Certified guide mandatory (1:2 ratio); park entry controlled.
Base
Machachi / Quito
Crowds: high · most parties climb guided
When to go
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Dec
Prime season Possible Avoid
Two drier windows: December–January and June–August. Being equatorial, it is climbed year-round when weather allows; wind is the usual spoiler.
The mountain
Cotopaxi is the archetypal guided glacier climb: sleep at the José Rivas refuge at 4,860 m, start at midnight, and crampon up a beautifully sculpted, crevassed cone to a crater rim breathing sulphur at dawn. The route changes yearly as seracs shift, which is why guiding is mandatory. With Quito's easy acclimatisation peaks nearby, it is one of the most efficient places on Earth to reach almost 6,000 m.
List last reviewed 2026. Listings, not endorsements — check current permits, safety records, and recent reviews before booking.
Gear checklist
0 of 32 packed
Pack & personal
Clothing & layers
Footwear
Climbing hardware
Camp & sleep
Safety & navigation
Climbs from the José Rivas refugio (bunks/mattresses) — bring a warm bag. A crevassed glacier leads to the summit. A starting point generated from this climb's difficulty, altitude, and length — not a substitute for your guide's list or your own judgment. Confirm what your operator supplies before you buy or rent.