Can Beginners Climb Chimborazo and Cotopaxi?

If you have ever looked up at a glaciated peak and wondered whether someone like you could stand on its summit, you are not alone. Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are two of the most iconic mountains in Ecuador. Their snow-covered summits rise above the clouds and invite both experienced climbers and complete beginners to imagine something bigger for themselves. It is one of the most common questions we receive at Life Happens Outdoors. Do you really need prior mountaineering experience to take on a Cotopaxi climb or a Chimborazo climb?

In an episode of Talking Outdoors, Rami Rasamny walks through this question with the honesty and reassurance that define our philosophy. The short answer is that you do not need years of mountaineering behind you. What you need is preparation, guidance, curiosity and a willingness to grow through challenge. When these pieces come together, it becomes entirely possible for beginners to climb Chimborazo and Cotopaxi together and to do so safely and confidently.

Understanding What Makes These Mountains Special

Cotopaxi rises to an elevation of almost five thousand nine hundred meters. Chimborazo reaches more than six thousand two hundred meters and stands as the highest peak in Ecuador. These numbers matter because altitude changes everything. Breathing becomes slower. Steps become heavier. Simple tasks demand patience and mental focus. A Cotopaxi climb or Chimborazo climb is not simply a long hike. The moment you step onto the glacier you enter a world that asks you to be present in every sense of the word.

Both peaks require travel across snow and ice. Climbers use crampons, carry an ice axe and move as part of a rope team. Guides teach these skills and no one is expected to arrive already knowing them. What matters is comfort with learning and the ability to trust the process. Cotopaxi difficulty is often described as moderate for those who are fit and well acclimatized. Chimborazo difficulty is greater because the mountain is higher, the summit day is longer and the environment is more demanding.

Is Cotopaxi a Good First Mountain for Beginners

Cotopaxi is one of the most welcoming six thousand meter mountains in the world. For many people it becomes their first experience on a glaciated peak. A Cotopaxi climb is accessible when you have hiking experience, consistent training and the support of a guiding team that prioritizes acclimatization. If you can comfortably complete long day hikes and maintain steady effort for several hours, you are already on the right path.

For those new to altitude or still building fitness, it is important to treat the mountain with respect. A slow approach makes all the difference. Time spent trekking around Quito and climbing lower peaks gives your body the chance to adapt before you attempt Cotopaxi. That is why a thoughtful itinerary is one of the most valuable pieces of your entire experience.

Why Chimborazo Feels Like a Step Beyond Cotopaxi

Chimborazo sits more than three hundred meters higher than Cotopaxi and its summit push often feels more sustained. The distance, cold and altitude combine to create a powerful challenge. Many climbers use Cotopaxi as a stepping stone before attempting a Chimborazo climb. When you have already experienced a long summit night on Cotopaxi, the rhythm of Chimborazo feels more familiar.

For those who dream of climbing both peaks in a single journey, the best approach is to climb Cotopaxi first then progress toward Chimborazo once your body and mind have adjusted. This flow mirrors how professional guiding teams structure their expeditions and it gives climbers the highest chance of success.

How Life Happens Outdoors Prepares You for Success

At Life Happens Outdoors, our goal is not simply to lead people up mountains. It is to help people become the kind of climbers they never believed they could be. Preparation for a Chimborazo climb or Cotopaxi climb begins long before you arrive in Ecuador.

You receive training guidance that helps you build the endurance and strength required for high altitude. We explain the gear you need and how each layer plays a role in keeping you comfortable. Our team teaches you every technical skill you will use on the mountain from moving in crampons to carrying an ice axe with confidence. Most importantly we design an acclimatization plan that gives your body time to adapt. This is the key to managing altitude and it is the foundation of both Chimborazo and Cotopaxi success.

Training for High Altitude: What You Can Start Doing Now

Training for these climbs builds gradually. Start by developing a strong aerobic base through running, hiking or cycling several times a week. Add strength workouts that focus on the legs and core. Practice hiking with a backpack on varied terrain and increase the load slowly. If you can access hills, spend time climbing them at a steady pace. Summit nights often begin around midnight so it is helpful to practice early morning starts as well. These small steps build the mental and physical resilience that high altitude demands.

Understanding Chimborazo Climb Cost and What You Are Paying For

A Chimborazo climb cost usually includes certified guides, group technical equipment such as ropes and glacier gear, transportation within the itinerary, mountain accommodation and meals during the climbing phase. Some teams also include park fees. Personal gear, travel insurance, international flights and gratuities are typically not part of the base cost. The same applies when looking at Cotopaxi climb cost. When comparing options, quality of guidance, acclimatization planning and safety standards matter far more than the lowest price. A well-structured expedition increases your chance of reaching the summit while keeping you safe throughout the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners climb Cotopaxi
Yes. With proper training, acclimatization and a reliable guided team, a Cotopaxi climb is achievable for many first-time mountaineers.

Is Cotopaxi hard to climb
Cotopaxi difficulty comes from altitude, cold and a long summit night, but the technical skills required are manageable for beginners who are well prepared.

Is Chimborazo harder than Cotopaxi
Chimborazo difficulty is higher due to its elevation and the length of the summit push. It is a strong choice for climbers who have already stood on the summit of Cotopaxi or have significant fitness and determination.

How many days do I need to climb both peaks
Most itineraries range from ten to fourteen days when you plan to climb Chimborazo and Cotopaxi together. This timeframe includes acclimatization, training and rest.

When is the best season to climb
Ecuador’s dry periods offer the most stable conditions for both mountains. Specific timing varies year to year so it is best to confirm with your guiding team.

Watch the Episode and Begin Your Journey

To understand the spirit behind these climbs, watch the Talking Outdoors episode titled “Do You Need Experience to Climb Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.” Rami Rasamny offers clarity, reassurance and the perspective of someone who has guided countless beginners to the summit. If this dream has been sitting quietly with you for a while, now is the moment to take the next step. Whether you are planning your first Cotopaxi climb or imagining the feeling of standing on the summit of Chimborazo, our team is here to help you prepare, grow and discover what you are truly capable of.