Cotopaxi Volcano is one of Ecuador’s highest and most iconic mountains, rising to 5,897 metres within Cotopaxi National Park. Its near-perfect snow-covered cone dominates the surrounding landscape and makes it one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Most summit attempts begin from the José Rivas Refuge at around 4,864 metres, with climbers setting out around midnight to cross glaciers and steep volcanic slopes before sunrise.
We made an attempt to climb Cotopaxi during our stay in Machachi. After reaching the José Rivas Refuge, we started our ascent overnight in bad weather and climbed to about 5,600 metres, stopping only a short distance below the summit. A combination of fatiguing weather and poor resolve by our guide brought the climb to an early end. The photographs document the expedition from the refuge onto the glacier, capturing the progression of the climb.
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