Climbing Cotopaxi in 2025: What You Need to Know After the Eruption

Cotopaxi (19,347 ft / 5,897 m) was once hailed as a beginner-friendly glacier trek in South America. But since the 2022 eruption, the climb has transformed. The glacier has become unpredictable, the route has changed, and experienced mountaineering skills are now essential.

This isn’t a “show up and hike” situation. It was the culmination of a strategic acclimatization plan, weeks of training, and multiple summits of Ecuador’s lesser-known but equally dramatic volcanoes. Cotopaxi was the crown jewel—but it was earned.

Preparing for Cotopaxi: Acclimatization Treks That Matter

We began our journey at Chilcabamba Lodge, nestled in the Ecuadorian highlands. It’s not just scenic—it’s functional. Perfectly placed to launch acclimatization hikes to several surrounding peaks. Our itinerary, which could double as a mountaineering masterclass, included:

• Guagua Pichincha (15,696 ft) – an active crater with steaming vents and breathtaking ridgelines
• Pasachoa (13,776 ft) – lush highland forests, sweeping views, and condor sightings
• Ruminahui (15,189 ft) – steep scree, exposed ridgelines, and panoramic volcano views
• Illiniza Norte (16,817 ft) – a non-technical but demanding scramble with serious elevation

Each of these climbs helped us adjust to altitude, refine our pace, and test our layering systems and gear. Most importantly, they gave our bodies the chance to adapt before we set foot on Cotopaxi’s icy slopes. You can learn more about these volcano treks on this Five Volcano Challenge video.

Post-Eruption: How Cotopaxi’s Glacier Has Changed

Since the eruption, Cotopaxi’s glacier has become increasingly unstable. Deep crevasses, shifting snow bridges, and heightened sulfur gas emissions are the new norm. It’s recommended to climb with a certified Ecuadorian guide, and all climbers should be roped up in teams of two.

Rope travel was essential not just for safety, but for navigation. The glacier changes from week to week. What was solid ice two days ago might be a hollow snow bridge now. Local knowledge matters.

Midnight Ascent: The Final Push to the Summit

We began our summit attempt from the Jose Rivas Refuge at 4,800 meters/15,750ft. Our headlamps pierced the dark as we marched out just after midnight. The goal: reach the summit by sunrise, when snow conditions are firmer and safer.

Climbing in the dark is surreal. The world narrows to the crunch of crampons, the pull of the rope, the measured breath inside your balaclava. Altitude slows everything down. Even with our extensive prep, each step demanded effort.

Crevasses forced constant route-finding. Some were so wide they required careful detours. Others were just narrow enough to cross—but you didn’t dare hesitate. 

Gasping at the Crater Rim

Around 5,600 meters, the sulfur hit us—a sharp, metallic taste at the back of the throat. We stopped to put on our masks. Visibility increased as the sky lightened, but the final push was steep and exposed.

Then, finally, we reached the rim of the crater.

It was like something out of science fiction: a fuming volcanic bowl glowing orange in the morning light, surrounded by the frozen stillness of the high Andes. We stood roped together, staring into the Earth’s core while clouds drifted like smoke across the horizon. Chimborazo rose in the distance, slightly higher but no more majestic.

Descent and Reflection

We didn’t linger long. As the sun warms the glacier, risk increases—snow bridges weaken and crevasses soften. The descent was careful and slow. But every step down was charged with the glow of accomplishment.

Back at the refuge, we untied from our ropes and collapsed into camp chairs, grinning and silent. Cotopaxi had given us her summit—but only after we’d earned it.

Not Ready for the Summit? Hike to the Snowline

It’s worth noting that not all travelers attempt the full ascent. Some prefer to hike to Cotopaxi’s snowline, a demanding but non-technical hike that offers jaw-dropping views of the glacier and summit. For those without mountaineering experience, it’s a fantastic way to experience the mountain safely.

Final Thoughts: Why Cotopaxi Should Be on Your Adventure List

Climbing Cotopaxi in 2025 is a full-scale alpine expedition. It demands physical preparation, mountaineering experience, and a team mindset. But what you get in return—a sulfur-lit sunrise at 19,000 feet, the deep silence of a living volcano, and a personal sense of triumph—is unforgettable.

Contact us if you are interested in climbing Cotopaxi.

Whether you’re climbing to the summit or hiking to the snowline, Cotopaxi offers an adventure that few mountains can match. Explore all of our adventures to find your next challenge.