10 Reasons to Pick us for Your Cotopaxi Climb

Ian Taylor Trekking have extensive experience managing trekking and mountaineering trips in Ecuador for over a decade.  Ian has climbed Everest and led over 150 expeditions above 17,000 feet and Ian is available to help you be successful.  We know what it takes to run safe, enjoyable and successful expeditions in Ecuador. Here are 10 reasons to pick us for your Cotopaxi climb.  Follow us on Instagram.

1). IFMGA Mountain Guides

Our mountain guides are qualified professionals with years of mountaineering experience in Ecuador.   We believe that to succeed in our expeditions, professionals with experience and the ability to offer the highest level of safety is everything. All of our guides hold professional IFMGA or AMGA mountaineering qualifications and wilderness First Aid Certificates or medically trained. They can manage any emergency that could arise.  We want to make sure all of our teams have the best chance at safely reaching their goal. With more guides with your team, they will be able to more efficiently manage your safety on the mountain and also give you a better experience along the way. We have 1:2 guiding ration on Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Check out our itinerary.

2). Acclimatization

Over years of running trips to Cotopaxi we have changed our itinerary to offer you the best experience in Ecuador. We know that acclimatization is the key to everything on a high altitude adventure. That is why we have designed this itinerary, with optimal acclimatization so you can have the best possible experience.

Cotopaxi from Cotopaxipungo

3). Expert Training Advice

We offer personal service with training advice for our clients, 5 days a week. A lot of people underestimate the physical preparation needed to climb Cotopaxi. Please do not show up under prepared as you will be roped to another climber and this can ruin someone else’s trip.

We want to make sure that you have the best information on how to complete this adventure safely and successfully. There are some long 8+ hour days, with over 1,000m/ 3,280 feet of up and down hills on steep terrain while on mountain trails and glaciers. We look forward to speaking with you about preparing for this trip.  We also provide you with a trip dossier with a lot more information on how to prepare for the trip.

4). Check out our Top 20 Tips

After years of leading and running mountaineering trips here are our top 20 tips for climbing Cotopaxi.

5). We Climb in the Best Months

Although Cotopaxi has clear weather year round, there are definitely some better months than others. Rain is common on Cotopaxi from March to May and again from September to November.  Rain means less chance of observing the volcano at it best, so it’s best to avoid visiting during these months.

The busy months are January to May.  We like to run trip to Cotopaxi from November through March. June to November is considered the quiet season for tourists, so this can be a great time to visit.  Keep in mind, that from September to November the weather may be wet and can make summit attempts more challenging.

Cotopaxi

6). Our Itemized Kit List

We have developed an extensive itemized kit list for you. Making it simple, clear as easy to come fully prepared with the right gear, clothing and mountaineering equipment.

7).  Quality Hotels and Equipment

In Quito we use the Reina Isabel in Quito. This hotel is centrally located. On the mountain we use the best lodges available in the region.

8). Small Group Sizes

We only work with small group sizes. The maximum number of people per team will be 12 people. Some of our groups are even less people with only 6 or 8 team members. We also run private groups trips to Cotopaxi. This will therefore give you are more personalized experience.

We believe the journey is far more valuable than the destination. Building a team throughout our program so you can acclimatize well and experience the best of  this region of the world.  Our guides will monitor your heart rate and oxygen saturation morning and night to make sure you are acclimatizing correctly to the lack of oxygen.

Cotopaxi

9). All Inclusive Packages

We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the Hotel in Quito. Our staff will process all the permits and park fees.  All transport will be in high quality private vehicles. All of our trips include city tours and the best mountain guides and service throughout.

On the mountain portion of the trip we serve 3 meals a day. Therefore, you do not have to worry about bringing extra food. We can guarantee quality food throughout the trek.

10). Expert Office Support in Colorado

We have highly experienced team members available 5 days a week in support of your trip. They have all climbed Cotopaxi numerous times, and always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have. Get in touch and learn from our experience.

Climb Cotopaxi
Top 20 Tips for Climbing Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi and Chimborazo