Dreaming of scaling the heights of Cotopaxi, Ecuador's legendary stratovolcano? At a jaw-dropping 19,347 feet (5,897 meters), this iconic peak is every adventurer’s dream—and challenge. With its snow-capped beauty and status as one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi offers an unforgettable experience. But there’s a catch: the altitude.
Here at Zaca, with 15+ years of experience helping people thrive at high elevations, we know the altitude isn't just a small hurdle—it’s the ultimate test. Climbing Cotopaxi isn’t just about fitness; it’s about preparing your body to adapt to thin air and avoiding altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness). Without the right approach, even seasoned mountaineers can struggle.
But don’t let that stop you—because with the right preparation, you can conquer both the altitude and the summit. This guide has everything you need: insights into Cotopaxi’s altitude, tips to prevent altitude sickness, and strategies to make your climb a success. Whether you’re a first-time climber or a mountain veteran, consider this your go-to plan for tackling Cotopaxi and making it to the top.
Cotopaxi Mountain is one of Ecuador's most famous volcanoes and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Located in the Andes, it sits within Cotopaxi National Park, which covers over 84,000 acres of plains and trails. Cotopaxi last erupted in 2015 and has had more than 50 eruptions since the 16th century. Its cone-shaped, snow-covered summit makes it a popular spot for travelers. Plus, its glacier is one of the few on the equator, supplying water to nearby areas.
Cotopaxi (also considered Cotopaxi National Park) rises to an altitude of 19,347 feet, making it one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and the second highest mountain in Ecuador.
At its peak, Cotopaxi reaches a height over three times that of Denver, Colorado (5,280 feet), and surpasses many of the world's other famous climbs. Examples include Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet, Machu Picchu (Peru’s iconic site) at 7,970 feet, and Colorado’s 14ers, with peaks like Mount Elbert reaching 14,440 feet.
Reaching the summit is no small feat, with an elevation gain of 3,618 feet.
The starting point for most climbers, or parking area elevation, is approximately 15,088 feet above sea level. To put that into perspective, Quito, Ecuador's capital and the usual hub for travelers, sits at 9,350 feet. Quite a leap, right?
You can drive to the base camp of Cotopaxi, most coming from the city of Quito less than 2 hours away. Cotopaxi's high elevation means that trekkers should be prepared to deal with extreme altitude, even for shorter climbs.
(Source: SummitPost)
Here are a few more notable altitudes to explore at Cotopaxi, each offering its own unique views and challenges for adventurers.
Cotopaxi offers some of the most popular hiking and climbing trails with varying elevation gains, altitudes, and difficulty levels:
Yes, Cotopaxi is considered high altitude, so much that Mountain Medicine categorizes it as “extreme altitude” by exceeding 18,000 feet high (source: Wiki).
Yes, you have a high risk of altitude sickness climbing Cotopaxi. At nearly 20,000 feet, the air gets thin fast, and altitude sickness can hit hard—don’t underestimate how serious it can be up there!
To understand altitude sickness, it helps to think of Cotopaxi’s thin air. At higher elevations, oxygen levels drop significantly compared to what you’re used to at sea level. Due to its extreme altitude, getting Cotopaxi altitude sickness is an extremely high risk. This oxygen reduction forces your body to work harder to deliver adequate oxygen to muscles and vital organs, leading to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
At these elevations of Cotopaxi, the air contains significantly less oxygen, estimated to be over 51% lower oxygen than sea level (source: Hypoxico).
This means even the fittest climbers can succumb to its effects, no matter how healthy or experienced they are.
Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath, while more severe ones can include loss of balance, dry cough, and changes in behavior.
Symptoms of Cotopaxi altitude sickness may include:
Stay very alert of these symptoms as they can creep up on your climb or even at night right after. Usual altitude sickness kicks in within 6-24 hours. If severe or debilitating, seek medical attention immediately.
Want to handle high elevations like the pros? Check out our expert tips further below.
Climbing Cotopaxi with its extreme altitude comes with serious risks, including High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). While much less common than altitude sickness (AMS), these conditions can be life-threatening. HAPE causes fluid to build up in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. HACE, on the other hand, involves swelling in the brain, which can result in confusion, loss of coordination, and severe headaches. Recognizing these symptoms and taking proper precautions—like acclimatizing to the altitude—are absolutely crucial for your safety. If symptoms appear, immediate descent and medical attention are non-negotiable.
Climbing Cotopaxi is an adventure like no other, but tackling its towering heights means being ready to face the challenge of altitude sickness. Coming from Colorado, we know a thing or two about high altitudes, and we’re here to share expert tips to help you conquer Cotopaxi’s elevations.
Here’s 6 Tips To Survive Cotopaxi Altitude Sickness:
A term well known by mountaineers, climb high and sleep low is singlehandedly the best tip to follow. This means to make your Cotopaxi ascent by day, then descend to basecamp by night.
Cotopaxi takes two days to climb, so sleeping at the basecamp of Cotopaxi (Jose Rivas Refuge) is common protocol. This allows your body to be exposed the longest to 15,748 feet, and minimize the summit time at 19,347 feet.
Acclimating in Ecuador before a Cotopaxi climb is the smartest thing to do in preparation.
You can spend a few days to a week at a moderately high altitude like in Quito or nearby Andean towns. This allows your body to adjust at an altitude closer to Cotopaxi than sea level, for example with Quito at 9,350 feet.
At higher elevations, dehydration is common due to increased respiration and the dry mountain air, estimated to cause body fluid loss twice as fast (source: SummitOxygen).**** Cotopaxi will be even a more extreme risk.
Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids throughout the day, preferably minimum 2-4 liters. On your Cotopaxi climb, you should increase that minimum water amount and drink more often.
TIP: For hydration optimization, take Zaca’s chewable tablets which support water absorption and recovery.
Altitude can not only disrupt sleep quality, sleep supports your body’s ability to recover, increase oxygen, and blood flow (source: OrthoCarolina).
Prioritize your sleep to get at least 7-9 hours each night.
TIP: Make your bedroom blackout dark, and get natural sunlight exposure during the day which supports your melatonin production at night for improved sleep.
Alcohol exacerbates dehydration and interferes with sleep, making your high altitude issues worse.
To minimize these risks, avoid alcohol at least a few days before and during your Cotopaxi climb.
High-altitude conditions, especially in Cotopaxi, will drastically increase oxidative stress. Research shows glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant) to decrease 45%.
To combat the oxidative stress, boost your antioxidants with altitude supplementation, especially glutathione which help recycle vitamin C and E (sources: PubMed 1, 2, 3).
These six strategies, combined with closely monitoring any symptoms, will help you survive the daunting heights of Cotopaxi.
Acclimatization is the one of the secret weapons against altitude sickness. For best results, plan for:
Prepare your body for the challenges of high-altitude trekking with Zaca, the ultimate supplement for altitude support. Designed to aid with hydration, recovery, and performance, Zaca can help combat fatigue and oxidative stress so you can focus on the climb ahead. Packed with natural ingredients like glutathione and herbs, it's the perfect companion for your mountain routine. Toss a few Zaca chewables into your pack for a convenient, effective way to support your body on your Cotopaxi quest. Don't just survive the altitude—thrive at it with Zaca!
Your packing list is just as important as your physical prep. When tackling Cotopaxi, make sure to include:
Hydration Essentials
Clothing and Gear
Snacks
Medications
Absolutely. Cotopaxi is not just a climb; it’s an experience. Few places in the world combine the raw, natural beauty of a high-altitude adventure with the sense of accomplishment from summiting an iconic volcano.
That said, don’t underestimate Cotopaxi’s challenge. The altitude is no small feat, but with proper preparation (as mentioned above), an acclimatization plan, and products like Zaca to support your journey, it’s more than achievable. The views at the summit? 100 percent worth every step.
Cotopaxi is a tough climb, even for experienced mountaineers. At 19,347 feet, it’s not just the icy slopes that challenge you—it’s the altitude. To put it in perspective, Cotopaxi’s summit is higher than Everest’s base camps. Even if you’ve tackled peaks like Mount Rainier, Kilimanjaro, or Mount Elbrus, Cotopaxi’s thin air can push your limits. Comparable climbs like Chimborazo and Orizaba also test mountaineers with similar altitude and technical challenges (source: Ecuadorecoadventures).
Preparation is key. Fitness alone won’t cut it—acclimatization is a must. Many climbers spend days at elevations above 10,000 feet, hiking or camping in areas like Quito or the Iliniza mountains to adjust. Skipping this step risks altitude sickness further, which can derail your climb. Think of Cotopaxi like a marathon—you wouldn’t show up on race day unprepared. Train well, get the right gear, and understand the challenges of high-altitude climbing.
Absolutely. Fitness doesn’t guarantee immunity to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), even when climbing peaks like Cotopaxi. Altitude sickness is caused by reduced oxygen at higher elevations and your body’s ability to adapt, not your level of physical fitness, which at Cotopaxi can be less than 50% of sea levels. Many seasoned athletes are surprised when they experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, or dizziness while climbing. The best way to mitigate AMS is to ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and allow your body time to adjust. Even the fittest climbers are encouraged to take precautions and be educated about the signs of AMS.
The best months to climb Cotopaxi are June to September and December to February, when the weather is generally more stable and skies are clearer. These periods coincide with Ecuador’s dry season, reducing the risk of heavy rain or snowstorms that could make the climb more dangerous. However, weather in the Andes can still be unpredictable, so it's always wise to check forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions (source: Iantaylortrekking).
Yes! Zaca Recovery Chewables are an excellent tool for climbers dealing with altitude challenges. Packed with hydration and antioxidant support, they’re designed to help your body recover faster and feel stronger. Many climbers swear by them to manage fatigue and support the oxidative stress that comes from high elevations. They’re compact, easy to carry, and ideal to keep in your pack during long treks. For more on how Zaca can aid your climb, visit Zaca’s website.
Yes, Cotopaxi is generally considered more technically challenging than Kilimanjaro. While Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek with no technical climbing required, Cotopaxi involves glacier travel, requiring crampons, ice axes, and some basic mountaineering skills. The altitude on Cotopaxi (19,347 feet) is also comparable to Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet), but the technical nature makes it tougher for most climbers.
Chimborazo is often considered the hardest mountain to climb in Ecuador. At 20,549 feet, it’s the highest peak in the country and requires advanced mountaineering skills due to its steep slopes, rockfall risks, and unpredictable weather. Cotopaxi is challenging too, but Chimborazo is in a league of its own for experienced climbers.
For Quito (at 9,350 feet), most people don’t need altitude sickness pills, at least when referring to prescribed medications. For Cotopaxi, at over 19,000 feet, altitude sickness is more likely, and pills like acetazolamide (Diamox) are commonly used by climbers to reduce symptoms. Remedies and supplements like Zaca, which support hydration and provide antioxidants, can also help in supporting the body in high altitudes. Always consult a doctor before taking medication or supplements, and allow enough time to acclimatize before tackling high-altitude climbs.
No, Cotopaxi is not taller than Mount Everest. Mount Everest peaks at 29,032 feet while Cotopaxi peaks at 19,347 feet.
Although Cotopaxi just slightly surpasses Mount Kilimanjaro in height at 19,341 feet by a small margin.
Cotopaxi vs Kilimanjaro vs Everest Elevations:
This puts Cotopaxi among some of the highest mountains in the world.
Yes, Cotopaxi is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located in Cotopaxi National Park of the Andes Mountains.
The most recent notable activity was in 2015 when Cotopax last erupted, which was after 73 years.
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