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!

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.

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.

MBA (and their local partner AndeanFace) 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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.