Cotopaxi National Park Lodge Trek
Trek Lodge to Lodge while Exploring the Ecuadorian Countryside and Walk up 15,000-foot / 4572-meter+ Peaks
With the up close and personal views of the gleaming equatorial ice, Cotopaxi captures the imagination of trekkers. This adventure in the friendly country of Ecuador, is designed for you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cotopaxi National Park, walk among llamas in the bucolic countryside, and to trek up several easy peaks, including Pasochoa, a humid Andean Forest with more than 45 species of trees and 110 species of birds, including the Andean condor, the largest bird on the planet.
Along the way, you will be charmed by the people, many of whom still practice subsistence farming, living in the shadow of the immense Cotopaxi. The walk in the mysterious paramo, an ecosystem likened to the Scottish moors, offers alpine plant lovers an exquisite garden to investigate. And before you leave the park, you will encounter wild horses, llamas, and an interesting variety of birds. Trekkers end this wonderful trip with a visit to the Quilotoa Crater, where we descend about 900 feet to explore the lake and also have a chance to meet some of the varied indigenous groups unique to Ecuador living in the area. This is a complete, wonderful view of the Andean Highlands of Ecuador.
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Trip Perks
How about some creature comforts during the trek, like those found at the luxurious Rumiloma, the historic Hacienda La Cienega or the Hacienda Pinsaqui, where the likes of South American liberator Simon Bolivar stayed. These are among the most charming places to stay in the country.
And if that’s not enough, many of our guides can be considered “foodies” and will know just how to please your palate with both a wide array of cosmopolitan food while in Quito and delicious local cuisine once out in the countryside. For lunch, you may find yourself strolling through orchid-filled gardens before feasting on fresh local fruits, grilled trout, garlic chicken and locro de queso, a delicious soup topped with wedges of avocado and cheese. Dinners can be even more sumptuous! It’s no wonder that one of our guides calls these trips “eating expeditions!”
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Description
This trek includes both camping and stays in comfortable haciendas. In between each night, you’ll enjoy vehicle supported trekking, with campsites set-up for you upon arrival. This is not a wilderness trek, but instead a walk in the countryside where local people go about their daily work managing their livestock and working the fields. The route goes along both trails and cobblestone roads, offering a pleasant combination of both getting away from it all and at the same time immersing yourself in local working communities, exchanging hellos and even some friendly conversation.
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Cotopaxi National Park Trek
$3,550 – 9 Days / Includes travel time
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Single Supplement (I want my own room) – $550
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Cotopaxi National Park Trek w/Cotopaxi Climb Extension
$4,600 – 12 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum two participants for Cotopaxi climb
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Single Supplement (I want my own room) – $550
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Price Includes
- Guide(s) and staff
- Park fees
- Two scheduled hotel nights in Quito(double occupancy)
- One additional hotel night in Quito (double occupancy) for the Cotopaxi extension
- Four scheduled hacienda nights (double occupancy)
- Scheduled restaurant meals in Quito
- All food while on the climb
- All group trekking gear, tents and cooking gear
- All expedition staff including porters and pack animals
- Airport transfers
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Price Does Not Include
- International airfare
- Ecuador entry visa and airport fees
- Lunch and dinner day 1
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
- Guide/Staff gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Cotopaxi National Park Trek 2024
- Jun 22, 2024 — Jun 30, 2024
- Aug 10, 2024 — Aug 18, 2024
- Aug 24, 2024 — Sep 1, 2024
- Nov 16, 2024 — Nov 24, 2024
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Cotopaxi National Park Trek w/ Cotopaxi Climb Extension 2024
- Jun 22, 2024 — Jul 3, 2024
- Aug 10, 2024 — Aug 21, 2024
- Aug 24, 2024 — Sep 4, 2024
- Nov 16, 2024 — Nov 27, 2024
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with your departure date from the U.S and include the day you arrive home. For this trip you will need to arrive in Quito, Ecuador on Day 1, which in most cases will have arrival times late evening; anywhere from 7 pm to 11:30 pm You will be met at the airport by a Mountain Madness representative and transferred to your hotel.
Your return flight home will be the last date listed on the dates and prices page. The trip itinerary is based on the assumption that this will be a one-day return flight home.
Please contact our office for any help needed with your flight schedule.
Cotopaxi National Park Trek Day by Day
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Day 1
Travel
Depart home and fly to Quito, Ecuador. A Mountain Madness representative will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel.
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Day 2
Otavalo
Elevation: 8,307 ft / 2532 m
Travel to town of Otavalo to visit its colorful markets, afternoon hike to orchid lined Laguna Cuicocha. Overnight in comfortable Hacienda Pinsaqui.
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Day 3
Elevation: 10,758 ft / 3279 m
From 9,020 feet / 2749 meters, at the village of Santa Clara, we begin the trek along the Pita River in the Valley of Los Chillos. Along the way we pass in front of a shrine, where locals come to worship the Virgen de la Piedra, the “Virgin of the Rock.” From a lightning strike, a figure of a Virgin was etched into the rock, a holy sign that draws local to this place of worship. Today’s hike will take around 5 hours. When we reach our campsite things will already be set up.
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Day 4
Pasochoa Volcano
Elevation: 13,776 ft / 4200 m
Pasochoa is an ancient and heavily eroded volcano that has been inactive since the last ice age. If the weather permits, from the summit we will be able to take a good look at the crater. Inside you will see the Pasochoa Protected Forest Reserve, a humid Andean Forest with more than 110 species of birds and 45 species of trees. On a sunny day there are good chances of observing condors, the largest birds on the planet. In the afternoon we return to Santa Rita campsite for the night.
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Day 5
El Porvenir
Elevation: 11,808 feet / 3599 meters
Today we hike through a hummingbird rich humid Andean forest on our way to Hacienda El Porvenir. El Porvenir, is surrounded by four volcanoes: Cotopaxi, Sincholahua, Pasochoa and Rumiñahui. Here you will be able to enjoy your stay in a comfortable, functional and beautiful traditional Andean hacienda built from local materials of brick, straw, and adobe.
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Day 6
Tambopaxi
Elevation: 15,088 ft / 4599 m
From the hacienda we ascend the central ridge of 15,088-foot / 4599-meter Rumiñahui, another extinct volcano. The peak is located only 13 km northwest of Cotopaxi. Rumiñahui is named after a well known Inca General who, in 1520, fought against the Spanish when they were looking for Inca treasure. After our climb we spend the night at Tambopaxi, a beautiful lodge located at 12,300 feet / 3749 meters, inside the Cotopaxi National Park. It has hot showers and a relaxing place to kick your feet up! In the afternoon we will visit the nearby Inca ruins or if you prefer, just rest and delight yourself with the views. The telescope in the lodge will enable you to follow the progress of any climbers on Cotopaxi.
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Day 7
Elevation Jose Ribas Hut: 15,744 ft / 4799 m
Hacienda
Start hiking towards Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world. After about four hours we reach the trekker’s high point for the trip, Jose Ribas Hut (15,744 ft / 4799m). After a short walk down from the hut, a vehicle takes trekkers to the charming next accommodations, one of Ecuador’s most well-known haciendas. After a hot shower and imbibing in the South American drink Pisco Sour, trekkers enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian cuisine and fun night out.
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Day 8
Quilotoa Crater / Quito
Elevation Quilotoa Crater: 12,464 ft / 3799 m
Elevation Quito: 8,307 ft / 2532 m
Today we go to the 12,464-foot / 3799-meter Quilotoa Crater, a beautiful volcanic crater-lake 3 kilometers wide. On the way to the lake we will see some little “chozas”, very basic Indian huts, where the local families live. Children will follow us and try to make conversation! This portion of the trip offers a unique glimpse into some of Ecuador’s varied indigenous cultures in addition to the incredible scenery of the area and the lake itself. Local legend claims the lake is connected to the ocean and is therefore salty and sulphuric. The 900-foot / 274-meter hike down to the lake waters will allow you to dispel or verify this legend! On the way back to Quito and the celebration dinner, we shop for the famous native Tigua paintings and carved wooden masks.
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Day 9
Fly Home
Depart Quito and fly home or continue onto other adventures.
w/ Cotopaxi Climb Extension Day by Day
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Day 9
Quito
Elevation: 8,307 ft / 2532 m
Rest and prepare for the climb
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Day 10
Jose Ribas Hut
Elevation: 15,744 feet / 4799 meters
Travel to hut and rest for the climb in the early morning hours of day 11.
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Day 11
Summit Attempt / Quito
Elevation: 19,347 ft / 5897 m
Climb Cotopaxi. The group will arrive back in Quito in the late afternoon, early evening. Options to return home late night exist or your team will celebrate and spend the final night in Quito.
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Day 12
Fly Home
Depart Quito and fly home.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Cotopaxi National Park Lodge Trek
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Carrying Gear
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Day pack (30-45L)
With padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 10 and 20 pounds. A pack with a volume between 1800-2500 cu. in. (30-45 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
Osprey Stratos
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Pack cover
Waterproof cover
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Large duffel bag (100L capacity)
Your mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel cannot exceed 20 kgs (44lbs) Approximate size: 28”x16”x16” No wheels or hard sides, please
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small duffel bag
Large enough to hold everything you’re not taking on the mountain. Will be stored at hotel, to be used after trip
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
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Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Balaclava or Buff
A thin balaclava will add significant warmth on that cold summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research, Marmot
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Sunglasses or Glacier glasses (w/hard case)
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water. Sun glare off the snow can be intense so polarized 100% UVA/UVB glasses work best. Consider bringing a spare pair
Examples:
Julbo
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Hands
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Fleece gloves
Lightweight gloves to use while trekking and hanging around camp
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Climbing gloves
A shell system of a fleece liner and waterproof shell that handles cold
Examples:
Outdoor Research Arete
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Feet
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Thin socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
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Thick socks (3 pair)
Three pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
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Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodiles
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Hiking boots
One pair medium-weight hiking/backpacking boots, waterproof, large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one thick sock
Examples:
Salomon Quest 4D
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Tennis shoes or sandals
Lightweight to wear in camp after a long day of hiking
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Large plastic bags
Sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the trek for protection from rain. Heavy duty garbage bags or trash compactor bags work great and can store dirty or wet clothes as well
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Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Small stainless-steel thermos (optional)
For hot beverages on summit day
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Water Bottles/Water System (Trekking)
Two one-liter, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, bring at least one hard plastic bottle.
Examples:
Nalgene
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Water purification
Steri Pen, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine. Purifies drinking water while on the trip.
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Spare bottle for a pee bottle, and a pee funnel (Lady J or Freshette) for women
It can be a cold walk to the toilet at night
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Umbrella (optional)
Protection from rain and sun; compact and light weight
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Poncho
A poncho is great for lower down on the mountain when it is raining. Rather than having to wear your hard-shell jacket and overheat, just throw the poncho over yourself and your pack and you will stay dry as a bone
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Book Trip
Cotopaxi National Park Trek
$3,550
9 Days / Includes travel time
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Book Trip
Cotopaxi National Park Trek w/Cotopaxi Climb Extension
$4,600
12 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum two participants for Cotopaxi climb
Elevation
15,744 ft / 4799 m
Route
Trek on the shoulders of Cotopaxi Volcanoe
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Trekking involves 4-5 hours of walking per day with an elevation gain of up to 1,000 feet / 305 meters. You should be in good physical shape and participating in 3-4, 1-hour minimum cardiovascular workouts per week before the trek. Participants are encouraged to walk several hours or more a week leading up to the trek.
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