It has been a long time coming but finally I reached the summit of Cotopaxi. I originally tried to climb Cotopaxi in 2015, but the volcano erupted in August 2015. I got busy doing other things and when I set my sights on another trip to Cotopaxi in 2022 the mountain closed again. 2024 was my year and what a great experience reaching the summit of this magical mountain.
The Build up to Cotopaxi
Over the years I have enjoyed hiking trails across the US, including the PTC and Application trail. I have hiked a lot of the Colorado trail and hiked many 14ers over a decade of hiking. I climbed Mount Baker in 2014 and Mount Rainier in 2015 and really enjoyed the challenge. These two peaks sparked my interest in taking on more challenging mountaineering trips.
While on Rainier one of my teammates suggested I look at Cotopaxi in Ecuador. When I first started looking at Cotopaxi, I thought I was looking at Mount Fuji in Japan. Cotopaxi and Fuji look similar, but Cotopaxi is 7,000 feet higher than Mount Fuji.
I signed up for a Cotopaxi climb for November 2015 but suddenly in August the mountain erupted and that ended my Cotopaxi journey.
Kilimanjaro
I started to look at other options for climbing and I found Ian Taylor Trekking’s Kilimanjaro video on Youtube and was intrigued. Kilimanjaro is 6 feet lower than Cotopaxi, but I wanted to go higher than Rainier. Kilimanjaro has no mountaineering but offers a real summit day with serious descent. When I called I spoke to Ian directly and the way he spoke about Kilimanjaro inspired me to sign up.
Originally I looking at one of the 6 day Kilimanjaro tours, but Ian talked me out of it. I went for the 8-day Lemosho route ascent and thank God I took Ian’s advice. The Lemosho route was the way to go. I learned a lot about how to approach high altitude and taking more time lower down would ultimately shape all future high-altitude endeavors.
Why Kilimanjaro
People scoff at Kilimanjaro and say its an easy hike. I can tell you as a hiker it is not an easy hike. All you must do is look at the success rates at 55% to 60% of people are successful on Kilimanjaro. I learned so much on Kilimanjaro from Ian and his team. I was lucky enough to get on a Kilimanjaro climb that Ian was leading in 2016.
The three most important things I learned were:
1). Training at very specific heart rates and managing heart rates and stress on the mountain.
2). Learning more about specific hiking pace
3). Training with a weighted backpack and how to train for the downhill.
I was able to use these 3 new skills to go away and prepare better for bigger mountains. If I had not of completed Kilimanjaro, I am not sure I would have felt confident for Cotopaxi or any other high-altitude adventure.
The Himalayas
In 2018 I set my sights on Lobuche Peak and signed for one of Ian’s climbs. I’m not sure why I didn’t go for Cotopaxi, but the Himalayas was appealing. Getting to trek to Everest and climb a 20,000-foot peak exciting.
Taking part in a fixed line training course for 2 days in Colorado and was so important to understand the techniques needed used on Himalayan peaks.
Implementing a more rigid training plan as extremely important. Following Ian’s step by step approach to training.
It worked! I lost 15lbs, I was lighter, leaner and stronger and found Lobuche peak tough but manageable. The journey through the Everest region was so unique and really enjoyed the trek to Everest Base Camp and climb on Lobuche East.
What Happened in 2020
In 2020, like many adventurers, I had to adjust my plans, turning my attention to the incredible hiking opportunities within the United States. During this time, I successfully completed the Colorado Trail, a stunning 486-mile long-distance hike that I highly recommend to anyone seeking a challenging and rewarding thru-hiking experience.
I also summited Holy Cross, one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers, showcasing the state’s breathtaking high-altitude landscapes. By early 2021, my focus shifted toward preparing for another climb of Cotopaxi, the second-highest volcano in Ecuador and one of the most iconic peaks in the Andes.
Steeping Foot on Cotopaxi
In 2021 I signed up for one of Ian’s Cotopaxi trips in 2022, thinking the Volcano would not stop me this time. Well, I was wrong, Cotopaxi closed the door one more time. This time I decided to go to Ecuador and take on Cayambe as Cotopaxi was closed.
The itinerary for climbing Cayambe was exceptional, starting with hikes on Pasochoa and Ruminahui, which provided excellent acclimatization and stunning views of Ecuador’s highlands.
A highlight was trekking up to the Refugio on Cotopaxi, where we conducted our mountaineering training at an impressive altitude of 16,500 feet. This offered a valuable opportunity to refresh essential mountaineering skills in a real alpine environment.
Stepping onto the slopes of Cotopaxi after years of anticipation was a truly memorable and long-awaited experience.
Cayambe
After a great week of hiking and training around the avenue of the Volcanoes it was time to get the mountaineering boots on and get back on a glacier again. Cayambe is not as steep as Cotopaxi but a challenging peak all the same.
The ascent of Cayambe begins from a small Refugio, leading to a rocky section that serves as a prelude to the glacier climb. The route gradually transitions onto the expansive glacier, offering breathtaking views as you ascend. At 18,996 feet, Cayambe presents a rewarding challenge, particularly as the climb steepens near the summit.
The final stretch requires navigating around large crevasses and carefully zig-zagging your way up the icy slopes, adding an element of technical skill and adventure. Reaching the summit of Cayambe is a remarkable achievement, making this climb a truly worthwhile and unforgettable experience for any mountaineer.
It was also cool to walk across a glacier at the equator. Cayambe is the only place you can do this.
Actually climbing Cotopaxi!
2024 was the year and in November I stood on the summit of this mighty Volcano. It was a much tougher ascent than Cayambe or Kilimanjaro. The last hour to the summit of Kilimanjaro is pretty straight forward. The last hour to the summit of Cotopaxi is steep and challenging terrain.
It was great to be back in Cotopaxipungo, hiking Pasochoa and Ruminahui which are also steep and long ascents and descents. I just love this region of Ecuador. There were very few people on the trails and mountains and it was refreshing from the sights along the Everest trail.
The ascent of Cotopaxi is steep all the way up from the Refugio to the summit. I have to tell you the route changes all the time and as the guides say you need to be over prepared physically as the conditions under foot change from day to day up there. Every ascent is different and you have to prepare for the worst conditions.
Aconcagua
Cotopaxi is complete, but I will be back for Chimborazo! Two of our guides in Ecuador lead regular trips to Aconcagua for Ian Taylor Trekking and I was extremely impressed with their ability, experience and safety on Cotopaxi. So in 2026, I will be signing up for a trip to Aconcagua led by Ian’s team.
You Need to Pick Ian Taylor Trekking
The exceptional service, carefully planned acclimatization schedule, highly skilled guides, and unmatched attention to detail make this organization stand out in every way. Their team is fully dedicated to ensuring your success, comfort, and overall enjoyment throughout the journey.
From start to finish, their focus on delivering a seamless and memorable experience is truly unparalleled. If you’re looking for a trekking or climbing company that prioritizes your safety and satisfaction, this is the team to trust. I cannot recommend them highly enough for anyone seeking an extraordinary adventure.
Thank You!!
I have to say 8 years working with Ian and learning from his immense experience has helped me achieve all my mountaineering goals. I can nor understate this journey and want to thank Ian, his team and wife Laura for all their support on my journey over the past 7 years. Look forward to seeing you again soon on Aconcagua!