*Volcano Cotopaxi is an impressive 5897 meters high and is the highest active volcano in the world! The climb to the summit occurs during the night; this allows watching the sunrise from the summit and displays unsurpassed views of Quito to the North and Chimboroazo and Tungurahua to the south. From the top you have a magnificent view into the snow capped crater where it is possible to see steam emissions. The last significant eruptions occurred in 1904 and 1877. The ascent departs from the refuge at 4800m and climbs through a mixture of volcanic sand, snow, and glacier to the summit. The climb, although not classified as technical, requires the use of professional guides and specialized glacier hiking equipment. The ascent takes between 6-8 hours while the descent requires 2 hours.

*Climbing at this altitude can be very difficult, so please be sure that you are well prepared. We recommend acclimatizing by spending at least six nights above 3000m and climbing twice around 5000m in the same week. This can be achieved through a acclimatization program such as the 7 or 5 day program. Following an acclimatization program offers a much higher chance of making a successful climb of Cotopaxi.

*The night before the climb there will be a briefing at our mountain base , giving you information about all the activities during the tour, and answering all of your questions.

*The tour begins at approx. 10:00 am with breakfast at our hacienda  your mountain acclimatization base. Here you have the choice between continental, muesli, pancakes and French toast. The price is $3.

*Food included in the package is lunch, dinner and breakfast at the refuge. For an additional $10 we have the option for a champagne celebratory lunch upon return to .

*It is important that you have current travel insurance. Please inform us of any medical problems you have.

*We put a lot of effort in organizing the tour, therefore cancellations require 24hrs notice. If you wish to cancel we will give a 50% refund.  Any shorter notice cancellations will not be refunded.

 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

·         Equipment Provided by Gulliver: Included in the package

Ice Pick, Crampons, Plastic climbing boots, Gators, Pants: Polar & Waterproof, Jackets: Polar & Waterproof, Waterproof Mittens, Head Light, Harness 

·       Necessary Personal Equipment: Not included in package 

 1.       Sun cream

2.       Extra water      

3.       Camera

4.       lock

5.       Small backpack

6.       Energy drinks and snacks

7.       Inside Polar Gloves

8.       Sleeping Bag

9.       Sunglasses

Schedule of Tour (Note: Schedule times are approximate)

Day 1

• 10:00 AM – Breakfast at ($3)
• 11:00 AM – Depart for Cotopaxi National Park    
• 12:00 PM – Hike to refuge
• 14:00 PM – Lunch 
• 15:00 PM – Begin mountaineering instruction and practice on glacier (depending on weather)
• Crampon Techniques
• Ice Axe Use
• Self-Arrest
• Roped-Team Travel
• Pressure Breathing
• 17:00 PM – Return to Refugio
• 17:30 PM – Dinner
• 19:00 PM – Sleep
• 23:30 PM – Wake up, eat a small snack, gear up for climb.
• MIDNIGHT – Begin Climb!

Day 2

• SUNRISE – Reach the summit…
• 10:00 AM – Return to the Refugio after your successful climb.
• 11:30 AM – Leave Cotopaxi National Park
• 12:15 AM – Arrive at
• 13:00 PM – Celebration, FREE beer on the house!!!
• 14:30 PM – Stay at  or return to Quito (not included)

*Please note tips for our guides are not included in the price. If you enjoyed your trip, a tip of around 10% would be greatly appreciated.

GOODLUCK, HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR ADVENTURE!