48 / Volcán Rumiñahui (15,194’)

12/27/25: Acclimatization hike before my summit attempt on Cayambe Monday. Carless, decided to rent a mountain bike from Hacienda Porvenir and make my way into Cotopaxi National Park toward the trailhead.

Perfect clear morning for a ride across the páramo in the shadow of Cotopaxi. On the ridge, ran into a few new friends from Quilatoa visiting from Brazil. A cloudy, cold summit, but at least the rains held out.

I truly love Rumiñahui - just a beautiful hike. Feeling ready for Cayambe in 36 hours and then my final sprint to 52 on New Year’s Eve.