Daily from Quito
5 days, 4 nights

The near-perfect cone of Mount Cotopaxi, at 5897m, is rated as one of the most beautiful in the world. Shrouded in virgin-white snow, it offers the climber an awesome view into its crater.

Technically this is not a difficult climb, and so it is popular among those who wish to gain experience at high-altitude mountaineering.

Altitude acclimatisation is essential, so you will be spending a couple of days hiking in crisp mountain air along easy-going paths through Andean landscapes of cedar forests, tiny villages and glacial lagoons.

You have the opportunity to climb to the crater of the extinct 4200m peak of Pasachoa, and hike to the peak of Illinizas Sur.

On the 5th day you will depart at midnight for the ascent of Cotopaxi itself: your guide will help you negotiate the giant rock walls and ill-defined paths.

At 5050m you will reach the snow-line, after which crampons must be worn. On a clear day, there are mind-expanding views over the surrounding snow-mantled peaks. What a sense of achievement!