COTOPAXI
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.
One hour and half from Quito, on the Pan-American Highway south, crossing a part of the Andes and the town of Machachi, place known by the livestock and agriculture to the skirts of the Pasochoa and Rumiñahui to the right and to the left the Corazon hill with the wonderful ilinizas we will have our first technical stop to an altitude of 2945m (9.662.07 ft.) for Acclimatization, breakfast and photographs. Our second stop will be at the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park 3200m (10.498.69 ft.), people from the around communities will be waiting for us with handicrafts and mountain clothes. The Cotopaxi National Park is the second most visited park in Ecuador after the Galapagos Islands, its best attraction is the Cotopaxi Volcano with an altitude of 5987m (19.347.11 ft.), it is the highest active volcano in the world and thousands of tourists visit it every month because it is the main tourist attractions near Quito, the most popular activities are climbing to the top, hiking, horseback riding and bike. Our 1-day tour, combines up to 3 activities, starting with the hike to the Jose Rivas refuge 4864m (15748.03 ft.). it’s easy to climb to this height without technical equipment, without experience is possible because our transportation arrival to the parking lot. After descending from the refuge, we will make biking down (optional but very fun activity) from the upper part of the volcano parking lot to the lower part of the park to the Limpiopungo Lagoon 3850 m (12.631.23 ft.) and the people who take a horseback ride will do it in the camping and springs area, lower part.
ITINERARY
Itinerary Daily Tour.
1. Departure from la Mariscal 7:15 am (Reina Victoria and Foch streets corner) / SAN BLAS SQUARE 7:30 am
2. Entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park 3200m (10498.69 ft.)
3. Explanation about of the volcano, endemic flora and fauna of the Park.
4. By car arrival Parking lot 4600m (15091.86 ft.)
5. Hiking from the parking lot to the José Rivas refuge 4864m (15748.03 ft.).
6. Returning to the parking lot.
7. Biking to the Limpiopungo lagoon about (Optional activity).
8. Leaving to the National Park for Lunch.
9. Return to Quito.(if you have 2 days’ program with Quilotoa, transfer to the Hostel in Machachi).
Climbing 2 Day/1 Night.
Day 1: Quito – Cotopaxi National Park (Cotopaxi 5897mts)
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 altitude is the only difficulty 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.
We start from Quito at 11:00 am to the parking area below the refuge. The hike up to the refuge takes about 45 minutes. Lunch at the refuge
Glacier ice briefing and technique practice return to refuge, dinner and rest.
Overnight at the Refuge
Day 2: Cotopaxi Summit 5897mts
We get up around midnight, breakfast and then 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 to head back to Quito.
INCLUDE/NOT INCLUDE
INCLUDES
· Bilingual guide Spanish / English.
· Authorized tourist transport.
· Menu-type meals (lunch)
· Bike and helmet
· Permits to enter protected areas
NOT INCLUDES
· Extra food and drinks.
· Tips.
· Snacks.
· Taxes Ecuadorian tourist and companies.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
· COMFORTABLE AND WARM CLOTHES, WINDYPROOF JACKET (OPTIONAL), GLOVES, NECK AND EAR PROTECTION.
· CAMERA.
· SUNSCREEN.
· COMFORTABLE SHOES FOR WALKING IN MOUNTAINOUS AND SANDY TERRAIN.