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Is my departure guaranteed?
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This trip requires a minimum of two guests to run. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from Ecuatraveling.
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What is the best way to get to to the trip start location?
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A number of airline carriers provide service from the U.S. to Quito, Ecuador. Most flights will route you through either Miami, Houston, or Atlanta.
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What are the accommodations like?
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The accommodations in Quito (most nights during the trip) will be at the Hotel Cruz Loma, complete with housekeeping, laundry services, and private bathrooms. You'll also stay one night in a refuge in Cotopaxi National Park before summiting the mountain. The refuge provides bunk beds and shared bathrooms.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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If you are a solo traveler and you'd like your own room, you'll need to pay a single supplement of $350 directly to Ecuatraveling before your departure.
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What will the food be like?
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The following is an example of the type of food included in this trip:
Breakfast: Fruit, granola, coffee, fruit juice
Lunch: Healthy Ecuadorian food, including corn, meat, chicken, and a variety of soups and salads (vegetarian options are always available)
Dinner: Homemade food according to the preferences of the group of runners
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How much extra money should I budget?
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This package includes most of the trip expenses, but it is recommended you budget an additional $400 for souvenirs, shopping, and personal expenses.
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What will the weather be like?
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Temperatures in Quito vary from 48 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ecuador has an amazing advantage of being located at the Equator, and doesn't face extreme weather conditions. Climbing Cotopaxi will entail hiking 6-8 hours over ice and Ecuatraveling will provide you with all of the necessary gear to climb.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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Running:
Comfortable running shoes (mix dry and mud type of shoe)
Warm and light jacket
Rain jacket
Buff
Hydration kit (camelback, plastic bottles)
Electrolytes
Running shorts
Leggings
Climbing:
First layer
Mid layer
Long socks
General:
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Sport sandals
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Watch or alarm clock
Quick-dry clothing
Rain coat
Rain pants
Sunblock
Sun hat
Waterproof camera, if possible
Waterproof backpack
Money belt
Sunglasses
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How should I prepare for this trip? How can I manage the high altitude?
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The most challenging part of this trip is the altitude. Your guides will start with a slow acclimation process during the first two days, allowing you to get used to the altitude. Beyond that, your professional guides will take care of details like hydration, food, and supplements in order to keep the red blood cells high and avoid any inconveniences. However, you are still advised to do some high altitude training prior to the trip to help get yourself acclimated. Basic training is also recommended and you should plan to train with weekly mileages of at least 30 miles leading up to the trip. Proper preparation is important so that you are able to enjoy the trip to the fullest.
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How difficult is the running? What if I can't finish the planned route?
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Throughout your trip you'll have the support of the guide, an extra assistant, and a driver. If you can't finish the course, one of Ecuatraveling's representatives will take you back to the car where you can wait for the rest for the group.
The difficulty of this trip is rated at medium plus and runners should expect a fair amount of activity and strain. There will be at least two running leaders available to manage each individual during the run. For beginners, it's best to let Ecuatraveling know in advance so they can provide customized routes and distances.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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Travel insurance is required for this adventure. It allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel the trip?
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Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply. For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.
