Summiting Cotopaxi
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- čas přidán 4. 11. 2018
- It was September 4th around 11pm and I get my wake up call to gear up to begin my climb up one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Cotopaxi.
When the clock turned midnight, my guide and I began our climb from 15,960 ft to 19,347 ft on this glacier for a painful seven hours.
We were faced with harsh conditions, including temperatures at 10-25 degrees F that made any exposed skin vulnerable and wind gusts at 20-40 mph that would knock me down to my knees a couple feet away from sharp cliff drops.
As we crawled our way up the ice, the oxygen got thinner and thinner. All physical challenges turned into mental challenges as each step became more demanding.
With some final pushes of energy, I made it to the top of Cotopaxi. This is the highest point I have ever reached so it was a very personal feat for me. With pure emotion and sense of accomplishment, I proceeded to run and slide down the mountain to get back home.
Great video, reminded me of when I went to the Cotopaxi as well in 2014. We started at a slightly lower altitude and went up until the lower glacier. Walking in this loose volcanic sand wasn't an easy task, let alone climbing up the glacier to the summit!
Great memories :) and congratulations on reaching the summit!
That volcanic sand was definitely difficult to walk in. Beautiful volcano all around. I agree - great memories. Thank you!
I was there in 1979. Then again in 1987. I still remember the struggle with the lack of oxygen. Nowadays I struggle even at Quito level!
Thanks for the video! Brings back memories. I climbed Cotopaxi and Chimborazo back in 2000.
Appreciate the comment! Definitely some great memories on that volcano.
Absolutely incredible. I’m planning on climbing this next month and watching this video scared the shit out of me 😳😂
congratulations you did It!! thanks for visiting my country!
This looks so painful. I don’t know how you do it. Proud of you !
Awesome video. Very inspiring. Well done.
Amazing!!!!! Congratulations!!!
I was up there in December of 2017, on a very rare for the Cotopaxi, clear sunny day. It was a promise I had made to both myself and the mountain since I first set my eyes on it in August of 1990.
It took me a while but I finally did it.. It is my favorite mountain in the world with a enormous symbolic meaning.
Great footage! 👍
Great video! Thanks for making this. I’m attempting in three weeks!
Thanks man. Best of luck!
Great video
Awesome video my man! I will be attempting this soon.
Much appreciated man. Climb and conquer. Best of luck!
Best of luck champ watch out with that sick altitude I did Cotopaxi and tunguragua,But for some many reasons I was able to doChimborazo this last time😏 got sick quick man
Wow
Amazing! Will be attempting this October/November this year. Any tips to prepare?
Best of luck with the climb! I think what helped me the most was training to develop a strong aerobic base. I did a lot of stair master with a 10 to 25 lb weighted vest for 20 to 60 minutes. I tried to go at a slow pace so my heart rate would stay in mostly zone 2. Managing the breathing under discomfort in high altitude conditions is key. Also, strong calves, quads and glutes will help you work through the volcanic sand, snow and ice, which can all be soft or slippery.
THIS VIDEO WAS SPECTACULAR. I AM GOING TO QUITO FIRST WEEK OF APRIL AND WILL ATTEMPT COTOPAXI ON THE 7TH OR 8TH. WHO WAS THE GUIDE FOR YOU?? PLEASE RECOMMEND. DO I NEED A GUIDE?? WHERE CAN I RENT THAT PICKUP IN QUITO?? THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS POST. IT WAS VERY INFORMATIVE. YOU SHOULD BE MAKING MORE!!!!!!
Thank you! I believe a guide is required for Cotopaxi. Either way, I highly recommend using one. My guide was Fernando from Cotopaxi Travel (www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294308-d12083085-Reviews-Cotopaxi_Travel-Quito_Pichincha_Province.html). He was very knowledgeable and helpful on the mountain. The pick up truck was my guide's truck. He picked me up from my hostel in Quito.
Looks like guides are required there. What company did you use? Any recommendations/thoughts? I'm headed there next month. Thanks
Yes, guides are required. For a 2-day ascent for one person, I paid $495 (includes guide and all equipment). This price may be lower if you go in a group of two or more. I booked my guide, Fernando, through explore-share.com. You can contact my guide, Fernando Iza, through his email (feriza81@gmail.com) to check for availability. I think he's good for solo or small group climbs. If he's not available then I'm sure you can find other qualified guides on that site.
that was sick!!!! Can you rent cold weather gear? We are flying in from Canada and would rather not bring all the gear.
Thanks! Yes you can definitely rent most cold weather gear in Quito or in some smaller rental locations closer to Cotopaxi National Park. I rented a hardshell coat, inner jacket, helmet, hardshell pants, boots, crampons, and ice picks. It made it significantly easier to travel from NY.
@@faguero2 thanks for the reply! Do you you remember the approx price per person to rent gear and pay for a guide to climb the summit?
@@mikecapannelli7731 For a 2-day ascent for one person, I paid $495 (includes guide and all equipment). This price may be lower if you go in a group of two or more. I booked my guide, Fernando, through explore-share.com. You can contact my guide, Fernando Iza, through his email (feriza81@gmail.com) to check for availability.
Great video.. What time of year did you do this?
Early September. Exact dates are in the video. Weather is supposed to be good around that time of year but we got hit with a storm on the mountain.
@@faguero2 Thanks. We're doing it in late April early May..
Awesome! Best of luck
Monte Abraham
Meters and feet are two measurements