Climb Cotopaxi: A Majestic Return to this Volcanic Summit!

09/03/2024

Climb Cotopaxi with Summit Stoke!

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the iconic Cotopaxi volcano has once again opened its majestic slopes to climbers, offering a thrilling opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of its fresh, powdery snow. As the frosty winds whisper tales of a dormant giant reawakening, our team at Summit Stoke is delighted to reintroduce Cotopaxi into our program, replacing Cayambe on our beginner trips. Join us as we embark on a journey to level up not only physically and technically, but also mentally and spiritually as new mountaineers while summiting one of the world’s highest active volcanoes: Cotopaxi.

Explore our beginner expedition where we climb Cotopaxi right here!

The Return of our beloved giant. Climb Cotopaxi with us:

Cotopaxi, standing proudly at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. For some time, this majestic peak has been closed for climbing due to increased volcanic activity. However, after rigorous monitoring and assessments, authorities have deemed it safe once more. Ecuador has therefore reopened the doors to eager mountaineers seeking a taste of adventure.

Fresh Powder Beneath Your Crampons:

For those with a passion for mountaineering, there’s a unique thrill in being among the first to conquer freshly opened routes. Cotopaxi promises just that – the chance to feel the crisp, untouched snow beneath your crampons as you ascend its slopes. The sensation of breaking through the surface of pure, unspoiled powder is an experience every climber dreams of. And now is the perfect moment to seize this opportunity! Send us an e-mail today at info@summitstoke.com and we will make your Cotopaxi dreams come true.

Climbing Cotopaxi vs. Cayambe for Beginners:

As we usher in the return of Cotopaxi, we’ve made an exciting change to our beginner trips. Cotopaxi will now take the spotlight, offering a more accessible and captivating experience for those new to high-altitude mountaineering. While Cayambe holds its own charm, the allure of Cotopaxi’s well-defined trails, breathtaking vistas, and manageable ascent make it an ideal choice for those stepping into the world of climbing. Cayambe is definitely doable for beginners, but is a bit more technical than Cotopaxi. Also, the views of the smoking crater at the summit of Cotopaxi is just unbeatable!

An Extra Special Summit to us

A fun fact about this incredible volcano, which makes it extra special to us a Summit Stoke, is that our Co-Founders actually got engaged on this summit back in 2019! If you’re looking for a special way to propose to your future fiancé, this one is guaranteed to leave your partner breathless! (pun intended) This volcano is truly magical!

Why Climb Cotopaxi:

Accessible Climb: Cotopaxi is not a technical mountain to climb and provides a gradual ascent. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners.
Breathtaking Scenery: The panoramic views from Cotopaxi’s summit are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, you can witness the vast expanse of the Ecuadorian highlands. Known as the Avenue of Volcanoes you will catch glimpses of neighboring peaks such as Cayambe, Antisana and Chimborazo.
Cultural Significance: Cotopaxi holds immense cultural importance for the Ecuadorian people, featuring prominently in local folklore and traditions. Climbing this iconic volcano is not just a physical challenge. But also an opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Andes region, which we at Summit Stoke always do our best to keep alive.
Postcard-Worthy Summit: Standing triumphantly on Cotopaxi’s summit, at the edge of its giant, smoking crater, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet! The pristine landscape, and the distant horizon combine to create a postcard-worthy scene that will be etched in your memory forever.

An invitation to journey into and above the clouds:

As Cotopaxi reclaims its place among Ecuador’s must-climb peaks, Summit Stoke invites you to embark on an unforgettable adventure. The thrill of climbing this iconic volcano, combined with the joy of being among the first to tread its reopened paths, is an experience that promises memories to last a lifetime. Lace up your boots, secure your crampons, and join us as we ascend to new heights on the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi volcano. Now is the time to make your mark on this dormant giant and feel the exhilaration of conquering a peak that has risen once again from its slumber.

Want to climb Cotopaxi? Hit us up at info@summitstoke.com and we will get back to you ASAP with an offer you can’t resist. And remember that when climbing with us you contribute to helping local women of the Andes creating an economically independent life through mountaineering. Read more about our social work here

Stay stoked legends!

” I successfully summited Cotopaxi with Summit Stoke. They made sure I was well acclimatized by including Corazón and Iliniza North in my itinerary. When climbing Chimborazo wasn't possible due to conditions, they were super flexible and I was able to pivot to Cayambe instead. My guide Fatima was attentive and super knowledgeable. Not only does she know the mountains well but she has great relationships with the local climbing community. Would definitely recommend the team at Summit Stoke!!!!”

“The best experience of my life. Professionals and passionate about the mountains. Excellent planning. Very punctual and organized. In those mountains it makes you feel safe. The best.”

“Excellent. Very attentive, helpful and supportive. Impeccable logistics, they adapt and anticipate very well according to sudden changes out of their hands to external events. Personalized, professional in all areas. I would return a thousand and one times to hire them. You can tell they love what they do. 100% Pura Vida”

”Montañas de Ecuador with Summit Stoke y el mejor Guía David. Muchas Gracias para todo. & the biggest challenge so far! On the list: 1: Guagua Pichincha 4776 m 2: Quilindaña 4878 m 3: Cayambe 5800 m 4: Antisana 5750 m”

"10-star experience with Summit Stoke! I traveled with Summit Stoke around fantastic and beautiful Ecuador. Summit Stoke created a very authentic and accomplished experience that I will never forget. It was clearly my best experience in South America and I am so happy that I chose to travel with them. I look forward to returning to Ecuador in the future where I would have no hesitation in choosing Summit Stoke to plan and arrange the trip for me!"

"I hiked Volcan Cotopaxi and my guide was Alberto. He was professional, reliable and a lot of fun. I couldn't have had a better partner for tackling Cotopaxi. Gracias Alberto!"

"Very grateful for so much and for the best birthday gift of my life. Summit Stoke was the best of the best experience"

"I am sooo grateful for Summit Stoke's help in Peru! They got me a spot on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with only a few weeks of anticipation. Normally they are sold out months in advance! In short Summit Stoke is: thorough, reliable, pleasant to do business with, competent and knowledgeable. My easiest recommendations!"

"The best option for tourism and mountaineering in Ecuador. Professional, committed, 100% attentive. Super recommended."

"My partner and I participated in the intermediate expedition in July 2024. From Day 1 of inquiring the itinerary, Amalie (the co-owner) was incredibly responsive and attentive to our questions. She was honest with her responses and provided useful feedback where necessary. Summit Stoke engaged a top-notch, English-speaking guide and cautious driver for our expedition. We felt incredible safe during the climbs as well as the drives across the country. The itinerary is quite unique compared to other similar companies. Notably, the rock climbing sessions and the glacier training were useful in reaching the summits safely. We would certainly consider Summit Stoke for our next Andean adventures."

"We reached the top of Imbabura! Thanks to our guide Pedro, who was patient and careful, we managed to reach the top of Imbabura. For me this was a dream come true, thanks to Summit Stoke for making it possible."