After breakfast, transfer to the Cotopaxi National
Park. Visit to the natural history museum before lunch. Once
at the refuge (4600m), arrange all the equipment before training
on the glacier including crampon techinques, rope work and
ice axe techniques. Dinner and then rest until midnight for
the night start.
Wake at midnight in order to reach the summit by
7 o'clock and be off the snow by 10 o'clock, when the snow
softens and becomes dangerous. The first hour out of the refuge
is spent ascending the pumice-covered slope to the glacier.
The glacier then has to be crossed, avoiding the crevasses,
before joining a ridge to make the summit passing close by
the western edge of Yana Sacha. This rock cliff dominates
the northern face of the volcano. Grades average out at about
40%. After reaching the summit, return to the refuge for about
10 AM. Return transfer to Quito.
For climbs to Chimborazo, Iliniza and Cayambe, ask
for further details.
Or if you wish to combine a Cotopaxi climb with a Galapagos
cruise, contact us for availability.