Morurco volcano

                                                (4,880 masl)
It is located next to the Cotopaxi volcano on the south side of it. This peak was formed by ancient eruptions of the Cotopaxi volcano. There is a refuge on the south face of the Cotopaxi volcano from where it starts towards the Morurco. Normally expeditions to summit last two days.

On the first day you will reach the refuge on the south side. It rests and at approximately 3-5am the ascent begins. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours of climb and 4 of descent. The technical level is medium-high and rock climbing equipment is needed to descend from the elevation. The inactive volcano has no snow so no snow equipment is needed.

Many people choose only one day leaving very early from Quito or Latacunga and arriving at the south shelter around 7am then you get to the Morurco skirts (or climb a little) and then return. The journey without ascending to the summit is around 5 hours to go and 3 to return. Anyway, the walk offers incredible views of the adjacent volcanoes with a panorama of straw, rock and sand.

The routes and trails are little marked so it is advisable to go with a guide as the weather conditions can change suddenly and the rain and / or fog will not let you appreciate the trails. The best time of the year is during the months of June-September where the sun and dry climate dominate in the region.

                                        

                                                        The departure is usually from Quito or Latacunga with a guide or an organized tour. Tours for two days cost around $ 150 per person.

To reach Morurco, it is necessary to reach the refuge on the south face of Cotopaxi first. It takes a 4WD or a taxi (truck) to do it. You can take a bus from Quito to Lasso ($ 2, 1.5 hours) or from LAtacunga to Lasso ($ 1, 1 hour) From Laso you hire a van (taxi) or you enter with your own vehicle to the community of Mulalo. Once in the small town, permission is requested to the comuneros to pass. They usually ask for a contribution per person of $ 2-5 (widely negotiable) to go through their land. From Mulaló, we go through a third order road that is little maintained for around 30-45 min. Until we reach the refuge on the south face of Cotopaxi.

The refuge of the south face is a hostel which must be called and booked in advance. The telephones are +593984619264 / +593998736181. The hostel offers beds to rest (essential to carry sleeping), there is a campfire and food can be ordered beforehand. They can also organize the guide for the ascent to the Morurco or the skirts of the Cotopaxi or Morurco. They also offer horseback riding and visits to surrounding places.