Rumiñahui Trek 4.631 m / 15,189 ft

Explore of one of Ecuador’s most scenic national parks

DURATION 1 day

DIFFICULTY Moderate

TRIP OVERVIEW

This long extinct volcano is located 45 km South of Quito and just 13 km Northwest of Cotopaxi. Rumiñahui is a huge caldron open to the Northwest, and it is named after the loyal general of the last Inca Emperor, Atahualpa. Once the Spaniards murdered the Emperor, Rumiñahui hid the famous treasure of gold that was to be paid for Atahualpa's freedom, and led the fight against the Spanish conquerors. In Quichua the name means "stone face".

Our 7 day Cotopaxi trek and climb (which includes Rumiñahui) is also available for those looking for a longer hiking and mountaineering program https://www.andeanface.com/tour/cotopaxi-trek-climb/

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: Open

Pre-requisites: Acceptable physical condition

Difficulty Levels: Moderate
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out

Activity: Trekking / Wildlife & Natural History

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: Trekking Excursions Gear List
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ITINERARY

Rumiñahui consists of three peaks. We attempt the central summit. Leaving from Quito we start our day with a 2 hour drive to the plateau of the Cotopaxi National Park and start hiking from the Limpiopungo lake located at 3.800 m / 12,464 ft.

The hike normally takes four hours to the summit and two hours down. Technically, it is just a hike with some easy scrambling at the end. The mountain offers a fantastic view of Cotopaxi to the East of Rumiñahui.

The night can be spent in a lodge depending on the next destination of your itinerary.

DAY
01

Trek to the Central Summit of Rumiñahui

  • Pick up at Quito at around 8:30
  • Two hour drive to Cotopaxi National Park
  • Four hour hike to the summit
  • Box lunch
  • Two hour down to the vehicle
  • Drive back at Quito by 19:30

Activity: 4 hours climbing up / 2 hours descending

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Box Lunch

Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Located just 13 km away from Cotopaxi
  • Right in the middle of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes"
  • Excellent views of Cotopaxi, Antisana, Sincholahua and the Limpiopungo plateau
  • Just 2 1/2 hours away from Quito
  • All year round climbing

MAP

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COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

We have designed these hikes after being exploring and trekking in Ecuador for over 20 years. We don’t just offer the classic trekking routes; we have a comprehensive range of hiking excursions that take you to explore the hidden corners of the northern Andes of Ecuador, offering you off-the-beaten-path experiences, hikes that discover forgotten trails, and stunning natural sights. Each single excursion can be part of a multiple day tailor made program.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Hiking and a bit of scrambling at the end

Terrain

Part of the hike is along a trial that starts at Limpiopungo lake

Travel

We travel to Rumiñahui Pichincha by jeep or van

Weather

The earlier we can reach the summit the better views we can get

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

This area offers plenty of possibilities for adventure in the high paramo.

We can arrange different horseback riding trips in the area to visit either Pasochoa, Rumiñahui or Cotopaxi National Park. Or we can suggest a stay in one of the splendid haciendas nearby and a day trek for the following morning.

Pasochoa Trek

A great trek with a view of the pristine forest…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.200 m / 13,776 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Corazon

A long trek on a mountain with a “heart”

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.788 m / 15,704 ft

Difficulty

Moderate
North Iliniza

Good first objective above 5.000 m /16,400 ft

Duration

2 days

Elevation

5.125 m / 16,810 ft

Difficulty

Intermediate