CITY OF QUITO / PRELIMINARY MEETING

Quito's altitude: 2850 meters above sea level

For the Espeletia Expedition team, the acclimatization process and the completion of the expedition are important. of an informational talk prior to the expedition. Therefore, we propose a meeting in the city of Quito accompanied by good Andean music and delicious coffee while we share mountain experiences, we get to know each other and finalize details of the expedition.

Remember: If high-altitude clothing is required, it is necessary to notify us in advance to schedule a meeting at the partner equipment rental store.
Important: Staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating a balanced diet are recommended. Constant hydration, good rest, and a balanced diet are recommended.

Quito/ ILINIZA NORTE / CAMINATA DE ACLIMATACIÓN/ Chaupi.

Luego emprender camino de Quito a iliniza tomamos un desayuno y seguiremos a entrada de la reserva los ilinizas, allí caminaremos hasta el refugio base para luego alcanzar la cima norte.

Initial parking altitude: 3920 meters above sea level
Intermediate refuge altitude: 4710 m above sea level
Maximum Summit Height: 5126 meters above sea level
Elevation difference 1200 m
Nivel de dificultad: 3 de 5 – moderado.
Distance: 10.5 km

The Illinizas are a mountain range located on the border of the Cotopaxi and Pichincha provinces. Climbing them is a challenging journey requiring skill, ability, and endurance, as there are crevasses and steep ice slopes of up to 70 degrees.

Punto de encuentro: hotel Quito 5:00 AM
Inicio de caminata 8:30 am
Luego de alcanzar la cima descenderemos al parqueadero donde tomaremos el vehículo para luego descansar en uno de los refugios más cómodos de la zona en chaupi con linda vista y amplias zonas húmedas y así priorizar el descanso.

Remember that, if we are lucky, in the surrounding landscape we may spot mammals and birds representative of the region such as the Andean fox, rabbits, deer, hawks and even condors.

ENTRANCE TO COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

Maximum altitude reached 4864 meters above sea level
Elevation gain +234 m Elevation loss –243 m
Meals: lunch and dinner
Difficulty level: 2 out of 5 - low.
Distance 1.72 km

We will depart in our private transport around 8:00 AM, heading south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Along the way, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants. Afterward, we will continue to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park to register and then proceed to the Cotopaxi parking area at 4,500 meters above sea level, a journey of approximately one hour to the José Ribas Refuge. Cotopaxi is an easily accessible volcano, but climbing it requires experience and training. The retreating glaciers cause the standard route to change frequently. On this day, the local mountain guide will give a technical briefing on the route and the use of the equipment. Afterward, we will enjoy a delicious dinner and rest until midnight.

COTOPAXI SUMMIT / SUMMIT ATTEMPT

Maximum altitude reached 5897 meters above sea level
Elevation difference +1,907 m
Route difficulty: High
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Distance 10.0 km

Our departure time for the summit is 12:00 PM. After a light alpine breakfast and packing our backpacks, we'll begin our hike. The ascent will take between 6 and 8 hours. We'll encounter crevasses and some slopes with inclines of 35 to 45 degrees. Weather permitting, we'll have views of Ecuador's imposing volcanoes, and at the summit, we'll appreciate the crater—undoubtedly a spectacular sight for any mountaineer. The descent will take between 2 and 3 hours. Once back at the refuge, we'll pack up and enjoy a typical regional lunch before our transport arrives to take us back to Quito.

Remember that, if we are lucky, in the surrounding landscape we may spot mammals and birds representative of the region such as the Andean fox, rabbits, deer, hawks and even condors.

-Guía tour líder equipo Espeletia Expedition
-Guía de montaña certificado UIAGME (2escaladores 1 guía).
-Land transport (Hotel Quito-Iliniza-Hotel-refuge-Quito)
-Alojamiento Refugio Cotopaxi José Ribas
-Alojamiento refugio luxury
-Alimentación (3 almuerzos- 2 cena- 3 desayunos)
-Hot drinks throughout the expedition.
-Souvenir
-Equipo técnico (casco,arnés,piolet,crampones)
-Comunicación satelital

-Personal mountain equipment (sleeping clothes, mountain gear)
-Airline tickets
-Hotel in Quito
-Unspecified services
-Accommodation for the day prior to the expedition.

If you don't have the right clothing or basic equipment for your adventure, don't worry! Espeletia Expedition offers a rental service.