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The volcano Cotopaxi (5,897m) dominates the national park of the same name, about 2 to 3 hours south of Quito. The ascent itself is not technically difficult, but it is physically tiring with 6 to 7 hours of walking up 45-degree ice. It is absolutely essential to be acclimatised.
So that’s the bad stuff. And don’t underestimate it - I thought I was acclimatised and I only made it to 5,300m before breathing became impossible and we had to turn round. People who regularly compete in triathlons didn’t make it.
But on the positive side, we started the ascent at 1am under a bright full moon, which made our head torches somewhat irrelevant. And, as we descended, dawn broke from beneath the clouds in the valley, which was a magical moment.
The climb is winter walking with ice axes and crampons. There is no need to be a master (or indeed a novice) at ice climbing, but previous experience is useful.
Kit-wise, I rented practically everything from Safari Tours in Quito, which I can thoroughly recommend. At $165 for the 2 days, it’s not the cheapest, but they’re highly regarded and know their stuff, which, on a mountain, can be invaluable.
If you’re up to it, both physically and in terms of acclimatisation, then go for it. It’s a real challenge.
From journals
Journey to the Centre of the World