Cotopaxi at 5897 meters is the highest active volcano in the world with a crater of 800 meters in diameter formed by a perfect cone. It is located in the Eastern Cordillera and forms part of the National Park of the same name. To ascend this beautiful mountain 55 kilometers south of Quito, it takes ice-climbing gear and good physical condition, but it not a difficult technical climb.

Tour M1a - 2 days / 1 night

Day 1
At 9:00 a.m., we head from the Hotel Parque Italia to Cotopaxi National Park where we visit the on-site museum and have lunch at noon. Afterward, we continue on to the car park and embark on a 45-minute hike up to the refuge. Later in the afternoon, we have a training session in the snow to get a last test on equipment and ability. At 6:00 p.m., dinner is served and then everyone heads upstairs for a pre-climbing rest/sleep.

Day 2
After a midnight breakfast, our ascent begins at 1:00 a.m. After a 6 to 7 hour climb, we reach the summit around daybreak. Depending on weather conditions, we spend about half an hour at the crater and then begin the 3-hour descent back to the refuge. After a short rest in the refuge, we depart for Quito, where we will arrive mid-afternoon at Hotel Parque Italia.

Prices
$135 per person, for 2 people -- $105 per person, for 3 people

Tour M1b - 3 days / 2 nights

Day 1
At 9:00 a.m., we leave Quito for Cotopaxi National Park and head to our base camp at the lagoon Limpiopungo (3820m). In the afternoon, we explore the different sites in the park, like the pre-Inca ruins at El Salitre.

Day 2 and Day 3
See Day 1 and 2 above.

Prices
$185 per person, for 2 people -- $155 per person, for 3 people

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