Rucu & Cotopaxi Summit
From Quito
From 530 USD p.p.
We’ll summit:
- Rucu Pichincha: 4,696m / 15,407ft
- Cotopaxi: 5,897m / 19,347ft
If you’re a solo traveler, we can try to match you to another climber.
Our itinerary
Rucu & Cotopaxi 3-Day Summit
“From Rucu’s ridges to Cotopaxi’s crater. Warm up, then climb higher.”
After the gear check, we head to the Quito cable car for the start of our Rucu Pichincha acclimatization.
From the top station at Cruz Loma (4,050m), we hike up to Rucu Pichincha, a high-altitude peak of 4,696 m / 15,407 ft, that’s ideal for acclimatizing. The route takes 4 or 6 hours round trip.
You’ll enjoy a scenic box lunch during the hike and return to Quito to rest. We will arrive in Quito at 15:00 pm.
After registration and a safety talk at the park entrance, we drive up to the José Rivas Refuge (4,864 m).
There, we enjoy a hot lunch, rest, and prepare for the summit push.
After dinner, we go to bed early 18:00 or 19:00 pm— the climb starts at night!
The climb begins at night (00:00 am). Using headlamps and full glacier equipment, we ascend the snow-covered slopes of Cotopaxi.
If the weather is kind, we’ll reach the summit around sunrise with views from the glacier that are simply unforgettable.The excursion to the summit is made from midnight, the time in approximate hours is between 7 to 8 hours.
After celebrating at the top, we descend to the refuge, enjoy breakfast, and then return to our office in Quito by the afternoon. We will arrive at approximately 14:00 or 15:00 pm.
Solo Traveler Rate: from 1060 USD for 1 participant. Alternatively, we can try to match you with another solo traveler for the tour.
Departures are every day of the week.
Important:
Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.
Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.
Although we recommend participants have good fitness for the hike’s and climbs physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.
Please note that when you are a solo traveler and request us to match you with another climber, we cannot guarantee the physical condition or prior experience of your partner, just as we cannot guarantee your conditions and experience to the other climber. As a solo traveler with significant mountain experience and a strong desire to ensure a successful summit, we always advise booking a private tour.
Private 4×4 transportation from/to Quito
1 night at José Rivas Refuge (In a shared room with a shared bathroom).
Meals:
- Day 1: Box lunch
- Day 2: Hot lunch and dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast after the climb
Full technical gear:
- Plastic boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, rope
- Waterproof jacket and pants, outer gloves, gaiters
- Headlamp (no batteries), carabiner
Entry to Cotopaxi National Park
Summit certificate
Personal gear:
- Base layers, fleece, inner gloves, 2–3 pairs of socks
- 2 backpacks (40L and small daypack)
- Neck warmer, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Sleeping bag
- Camera
- AAA batteries (2 sets for headlamp)
Extra water (min. 2 liters per day)
Extra food, snacks and drinks
Quito cable car ticket (Rucu Pichincha day): $10 per person.
Travel or accident insurance
Tips
Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.
Solo Traveler Rate: from 1060 USD for 1 participant. Alternatively, we can try to match you with another solo traveler for the tour.
Departures are every day of the week.
Important:
Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.
Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.
Although we recommend participants have good fitness for the hike’s and climbs physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.
Please note that when you are a solo traveler and request us to match you with another climber, we cannot guarantee the physical condition or prior experience of your partner, just as we cannot guarantee your conditions and experience to the other climber. As a solo traveler with significant mountain experience and a strong desire to ensure a successful summit, we always advise booking a private tour.
Private 4×4 transportation from/to Quito
1 night at José Rivas Refuge (In a shared room with a shared bathroom).
Meals:
- Day 1: Box lunch
- Day 2: Hot lunch and dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast after the climb
Full technical gear:
- Plastic boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, rope
- Waterproof jacket and pants, outer gloves, gaiters
- Headlamp (no batteries), carabiner
Entry to Cotopaxi National Park
Summit certificate
Personal gear:
- Base layers, fleece, inner gloves, 2–3 pairs of socks
- 2 backpacks (40L and small daypack)
- Neck warmer, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Sleeping bag
- Camera
- AAA batteries (2 sets for headlamp)
Extra water (min. 2 liters per day)
Extra food, snacks and drinks
Quito cable car ticket (Rucu Pichincha day): $10 per person.
Travel or accident insurance
Tips
Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.
Frequently Asked questions
Rucu Pichincha & Cotopaxi
Q: How difficult is the Cotopaxi 3-day climb?
This tour is considered moderate to challenging. You’ll be hiking at high altitude and need to be in good physical condition. Some basic trekking experience is recommended, but you don’t need to be a mountaineering expert.
Q: Do I need previous climbing experience to summit Cotopaxi?
No technical climbing experience is required, but you should be comfortable hiking for several hours at altitude. Our guides will teach you how to use crampons and an ice axe during the climb.
Q: What’s the altitude of Cotopaxi and Rucu Pichincha?
Rucu Pichincha reaches 4,696 meters (15,407 ft) and is used for acclimatization on Day 1. Cotopaxi’s summit stands at 5,897 meters (19,347 ft), making it one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Q: What is the best time to climb Cotopaxi?
Cotopaxi can be climbed year-round, but the driest and most stable weather is typically from June to September. Clear skies and low wind conditions are ideal for summit attempts.
Q: How many people are in a group?
This climb is available for small groups with a minimum of two participants. For safety reasons, summit day is guided with a 1:2 guide-to-client ratio.
Q: What happens if we can’t reach the summit?
High-altitude climbing always depends on weather and physical condition. If conditions aren’t safe, the guide may decide to turn back. Your safety is always the top priority.
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