Cotopaxi — Expedition Guides & Reviews

Find trusted expedition guides for Cotopaxi, Ecuador. Read verified reviews, compare companies, and book with confidence.

Quick Facts: Cotopaxi

Elevation: 5,897m
Country: Ecuador
Region: South America
Guide Companies: 8 verified operators
Price Range: $400 – $4,050 USD
Season: Weather: Due to its location near the equator, the weather at the base of Cotopaxi is fairly consist
Currency: US Dollar (USD) is Ecuador's official currency. ATMs widely available in Quito and Latacunga. National park entrance fee required. Budget $200-400 for guided climb.
Languages: Official: Spanish. Regional: Kichwa (Ecuadorian Quechua) in indigenous communities. English spoken by guides in Quito. Basic Spanish very helpful.

Region: South America, Ecuador

Expedition Guide Companies for Cotopaxi

Adventure Consultants — ERTI: 4.3/5 · Rating: 4.9/5 (11 reviews) · From $3,980 USD
Kobler & Partner — ERTI: 3.6/5 · Rating: 4.9/5 (8 reviews) · From $4,080 USD
Climbing The Seven Summits — ERTI: 4.6/5 · Rating: 5.0/5 (64 reviews) · From $4,995 USD
Summit Stoke — ERTI: 4.0/5 · Rating: 4.7/5 (4 reviews) · From $4,120 USD
Ian Taylor Trekking — ERTI: 3.9/5 · Rating: 4.8/5 (19 reviews) · $3,500 – $4,050 USD
Mountain Madness — ERTI: 3.2/5 · Rating: 2.5/5 (2 reviews) · From $3,575 USD
Andean Peaks · $400 – $1,590 USD
Alpenglow Expeditions · From $3,550 USD

Climbing History

First ascent in 1872 by Wilhelm Reiss and Angel Escobar. At 5,897m, one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Located near Quito, making it Ecuador's most popular high-altitude climb. Minor eruptions in 2015 temporarily closed the mountain.

Notable Routes

Normal Route/North Face (1-2 days): Standard glacier climb, technically straightforward. South Face: Alternative approach. Acclimatization at José Ribas Refuge (4,800m). Typically summit bid starts around midnight.

Weather Information

Weather: Due to its location near the equator, the weather at the base of Cotopaxi is fairly consistent year-round, with average daily temperatures around 13 ºC (55 ºF). Temperatures drop to well-below freezing as you ascend the volcano. The climbing season is also the driest time of year., Best Time to Visit: June to August, December to January, Average Expedition Length 2 days

Frequently Asked Questions about Cotopaxi

Which guide companies operate on Cotopaxi?

There are 8 verified guide companies for Cotopaxi on ExpedReview, including Adventure Consultants, Kobler & Partner, Climbing The Seven Summits and more.

How much does it cost to climb Cotopaxi?

Guided expedition prices for Cotopaxi range from $400 – $4,050 USD depending on the operator, route, and service level.

What is the best time to climb Cotopaxi?

How do I choose a guide for Cotopaxi?

Compare guide companies on ExpedReview using our ERTI Trust Index, verified reviews, pricing, and certifications. Look for guides with high trust scores and recent positive reviews.