The climbing route of Sincholagua follows the ridge on the left. Seen from Cotopaxi Park.

Main Climbing Route: Water may be difficult to find on this route so keep this in mind. Also an early start (dawn) is recommended as the ground and rocks tend to be more solid. From the two ridges described above (known as the Parquedero) head up to the base of the rocks. Head left and up the rocky peak to the northwest side of the mountain. This should be cairned. Eventually you will drop down to a scree basin and head for the scree saddle just below the summit. Head up the 25m exposed pitch towards the summit. Head left towards a gully and up the last exposed section. Rappelling off the summit is a good idea.

Additional Routes: Pico Hoeneisen (technical on poor rock)

Suggested Reading: Climbing and Hiking in Ecuador 4th Edition

Getting There: Getting to Sincholagua is much like heading to Cotopaxi. You go through the park and around Cotopaxi. Eventually you will cross a river on a small bridge. Continue on this road for approximately 3km whereby you should see a cone-shaped hill on the right and a hillock on the left. From here follow the trail which goes left and northwest. Head on this trail for about 4-5km, then head right on a track which fords the Rio Pita. From here head northeast up a ridge until you meet a ridge running northwest. You can camp near the intersection of the two ridges.

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Created by SAEC member Tim Tadder
Changes or updates? Please email ttadder@fcaq.k12.ec