Ecuador - Cotopaxi Volcano |
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| Overall Rating |
|
| Technical Difficulty |  |
| Aerobic Difficulty |  |
| Distance (mi) | 1.9 |
| Elevation Range (ft) | 15977 - 19367 |
| Total Ascent (ft) | 3390 |
| Total Descent (ft) | -33 |
| Total Ascent Distance (mi) | 1.6 |
| Total Descent Distance (mi) | 0.3 |
| Moving Time | 02h 51m 08s |
| Stopped Time | 03h 03m 44s |
| Average Speed (mph) | 0.3 |
| Average Moving Speed (mph) | 0.4 |
| Stops | 54 |
| Start Time | 2009/10/25 23:22:06 |
| Finish Time | 2009/10/26 05:16:58 |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (US & Canada) |
Description
This log records a climb from the hut (refugio) to the summit of the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador. Cotopaxi is the second-highest mountain in Ecuador, the highest active volcano in the world (just some fumaroles at present), and also the most popular climb in the country.
Starting at 4900m at the hut, at midnight, we climbed throughout the night and reached the summit just after dawn. The view was spectacular, as we were above the clouds.
The climb was not technically challenging, but felt like running hard for nearly six hours. It was grueling, but entirely rewarding. A must-try for anyone.
If you go, make sure to acclimatize to maximize your chances of success and to minimize medical problems. I climbed two other volcanoes first: Rucu Pichincha (4705m), and Iliniza Norte (5125m). I also spent an extra night in the hut at 4900m and climbed one day to the toe of the glacier at 5185m.
Nearby trips
| Distance to (mi) | Name | Created by | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 | Cotopaxi Drive, Hike, Bike | tom |
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| 18.5 | Ecuador - Iliniza Norte Volcano | midtoad |
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| 18.5 | Illiniza Norte | tom |
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| 34.9 | Rucu Pichincha (Oren's pictures) | tom |
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| 34.9 | Rucu Pichincha | tom |
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| 35.3 | Ecuador - Rucu Pichincha Volcano | midtoad |
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| 35.3 | Lago Quilotoa | tom |
|
Map
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Pictures
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Last rest before final push to summit
2009/10/26 05:35:26
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Cotopaxi casts its shadow on the world
2009/10/26 05:57:13
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Jason Marx near the summit
2009/10/26 05:57:24
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midtoad (Stewart) & Jason on the summit
2009/10/26 06:17:55
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kneeling in front of the crater
2009/10/26 06:18:21
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Chimborazi (6301m), highest peak in Ecuador
2009/10/26 06:20:58
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the beautiful crater
2009/10/26 06:21:06
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Iliniza Sur (L) and Iliniza Norte (R)
2009/10/26 06:21:27
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Antisana
2009/10/26 06:21:53
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Fernando Iza (guide) and Stewart
2009/10/26 06:23:01
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summit elevation according to my watch
2009/10/26 06:28:16
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descending the glacier
2009/10/26 07:37:17
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Last view of Cotopaxi
2009/10/26 10:15:38
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Comments
Nice photos and good description! I’m going there in two weeks.
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