Essential Information
Trip Profile
5 days walking with full support, 5 days climbing and practice; altitude maximum 5897m, average 4000m. Ice climbing experience not required as full training provided.
Accommodation
9 nights hotels with en suite facilities, 3 nights full-service camping and 2 nights in mountain huts with shared facilities.
Food
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners included.
Reality Check
The trekking on this trip is suitable for people in good physical condition who are able to hike for 5 to 8 hours a day. Part of the trek is off-trail, and most of the walking is at altitudes between 2500 and 4500 metres.
Grade: C (Cotopaxi climb grade D)
See the Altitude Warning in the Practical Information section in the Trip Notes for more details.
Participants in the Cotopaxi climb must be in very good physical condition - experience in trekking at high altitudes will offer an advantage. You do not need experience in climbing, but the altitude and steep gradient are a challenge.
In bad weather the trek will be more challenging.
Ice-skills are taught and practiced during the trip, prior to reaching Cotopaxi and this really will enhance your chance of success.
According to statistics from Ecuador, the success rate of summit attempts on Cotopaxi is about 70% for those with ice experience prior to their summit attempt and only 30-50% for those without.
The success rate for non-experienced people in difficult weather and ice conditions is only 0-10%. With the training and acclimatisation provided on this trip, the success rate is high and is mainly determined by the weather.
Normal group size and age
Normally 6 to 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff. Cotopaxi ascent there is a ratio of 1 guide to 2 clients. Minimum age 18.
Icons explained
The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.
All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please
see our Solo Departures page.
In order to provide a more accurate grading system, where a trip falls between two grades we use an intermediate or split grade, for example Challenging/Tough. Occasionally, there are optional activities available en route, in this case the optional grade is indicated in brackets, for example Grade Challenging (climb Tough+). Clearly, conditions may differ from region-to-region or month-to-month and as such the information given on these pages is designed to act as a guide only. In all cases you should refer to the respective holiday's Trip Notes for further details.
Serious Adventure: These trips are what Exodus is all about. Join us!
Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.
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