climbers with solid aerobic fitness and some crampon experience, and a key stepping stone in any acclimatization plan toward Chimborazo. Its perfect cone and living glacier make it one of the most rewarding climbs in Ecuador.

The details

Expedition facts

5,897 m / 19,347 ft

Altitude

0.6807° S, 78.4377° W

Coordinates

2 days / 1N

Duration

Glacier climb · Intermediate level

Grade

6 to 8 hour night summit push

Daily activity

December to January and June to September (driest, most stable window)

Season

Meeting point

Cuenca & Riobamba (pickup)

Starting from

By WhatsApp

Solid aerobic fitness and some crampon experience. Prior acclimatization is strongly recommended, and attending the technical briefing and training sessions is mandatory.

Request a quote ›

The plan

Itinerary2 days / 1 night

The climb

Day 01

Pickup and drive north
Early pickup and scenic drive north along the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Cotopaxi National Park
Park check-in and drive up to the trailhead parking at 4,600 m. Bring your printed waiver.
José Ribas refuge (4,850 m)
Hike up to the refuge, technical briefing and crampon fitting.
Dinner and rest
Dinner at the refuge and early rest before the summit push.

Day 02

Summit push (01:00)
We rope up and climb the glacier by headlamp.
Sunrise on the glacier
We reach the upper slopes and the crater rim with the first light of day.
Summit, 5,897 m
Summit cutoff at 08:00 and high-altitude photography on the crater rim.
Descent and return
Descend to the refuge for breakfast, regroup at the parking area and drive back.

Transparency

What's included

Included

Certified mountain guides (2 climbers per guide)
Private transport with pickup included
José Ribas refuge with dinner and breakfast
National Park permits
High-altitude photography
Midweek training sessions

Not included

Technical equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, boots), available for rent from PEAKS
Personal clothing (three-layer system)
Meals outside the refuge
Activities not listed in the itinerary

Good to know

FAQ

Is the summit guaranteed?

No. This is a summit attempt: reaching the top depends on weather and glacier conditions, and safety always comes first.

Do I need previous glacier experience?

Some crampon experience is ideal. With solid fitness and proper acclimatization, Cotopaxi is well within reach climbing as a rope team of two climbers per guide.

What is a rope team?

Two climbers and one guide. If one member decides to turn around, the whole rope team descends together.

How do I book?

Message us on WhatsApp to arrange dates and a quote. Your spot is confirmed with a non-refundable deposit.