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Cotopaxi Flash™

A Flash expedition to Ecuador’s iconic Cotopaxi: Adventure, culture, and breathtaking views

Cotopaxi – The Majestic Volcano of Ecuador

Cotopaxi is one of the most famous and impressive volcanoes in South America. At an elevation of 5,897 meters, it is not only the second highest mountain in Ecuador but also one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Its perfectly symmetrical cone makes it an unmistakable landmark and a fascinating destination for mountaineers and nature lovers.

Located within Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador’s most important protected areas, the region offers breathtaking landscapes—from lush forests and highland grasslands to rugged rock formations and glaciers that crown the summit. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, making every moment in nature unforgettable.

This expedition begins in Quito, one of the highest capital cities globally, where you’ll experience its rich colonial architecture and vibrant culture before transferring to the surrounding natural areas. Early on, you’ll explore nearby peaks like Rumiñahui (4,727 m), offering sweeping views of Cotopaxi and the surrounding highlands.

Beyond its impressive natural beauty and challenge, Cotopaxi holds significant cultural importance for the indigenous peoples of the region, who revere it as a sacred mountain.

The summit attempt starts around midnight, guiding you under the stars on a gradual ascent to Cotopaxi’s peak. After approximately six hours, you’ll reach the summit (5,897 m) and be rewarded with spectacular sunrise views over Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes—an unforgettable panorama of the Andes and surrounding volcanoes.

This expedition is offered as a flash program, completed in just 5 days — a fast-paced and intensive course designed for those who want to experience the thrill of Cotopaxi in less time. While the itinerary is condensed, safety always comes first: all technical training, acclimatization, and guiding are carried out with the highest professional standards to ensure a safe and successful ascent.

Adventure Factor courageous
Experience / Emotion thrilling
Fitness / Struggle sporting
Risk feel free to tell your partner about it
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • An IFMGA/AMGA lead guide will accompany you on your journey to the summit!
  • We customize the program to align perfectly with the participants’ skill levels
  • Climb a nearly 6,000-meter peak in just 5 days with us!

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

The exact course depends on the weather and snow conditions and can be changed by the mountain guide on site if the conditions require it. Likewise, only mountains are climbed, which the mountain guide considers safe according to his personal assessment of the group strength. Thus, a change of the program is possible.

The following itinerary is planned:

Important Notice: It is strongly advised to consider arriving a few days prior to the expedition and embarking on several independent hikes in order to acclimate to the high altitude. The initial night of the training expedition will be spent at an elevation of 3500m. If you come directly from a location at sea level or have a long journey you may encounter difficulties adjusting to the altitude.

Cotopaxi Flash™

Day 1: Quito / San José de Puembo. Arrive in Quito, one of the highest capital cities in the world (2,850 m) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and rich culture. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to San José de Puembo, a charming hacienda-style hotel set in lush gardens—an ideal spot to unwind after your international flight.

Day 2: Climb Rumiñahui / Tambopaxi: We head to Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador’s most stunning reserves. After a brief stop at the scenic Limpiopungo Lagoon, we hike up Rumiñahui (4,727 m), a rugged peak named after the Inca general who once defended these lands. The ascent takes about four hours and rewards us with panoramic views of Cotopaxi and the surrounding highlands. Afterwards, we head to Tambopaxi Lodge, located within the park, where you’ll enjoy warm hospitality, hearty meals, and breathtaking views of the volcano.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, certified mountain guide, overnight at Tambopaxi Lodge.

Day 3: Glacier skills / Tambopaxi:After an early breakfast, we hike for about an hour to the base of Cotopaxi’s glacier. Here, we’ll spend the morning practicing essential mountaineering skills: ice axe self-arrest, crampon walking, and basic rope techniques for glacier travel. This training is designed to boost your confidence and efficiency for the climb ahead. Afterward, we descend to Tambopaxi for lunch, rest, and final preparations before our summit attempt. Spending the night here ensures better rest and acclimatization.

Day 4: Cotopaxi summit/ San José de Puembo: Summit day begins around midnight with a gradual ascent under the stars. After approximately six hours of climbing, we reach the summit of Cotopaxi (19,347 ft / 5,897 m)—one of the most striking stratovolcanoes in the world, famous for its perfectly symmetrical cone. At sunrise, the panorama across Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes is simply unforgettable. After descending, we return to San José de Puembo for a celebratory dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 5: Flight back Home: After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your international flight. You’ll leave Ecuador with not only memories of breathtaking peaks and landscapes, but also the pride of having conquered one of the most iconic volcanoes in the Andes.

check_circle_outline  Included services:

  • Entire organisation and coordination of the programme 
  • Review of the performance of the guests and development of the individually tailored program
  • All guided tours during the 5 days incl. accommodation and meals
  • IFMGA/ASEGUIM lead guide
  • Hotels als listed: Single rooms at San José de Puembo, Papallacta Hot Springs,
    Tambopaxi Lodge, Chimborazo Lodge; double rooms at Chuquiragua Lodge;
    shared bunk rooms at Yanacocha Lodge and mountain huts.
  • Ground transportation, including airport transfers.
  • Security and guarantees of an Austrian tour operator.

highlight_off  Services not included:

  • Arrival in Quito
  • Transfers & Tolls
  • Additional nights before and after the course in Quito
  • Personal equipment (backpack, crampon-compatible mountaineering boots, clothing)
  • Lunch, snacks, and drinks
  • Beverages
  • Personal mountain and travel insurance
  • VZR Guarantee contribution (€2.50 per person)

info  General information

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude and cold temperatures still pose the largest hurdle.

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes.

Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

language  Entry requirements

Passport  and Visa Regulations

EU citizens:

When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 months

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The tours are visited under the guidance of the mountain guide. During the first day, the performance of the members is determined during an aptitude tour and, if necessary, the programme is adjusted. 

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack (approx.. 18 kg) and a max. of 1000 vertical meters per day should not be a problem for you.

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each member undergoes a medical examination prior to the expeditiontraining. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of Withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH .

The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 30 days prior to departure…………………………. 30%
29 – 20 days prior to departure…………………….. 40%
19 -10 days prior to departure…………………….. 70%
9 – 4 days prior to departure………………………… 80%
from the 3rd day prior to departure (72 hours)………100%
on the day of departure………………………………… 100% of the tour fee.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.

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