Buz Groshong wrote:No training can prepare your body for altitude. It does help, however, to be in the best shape possible. Exercises that increase your breathing and lung capacity should help, but that won't happen over a short time frame (probably takes years).
I totally agree with
Buz Groshong, plus
AdamsKerr´s itinerary has proved to work well as an acclimatization program before attempting Cotopaxi and even Chimborazo.
AdamsKerr wrote:A couple days in Quito at 9,000ft
then climb Rucu Pichincha at 15,000
rest day and transfer to Illinizas hostel
climb Illiniza Norte(or Sur) at 16,800
rest day at Tambopaxi Lodge (or similar)
drive/hike up to Jose Rivas refuge and leave that night for Cotopaxi
P.S. the company i am in training with adds in Pasochoa at 13,000 before Ruchu. its a nice little hike but i think you would be okay just doing Rucu.
AdamsKerr wrote:Even though Wiley is correct, i seriously recommend the sugar cane alcohol drink they give you at the Tambopaxi lodge. its not much. about the same size as a shot glass that you're supposed to sip on. that shit will get you high on flavor alone.
Oh yes!... that's called "
canelazo", I wish we could take it up to the summit. It'd replace the "gu" or other power gels so easily!