CLIMBING TOUR - COTOPAXI 5897mts

PLEASE NOTE: We offer our clients the flexibility of any day departures with two or more people (for individuals there is a one person supplement).

Cotopaxi National Park is a protected area within Cotopaxi province that goes from an altitude of 3.200 up to almost 6.000mts. Cotopaxi, the provinces centerpiece, is the highest active volcano in the world and due to its near perfect conical shape, it is one of the worlds most widely recognized volcanoes, and certainly Ecuador's most famous.

Technically it is not a difficult mountain to climb, but due to its height, just under 6000m it is a must that climbers are well acclimatized, as this is the biggest hurdle in reaching this beautiful summit. Of course mental and physical preparations are required, as is some basic training with ice climbing gear. From the summit Cotopaxi offers some spectacular views, not least other snow-capped peaks north, south, east and west, but also the Amazon basin, stretching out into Peru.

Day 1: Ice Briefing
After breakfast we depart from Quito to the parking area below the refuge. The hike up to the refuge takes about 45 minutes. Lunch. Glacier ice briefing and technique practice, return to refuge, dinner and sleep.

Day 2: Cotopaxi Summit
We get up around midnight, breakfast and then we depart for the summit following the normal north route. This should take around 6 to 7 hours of climbing and with good weather, as the sunrises we should be treated with some exceptional views. Once we summit we head down to the refuge and after a rest on to the parking lot. Return to Quito.

Includes:

· Land transportation, vehicles 4x4, vans or bus.
· All meals during the tour (breakfast, box lunch & dinner) with catering for vegetarians.
· Experienced bilingual guide (one guide for every 2 clients).
· Climbing equipment: rubber boots, harness, ice axe, and crampons.

Next departures:
Oct. 26 - 30 2008, Nov. 23 - 27 2008 and Dec. 17 - 21 2008
Jun. 23 - 27 2009, July 25 - 29, Nov. 23 - 27 2009 and Dec. 3 - 7

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