47 / Volcán Cotopaxi (19,347’)

12/21/25: La tercera es la vencida.

Finally had a lovely weather window for my third summit on Cotopaxi this year. I’ll thank Steven for bringing the good luck, but can’t discount the impact of Mauricio’s gift of flowers he hauled up the mountain to the Virgin at the Refugio.

A beautiful evening out on Cotopaxi. A mild, starlit ascent starting at 12AM topped off with clear sunrise views of Chimborazo, Antisana, Cayambe, Los Ilinizas, El Altar and Sangay.

My rapid acclimitization plan seemed to hold water (or I just got lucky). Only 5 days removed from Jakarta, was standing atop this gorgeous volcano. Grateful for the chance to share this with my cuñado.

Five more peaks to complete my challenge. As of 12/22/25, the plan is:

48 - Volcan Rumiñahui (12/27/25)
49 - Volcán Cayambe (12/30/25)
50-53/54 - Integral de Los Tres Elementos or Ruta Integral del Pichincha (12/31/25)

Just passed $16,500 in my fundraiser - hoping this last push might get me closer to that $20k stretch goal.