Cotopaxi Ecuador
Cotopaxi, 5.897m,
is 50 km southeast of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, in
the center of Cotopaxi National Park. It isn't
a technically difficult climb, but it's not for the inexperienced
or unprepared. Basic mountaineering gear is essential, along
with moderate climbing experience or the services of a trained
guide.
The best months for climbing are December and January, followed
by July, August and September. You should definitely acclimatize
with a week or around Quito (at 9,400 feet, 2.800 m, the second highest
capital in the Americas) or higher before attempting the
ascent. Ecuador has plenty of smaller mountains for training
climbs: Atacazo, Corazón, Guagua Pichincha, Ilaló,
Imbabura, Iliniza North or Pasochoa.
The José Ribas refuge at 15,750 feet, 4.800m, is a the two-story shelter
and has 70 bunk beds, lockers, cooking facilities, running
water, and snacks and water for sale.
For guided climbs to Cotopaxi and other peaks in Ecuador including acclimatization tours and customized climbing in ecuador itineraries we recommend to contact an experienced climbing tour agent.
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