What makes us 'Much Better'?

Find out more
Trek Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes and Climb Cotopaxi
4.9
| 28 reviews

Trek Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi's Summit (5897m)

An epic hike through the snowcapped Andes to the top of the world's highest active volcano

Duration

9 nights

Annual Leave

6 days off work

Group Size

Up to 10 people

Season

Year round

Location

Ecuador

Meeting Point

Quito Airport, Ecuador

Classic Accommodation

Hotel · Campsite · Guesthouse · Lodge · Mountain hut

Customer Reviews

(28)

4.9

Difficulty

Tough

From

From

Cross crevasses and snow bridges en route to the top of Ecuador’s most famous peak at a towering 5897m

Trek through rainforests and past snowcapped peaks, spotting condors soaring high above along the way

Sleep in traditional haciendas set on ecological reserves and in remote mountain refuges

Day 1

Arrive in Quito

Your host will meet you at Quito Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the outskirts of Quito. The rest of the day and evening are at leisure, depending on your arrival time.

Day 2

Acclimatisation day in Quito

Today is a relaxed day, designed for you to acclimatise to the altitude before climbing further into the Andes. You'll meet up with your guide and group for a gear check in the morning to ensure everyone is prepared for the expedition. If you are hiring plastic boots, you can sort this with your guide today. If you are short of any important items your guide can also help you pick these up in town. You are then free to explore Quito at your own pace with some short hikes to warm your legs up for the tougher days ahead.

Day 3

Hike to Hacienda Santa Rita (3280m)

Hiking

5hrs · 15km · 400m up · 25m down

After breakfast, there's a short drive to the village of Santa Clara, deep in the Valley of Los Chillos and 2750 metres above sea level. Hike along an ancient cobbled road beside the banks of the Pita River, passing a shrine where locals come to worship. Arrive at the hacienda, situated on 500 hectares of private ecological reserve, where your camp will be all set up and waiting. Enjoy a cooked meal and a good night’s sleep under an Ecuadorian night sky.

Day 4

Pasochoa Volcano (4200m)

Hiking

6-7hrs · 17km · 1150m up · 1000m down

Wake up bright and early and head off to climb the slopes of Pasochoa, an ancient volcano that has been inactive since the last Ice Age. If the weather allows, you can look into the crater itself which is home to the Pasochoa Forest Reserve; a cloud forest situated within the extinct volcano. This is a protected area, home to more than 110 species of birds and 45 species of trees. Keep an eye out for condors soaring on the thermals high above, before you make your way back down to the hacienda camp where dinner will be waiting.

Day 5

Hike to Hacienda El Porvenir (3600m)

Hiking

4-5hrs · 15km · 350m up · 25m down

Take down camp and trek through the humid Andean forest, looking out for brightly coloured hummingbirds amongst the green trees. Reaching Hacienda El Porvenir, one of the largest traditional farms in Ecuador, you'll check into your comfortable, traditional room surrounded by four volcanoes – Cotopaxi, Sincholahua, Pasochoa and Rumiñahui.

Day 6

Summit Rumiñahui (4600m)

Hiking

5-6hrs · 11km · 860m up · 860m down

A short drive deeper into Cotopaxi National Park takes you to the trail to Rumiñahui, a volcano named after the last Incan general to lead the fight against the Spanish conquerors. Hike along the central ridge to the summit, and take in the 360-degree views of the mountains and volcanoes all around you, before hiking down to Tambopaxi, a remote mountain lodge nestled at the foot of Cotopaxi on the edge of the volcano’s ancient boulder field at 3700m.

Day 7

Acclimatisation day

Hiking

2hrs · 2km · 900m up · 900m down

Enjoy an easier day today, with a short hike to get used to the higher altitude. After a gentle preparation trek to reach 5000m, you'll stop for lunch at a remote mountain hut before returning to Tambopaxi Lodge for a hot shower and another traditional Ecuadorian meal.

Day 8

Hike to Jose Rivas refuge (4800m)

Hiking

2hr · 2km · 200m up · 10m down

Set off deep into the snow-capped mountain landscape and drive through the incredible Andean scenery to a trailhead at 4600m, for a short hike to the Jose Rivas refuge at 4800m. Here, you’ll stop for lunch to continue your acclimatisation before the big summit day tomorrow. In the afternoon, your guides will run you through the glacier-hiking skills that you'll need for tomorrow’s final ascent. Grab an early meal and a very early bedtime, ready for the action to start again shortly after midnight.

Day 9

Summit Cotopaxi (5897m)

Hiking

6-8hrs · 5km · 1097m up · 1097m down

You'll be up shortly after midnight to get prepped to leave camp at 01:00 to ascend the glacier, crossing crevasses and snow bridges, before reaching the final slope up to the pinnacle of your adventure: the summit of Cotopaxi. The final section is a challenging climb up a snow-covered slope set at a 40-degree angle. Your guides will help you navigate this section, using the knowledge, skills and acclimatisation you've gained over the past week. When you've successfully reached the summit you can peer down into the huge crater of Cotopaxi, 800 metres in diameter and still emitting steam and gases. Take in the unrivalled panoramic views of the Andes from here, before descending back down the glacier. You'll enjoy a triumphant drive back to Quito where you can celebrate your achievement in town over a few well-deserved local beers.

Day 10

Bid farewell to Quito

Your adventure ends today after you enjoy a final breakfast at your base in Quito. You're free to head to the airport in time for your onward flight, or to the bus station if you are travelling on to other parts of Ecuador.

Included

Guides

Certified, English-speaking local guides

Accommodation

3 nights in a hotel, 4 nights in mountain huts and haciendas, 2 nights camping

Meals

7 lunches, 6 dinners and all breakfasts

Equipment

All your climbing equipment and camping gear

Permits

All hiking permits and national park entrance fees

Transfers

All airport transfers and everything in between

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Some meals as described

Tips for your guides

Travel to and from the start point

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 – Day 4

Campsite · Twin tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6 – Day 7

Lodge · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Mountain hut · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Throughout the adventure, you'll be kept fuelled up on delicious Andean food, such as traditional Ecuadorian potato soup, meat and vegetable dishes utilising local grains such as quinoa and beans and plenty of local fresh fruits. Lunch usually consists of a variety of sandwiches and dinner is always a warm and filling meal after a big day of hiking. Vegans and vegetarians can be catered for, please let your host know at the time of booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Haciendas

Haciendas are a highlight on any trip to Ecuador. Hacienda is a Spanish word for an estate, these are generally traditional ranches or homesteads based in rural areas, with historic colonial architecture making for a unique place to spend the night. You’ll spend two nights camping in the grounds of Hacienda Santa Rita, which is surrounded by 500 hectares of a private ecological reserve. Shower facilities are available in the hacienda itself.

You’ll then move on to Hacienda El Porvenir (or Hacienda Los Mortiños, if El Porvenir is not available). Both are comfortable, traditional haciendas built with materials and techniques that have been used in the Andes for centuries.

Mountain Lodges

You’ll spend two nights at Tambopaxi, a sustainable mountain lodge and the only accommodation located within the Cotopaxi National Park. Hot showers and good food are available, as well as excellent views of Cotopaxi itself. Your final night will be spent at the Jose Rivas mountain refuge, 4,800 metres above sea level, ready for an early start to the summit. Facilities there are basic with only shared rooms available.

Quito

During your time in Quito, you'll stay at Casa Ilayaku Lodge (or similar) located in a quiet neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city. Twin-share rooms with private bathrooms.

Upgrades

For solo travellers wanting their own space, you can request a solo room and tent upgrade. This is available for all nights except the night at the José Rivas mountain refuge before your summit of Cotopaxi. Please request at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability. See Optional Extras for prices.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Quito Airport

Any time on Day 1

Ends

Quito Airport

Any time on Day 10

Transfers

Private transfers between the airport and your guesthouse are included for any time (and day) you choose to arrive or depart. Your host will meet you at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Quito. On the final day of the trip, your host will transfer you back to the airport in time for your onward flight. The airport is around a 1-hour journey to downtown Quito.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Quito from major airports across the UK, Europe and North America.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • Some of your climbing equipment including: crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet and ropes
  • Tent

What's available to hire?

  • Plastic mountaineering boots: $20 per day. You'll need a pair for the ascent of Cotopaxi (2 days of the trip).

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • 50+ litre rucksack - to carry your gear from the carpark to the refuge of Cotopaxi (45 minutes). Important note: this only applies to groups that will summit Cotopaxi. A duffel bag and day pack is sufficient for departures where Cayambe is climbed instead of Cotopaxi.
  • 22+ litre daypack for day hikes - to carry daily with your personal items and layers.
  • Large strong duffel/kit bag with a strong zipper and a lock, large enough for your main rucksack to fit in as this will be used to transport all your gear during the flight and while travelling during the expedition. During the trek you can leave your duffel bag at the lodges at the base of the mountains, or at the camp, with any items you won't need during the hikes.

SLEEPING

  • Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to -10°C
  • Inflatable sleeping mat, such as a Thermarest

CLOTHES & FOOTWEAR

  • Outer socks, thick wool or polypropylene, 2 pairs
  • Inner socks, thin silk or polypropylene, 2 pairs
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Gaiters, 1 pair
  • T-shirts or long-sleeved tops
  • Fleece jacket or jumper
  • Breathable windproof and waterproof outer jacket, such as Gore-Tex, with hood
  • A light down jacket
  • Thermal leggings
  • Hiking trousers
  • Breathable windproof and waterproof trousers such as Gore-Tex
  • Gloves inner
  • Gloves thick or mittens (windproof)
  • Wool hat or balaclava
  • Baseball cap or sun hat

OTHER

  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Head torch
  • Extra batteries
  • Sunglasses
  • Ski goggles
  • Sunscreen and lip protection
  • Penknife (optional)
  • Two x 1-litre water bottles (Camelback not, advised as can freeze)
  • Small Thermos
  • Personal medical kit and toiletries
  • USD $200 in small bills ($5s & $10s) for bottled drinks and extras
  • Camera
  • Small towel (to use at the campsite)
  • Swimsuit (optional)
  • Earplugs (huts can be noisy)
  • Your favourite treats or energy bars
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Mountaineering Boots Hire (for 2 days)

Payable Before Departure

Mountaineering Boots Hire (for 2 days)

Per Person

Double/Twin/Single Room

Payable Before Departure

Double/Twin/Single Room

Per Night

Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade

Lisa G.(March 2024)
Excellent trip from the start

Excellent trip from the start shared with really fun people. Pablo and Pepe looked after us really well and the organisation was great. I loved Ecuador, the hiking there was challenging and varied as well as being picturesque. Sadly we didn’t make the summit of Cayambe due to bad weather but this gives me a great excuse to go back! You need a good level of fitness for this trip.

Karl R.(February 2024)
Cotopaxi/Cayambe

From stepping out of the airport I was instantly looked after and felt safe. This trip gave a fantastic variety of places to stay from a beautiful lodge with fantastic views, a cosy campsite with excellent facilities/staff, to a comfortable refuge on summit night. Was also given plenty (plenty) of food.

We got to see Quito the capital of Ecuador (as well as surrounding areas such as Cumbayá) great sites in particular a lovely roof top restaurant for lunch. I felt very safe, relaxed and welcomed.

Our guides throughout were amazing, Pablo and Joaquin looked after us and answered our many questions. They were incredibly patient when we didn’t remember what the plan was the next day. They helped us go at a great pace so we could all enjoy the views and the hikes.

Cotopaxi was closed at the time but still managed to go 5000m up with amazing views.

I was upset not to be able to submit Cotopaxi but I needn’t been. Cayambe was a fantastic climb and a huge challenge that I throughly enjoyed. The spectacular views were everything I’d hoped for. Can’t recommend this trip enough.

Nicole S.(January 2024)
Amazing Trip in the Anden

It was a great trip We were unable to do Cotopaxi due to the level of activity. But Cayambe is a great second choice. Challenging adventures and breathtaking views are guaranteed. Our guides Joaquin, José and Marco were simply great! It was a great time and we had a great time despite the rain, very varied trip. The last day is the most strenuous, the days before were mainly for acclimatisation.

The accommodation and transfers went smoothly, everything was very well organised and very punctual!

Ecuador and dear guides, Charlotte and I will come definitely back :)

Charlotte R.(January 2024)
Great trip to get a feel for Ecuador

The trip was absolutely incredible. From the moment I arrived in Quito I felt very well looked after by the whole team. The service was absolutely outstanding. My bag was lost in transit and Javier was incredible in his help to get my bag back to me. Joaquin, our guide, was amazing - he was everything a good guide should be. I trusted him completely to put our safety first and he was incredibly professional but he was also one of the warmest, kindest people I've met in a long time and lots of fun to be around. He told some incredible stories and loved answering our questions about Ecuador. Marco, who looked after our food for the first couple of days when camping was amazing - he was so funny and we all enjoyed his company and food. The accommodation throughout was amazing. The itinerary was built around acclimatization for the summit and we all acclimatized really well for the big climb. Overall the trip was a huge success, and I will not hesitate to book a trip with MBA again, and I will most definitely be back to Ecuador for some more climbing!!

William(June 2023)

Was an amazing adventurous experience! Guides were very Professional and Knowledgeable! I highly recommend this trip!

Karen(March 2023)

An amazing week trekking in some beautiful parts of Ecuador. It was well organised, the accomodation was good and varied. The food was equally delicious. And everyone was friendly and knowledgable. Would definitely recommend.

Liga(March 2023)

Ecuador is an incredible country to visit. Great hiking and great people.

Alex(February 2023)

What an an amazing trip. Cannot recommend this highly enough.The scenery is epic. Such a beautiful country. Guides are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Accommodation was great and even the camp site had hot showers & a warm chill out room.

Shorsh(February 2023)

It was a challenge to hike Cayambe but I was satisfied as the muchbetteradvanture delivered what they promised!

Emilee(January 2023)

We had an amazing experience in Ecuador. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and they seemed to assess group dynamic and fitness well. The range of ecosystems that we saw was incredible! Summit day for Cayambe was very challenging, but the attention to acclimation definitely helped us to reach the summit - high above the clouds with a view of two erupting volcanoes!

John(January 2023)

As happens with active volcanoes Cotopaxi was indeed active, to the point we couldn’t summit. However the acclimatisation hikes were perfect and the Cayambe alternative was a more than suitable challenge and an incredible experience. Hats off to the local team and a special shout out to our guide Joaquín for making the whole experience one to remember.

Juliana(December 2022)

This is the hardest trip that I have signed up for so I was a bit nervous, but the Javier's team made everything very seamless and easy. The guides were definitely the best part of the trip and overall, I felt the the trip was well organized. Communication was great leading up to and during the trip. They provided good snacks and meals. The guides has plentiful knowledge not only on the hikes but also about Ecuador in general. I would definitely sign up to do another hike

Viv(December 2022)

Javier and his team was very nice and professional. Joaquin was very informative and knowledgeable! Gave us a lot of good advice. The acclimation hikes were nice although some were a bit short yet on the summit day I felt well acclimatised and didn't suffer from the altitude. The places where we stayed where all very nice and we were well looked after. Unfortunately we couldn't climb cotopaxi because of some volcanic activities, the new objective became Cayambe. 3 out of 4 of our team managed to summit, that was pretty epic! My only wish we had spent less nights in Quito and more in haciendas / closer to nature.

Emily(December 2022)

Javier & his team arranged a very thoughtful acclimatization trip that not only maximized our chances of summiting but also ensured we had fun all along the way. When we weren’t on the mountains we were staying in beautiful haciendas and eating great food.

Our guides (Pablo, Abraham & Joaquin) were all very professional but also warm and encouraging. They imparted a lot of great mountaineering and life wisdom that I’ll keep with me on all my future adventures.

Leslie(November 2022)

This trip was just fantastic. Javier, our local host, did a wonderful job organising everything and everyone at Andeanface was super friendly and knowledgeable. Accommodation is comfortable and we were always well looked after. The program also allowed us to acclimatise properly.

You will need to be very fit to summit, even when acclimatised, it is hard work! Make sure you bring all your warm layers too.

Definitely all worth it as you get to see a lot of this wonderful country!

Minna(November 2022)

This trip to Ecuador was beyond excellent! It was a great joy to climb and hike with the team. I am extremely impressed with our guides, who showed both great professional skills in the mountains and the warmest and most supportive personalities when helping us to the summits. Even if there was some changes to the initial itinerary, all arrangements were taken with flexible, yet very well organised manner. 5/5, would recommend to anyone seeking a good adventure with great people.

Baraa(January 2022)

Absolutely Incredible trip!! Couldn't recommend enough. Amazing terrains, hikes, food, people and guides! Such good value for money also. Cotopaxi summit day was the most challenging but worth it!

Elliot(January 2022)

Great trip. Summiting Cotopaxi was intense but gave us the most stunning sunrise I've ever seen in my life. The acclimation program was well thought out and the hikes were beautiful. Our guide was very knowledgeable and organized. I had a wonderful time.

Bring heavy sunscreen (at least SPF 50 or better yet, 70). Also, train. I'm relatively fit--I run and climb regularly--but I wish I had done more specific training for this trip.

John(January 2022)

This was a fantastic trip from beginning to end. The local host, Javier, was very responsive to all of my questions prior to arrival and delivered on everything he said he would. I especially appreciate how well he took care of my daughter's (gluten free) dietary restriction, and that he arranged to take my daughter and I for the covid tests required for our return to the U.S. at the end of our trip. The entire team of guides--Pablo for the first four days of hiking and Marco and Cosme for the mountaineering on Cotopaxi--was great...all knowledgeable, professional, personable and highly attentive to the group's needs. I can't commend them highly enough. With the exception of one night at Los Mortinos, which was surprisingly upscale, accommodations are basic, but clean and comfortable. (Be aware that two nights in Tambopaxi were dormitory style accommodations; one room for the entire group.) I also appreciate how well thought out the itinerary was planned. The daily hikes along the Avenue of the Volcanoes increased in elevation every day in order to acclimate to the higher altitude, giving the best chance of success in reaching the summit of Cotopaxi-the main event-at the end of the week. Cotopaxi is a VERY tough hike, unlike anything that I've ever done before and certainly outside my comfort zone, but I am really glad that I tried it. I also enjoyed my time in Quito at the beginning and end of the trek. The hostel, Casa Helbling, was clean and comfortable and well-located, and the host was delightful. I hope to get back to Quito one day to explore more of the city. Again, simply a fantastic trip from beginning to end.

Gerald(January 2022)

MBA (and their local host) delivered an outstanding expedition from end to end. Everything was seamlessly organised - from transfers between haciendas/campsites to equipment hiring. Pace of the acclimatisation programme was just right, with rest days in between the summit attempts on Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Cotopaxi spent in beautiful accommodation with great food throughout. Our guides Pablo and Marco were exceptional: personable and professional - we felt very safe in their hands.

Deborah(January 2022)

The hiking (and sleeping) plan was both pretty and great for acclimitization. All four of us (with a 28-year gap between the youngest and oldest) made it up to the summit in time for the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen. Things weren't perfectly organized but it all worked out in the end.

Sarah(January 2022)

Overall a very well organised and good value trip. As other reviews have mentioned the last day is hard (imagine hiking up a black ski slope in rented ski boots, in the middle of night, for 5 hours) but everyone in our group made it thanks to our practice hikes, time to acclimatise and the very patient help of our guides. I would definitely recommend this trip for anyone wanting to climb Cotopaxi. One point to mention is that we didn’t actually use our big backpacks, so if you’re stuck for luggage space just a large daypack is fine.

Jess(February 2020)

Overall, the trip is great. The landscape is stunning and the hike is relatively ok, aside from the last day which is very challenging! If you have a food allergy, be VERY clear as our dietary requirements were not considered even though they were read out at the briefing. Likewise, the gear we needed to hire did not arrive, they had some things wrong (i.e harness instead of helmet) and despite confirming twice at the briefing, and again midway through the trip when the helmet was needed by I didn't have one, they still turned up on the second to last day with no helmet for me. The kit list is decent but if you go in the rainy season, take more socks and dry clothes. When you are camping, nothing will dry overnight! The haciendas were lovely, stunning buildings with great views when the weather cooperated! But make sure you take earplugs and eye masks for the bunk rooms. I enjoyed it very much, but I would recommend you only attempt the last day if you are very fit!

Stewart(February 2020)

Ecuador is beautiful and the hiking is tough but great. The climb up Cotopaxi should not be underestimated; it is very tough.

Simon(February 2020)

This trip was excellent ... Marco, our guide, was knowledgeable and skilled in every way. A true leader. The accommodations were perfect to fit the character of the trip, and the days leading to our final push up Cotopaxi were organized such that we had maximum energy. The skill, wisdom, and enthusiasm of the guides going up the mountain were really key. I definitely would not have made it without their help and motivation. What a ride!

Aiste(January 2020)

The trek through Ecuador's avenue of volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, was one of the best gifts I could have given myself for the holidays. As a beginner mountaineer, I had little experience hiking high altitudes. However, the support and encouragement I received from my guides and the people I met in my group pushed me to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. I left Ecuador with a renewed perspective of my life's journey. A special thanks to our guides Diego and Diego for supporting us at every part of our adventure--you rock! I look forward to booking more trips with Much Better Adventures.

Ivan(February 2019)

The guides were professional and very thoughtful. The countryside was beautiful.

Silvio(February 2019)

The main guide Diego who spent the week with us was great, the food, and the hikes also.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 249kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

You'll be hiking for up to eight hours each day at altitude, so a good level of fitness is required. Previous mountaineering experience isn't needed as your experienced guides will be on hand the whole time.

One dedicated bilingual leader for the duration of the trip. Depending on the group size, there is one extra guide for every 6 hikers for the trek whilst inside Cotopaxi National Park. For the ascent of either Cotopaxi or Cayambe, there is one guide for every 2 climbers.

Cotopaxi's summit was closed due to Increased volcanic activity for over a year recently, before re-opening in March 2024. Our host in Ecuador has been successfully summiting with groups since March and all upcoming departures are expected to feature Cotopaxi.

The contingency plan for bad weather conditions, or should further temporary closures be announced, would be to summit Cayambe (5790m) on Days 8 and 9 of the itinerary.

You'll spend the first five days gradually acclimatising ready for the main event. You generally start to feel the effects of altitude once you travel over 2,500 metres (Quito itself sits at 2,850 metres) but you'll have plenty of breaks to rest as you get used to the thinner mountain air. If you have any concerns about the altitude please speak to your doctor before you travel.

All of our trips to Ecuador are currently running without any disruption. More information can be read here.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we'd suggest 7-8% of the trip cost as a guideline. This is then split between the head guide, assistant guide and the cook.

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Your guides ensure that drinking water is available throughout the trip at each stage of the trek. Please bring along two reusable water bottle to carry in your daypack while hiking.

You can hike Cotopaxi all year round, however, December and January are the best months due to low rainfall and far less wind. June and July are the dryest months, although they can be very windy. Cotopaxi is also blessed with the highest number of clear days per year in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Yes, you can leave your excess luggage at the storage facility at the guesthouse in Quito before heading off for the trek.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

For current advice about travelling in Ecuador, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.

Whilst most of our trips are exclusive to Much Better Adventures, due to the nature of this destination and the design of the trip, this particular host also sells this adventure via other channels. This means that it’s possible that your group may consist of people who haven't booked through the Much Better Adventures website. But rest assured, anyone booking this trip is in search of an active, outdoors adventure, just as you are!

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

May 2024

Friday • 3rd May 2024

to Sunday • 12th May 2024
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 19th July 2024

to Sunday • 28th July 2024
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 8th November 2024

to Sunday • 17th November 2024
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 29th November 2024

to Sunday • 8th December 2024
Guaranteed to run

Monday • 23rd December 2024

to Wednesday • 1st January 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 3rd January 2025

to Sunday • 12th January 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 17th January 2025

to Sunday • 26th January 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 14th February 2025

to Sunday • 23rd February 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 23rd May 2025

to Sunday • 1st June 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 18th July 2025

to Sunday • 27th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 15th August 2025

to Sunday • 24th August 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 21st November 2025

to Sunday • 30th November 2025
Guaranteed to run

Monday • 22nd December 2025

to Wednesday • 31st December 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 2nd January 2026

to Sunday • 11th January 2026
Guaranteed to run
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

Still Undecided?

A few other trips to tickle your fancy

From