Trekking Cotopaxi 5 days

Easy and comfortable trek among Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Cotopaxi

Itinerary

1.- QUITO – PITA RIVER GORGE – LORETO – ACCLIMATIZATION CENTER. We leave Quito early then drive 2 approximately for 2 hours on an old cobblestone road that leads to the northern entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park . Once in the paramo at 3.400 m / 11,100 ft. of elevation we will begin with our hike. Today we follow the gorge of the Pita River through the paramo vegetation on an easy and non-demanding path crossed by fields of native blue berries. Later we continue our hike on the previous cobblestone road towards the first acclimatization center located near to the base of volcano Pasochoa. Later free afternoon. Overnight in the acclimatization center and its comfortable accommodations. 2. - ACCLIMATIZATION CENTER – PASOCHOA – ACCLIMATIZATION CENTER. 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 and amazing views of the surrounding mountains such as Sincholagua, Rumiñahui, Corazon, Ilinizas, Antisana, Cayambe and Cotopaxi. After an early breakfast we walk through the northern flanks of Pasochoa. The walk takes about 4 hours up to the summit (13,776 ft. /4,200m), crossing first, planted fields and later native trees. After summiting we return to the same accommodations. 3. - RUMIÑAHUI EASTERN SLOPES – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - ACCLIMATIZATION CENTER. Today we will enter into the Cotopaxi National Park. Before leaving we will upload our belongings in the vehicle and immediately we start with our hike. We gradually gain elevation up to 4.400 m / 14.432 ft. passing through the base of volcano Rumiñahui. From here we will admire the beauty of volcano Cotopaxi and the enormous Limpiopungo valley. Later we descend to another acclimatization center with fine accommodations, dormitory rooms, shared facilities with hot water showers and a restaurant with excellent cuisine and panoramic views. Here, we relax and watch the sunset. Hike length: 6-7 miles or 6 hours 4. - EL SALITRE INCAN RUINS – ACCLIMATIZATION CENTER. Today we hike towards the Pucara de Salitre ruins, a small Incan checkpoint that was used to control transit through the Pita River valley. On our route across the highland plains of Cotopaxi National Park we will observe several volcanoes, the most notable being the perfectly cone-shaped snow-capped Cotopaxi. While hiking, signs of its last big eruption in 1877 are evident in the sand, stone and volcanic debris. Typical paramo plants include tussock grass, chuquiragua, and cacho de venado (deer's antlers). We return to the acclimatization center. Free afternoon. Hike length: 6-7 miles or 6 hours. 5. - COTOPAXI REFUGE AND GLACIERS - QUITO. Leaving early, we drive a short distance towards Cotopaxi, taking the road that leads to the parking area and from this point up to José Ribas climber's refuge; so we can approach the mountain for close-up photographs of its glaciers and mile-wide summit. We hike uphill from the parking area for about an hour to reach the refuge at 15,750 feet. From this point, we continue hiking and approaching the glaciers. After plenty of time to enjoy the vistas and capture photos, we descend to the parking area and board our vehicle for the return to Quito.