This tour can be organised from either The Secret Garden Cotopaxi or The Secret Garden Quito. However, we recommend staying at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, as it’s a much better location for acclimatisation! The hostel is located at 3,500 metres, 700 metres higher than Quito, which means you sleep high up and better prepare your body for high altitude. There are also many hiking options, perfect for training for the higher peaks!
Day 1: Machachi – Cayambe Refuge (15,092ft/4,600m)
We will leave from Machachi early in the morning and will drive north through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until we get to the town of Cayambe. This drive will take us around 3 hours. From there we still have to drive for another hour to the Ruales Oleas Berge refuge (15,092ft/4,600m). In the afternoon we will talk and learn some basic techniques, which include last but not least proper handling of the climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope, etc.). We will stay at the Refuge for dinner and rest. (-/-/D)
Day 2: Cayambe Summit (18,996ft/5,790m) – Machachi
We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (18,996ft/5,790m) around 1am after a light breakfast. The ascent takes about 6 to 8 hours. Once at the summit, we will take our time for pictures of the surroundings, and then we will head back to the refuge in 2 to 3 hours. At the refuge we will rest, pack our belongings and return back to Machachi. (B/-/-)
(Times are approximate)
Day 1
9.30am Depart from The Secret Garden Cotopaxi
10.30am Arrive in Machachi. Equipment check.
11am Depart from Machachi to Cayambe
2pm Arrive in Cayambe. Lunch.
2.45pm Drive to Ruales Oleas Berge refuge
4pm Arrive at Ruales Oleas Berge refuge
5.30pm Light dinner
6.15pm Rest
Day 2
11.30pm Wake up, light breakfast and get ready
12.30am Start ascent
6.30am Arrive at the summit
6.45am Start descent
9am Arrive at Ruales Oleas Berge refuge
9.30am Depart to Machachi
1pm Arrive in Machachi
Price per person:
1 pax: $600.00
2 paxs: $380.00
3 paxs: $390.00