Illiniza Sur • 17276'
Cotopaxi • 19,348ft/5897m
Cayambe • 18,997ft/5790m
Chimborazo • 20,703ft/6310m
Visit our schedule for dates, rates
One of our most popular trips. The journeys begin in the capital city of Quito, located in the heart of the Andes Mountains of South America. After a few days sightseeing and acclimating to the altitude, we will travel to nearby mountains for a few days of trekking and climbing on increasingly higher mountains. During this time, we will practice mountaineering and glacial skills on the slopes Illiniza. With one or two lower summits behind us, we should then be well prepared and acclimated to attempt an ascent of the Volcano Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world (19,350') and located within one of Ecuador's showpiece national parks. At this point those staying for the extension trip will decide to either attempt Chimborazo (20,703') or Cayambe (18, 997'). Throughout our stay in Ecuador, we hope to immerse ourselves in local culture as much as possible. Part of the essence of a trip is climbing and/or trekking; the underlying value is the unique opportunity to explore the land and meet the people of Ecuador.
Mountaineering experience is not required.
Trip Leader: Silas Rossi
Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanos” provides one of the best introductions to high altitude mountaineering in the world. Several mountains rise to over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) and offer exciting mountaineering challenges to both beginning and experienced climbers. The accessibility, ease of travel, stable weather and friendly people make it the perfect place to expand your mountaineering experience. Our trips focus on climbing and learning important high altitude mountaineering skills.
Ecuador is a beautiful and diverse land that is home to friendly people and and a colorful culture. Ecuador is home to an amazing natural diversity that includes the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rain forest and the cloud forest. Our trip is designed to make the most of mountaineering opportunities while exploring the land and people of Ecuador.
Ecuador offers year round mountaineering opportunities to mountaineers. You may choose from one of our scheduled trips or book your own customized date and itinerary at any time during the year. If you are limited on time, our trip may be split into segments. Ecuador is relatively inexpensive and easy to travel in. It’s only a single day away and in less than two weeks you can attempt several rewarding high altitude peaks.
Acadia Mountain Guides' Ecuador trip includes four to five high altitude ascents and an immersion in Ecuadorian life that will create lifelong memories. The itinerary outlined below is typical of our trips. There are many options for different objectives or activities if desired.
Skill Development
We have found that our glacier school is often more extensive than similar guide services. You can expect to learn many important skills including:
• Snow and ice climbing, ice axe positioning, and moving in balance
• Self arrest techniques
• Snow and ice anchor selection and construction
• Ascending and team crevasse rescue practice. Mechanical advantage systems such as C/Z drags and drop loop
methods.
• Roped glacier travel and route finding through crevassed areas
• Glaciology and crevasse pattern prediction
• Navigation using maps, altimeters, and compasses
• Discussions on high altitude physiology and other related expeditionary topics
• Expedition medicine and basic wilderness medical topics
• Natural history and Leave No Trace ethics
Difficulty
The majority of routes follow moderate glacier slopes with occasional sections of 40-50 degree snow/ice before reaching summit ridges. The trip is suitable for both beginning and intermediate level mountaineers.
Tuition
10 day program, Glacier School and Peak Climbs
December 28 - January 6, 2007
$2100.00
Private & Semi-private rates: 3:1 ratio - $2300.00, 2:1 - $2700.00, 1:1 - $4950.00
17 days, add 2 peak attempts to above
December 28 - January 13, 2007
$2850.00
Private & Semi-private rates: 3:1 ratio - $3100.00, 2:1 - $3300.00, 1:1 - $5850.00
Rate does not include airfare, and trip dates do not include travel days to and from Quito.
Lodging
While in Quito, we stay at the warm and welcoming home of Eliza (La Casa de Eliza). Eliza is principal founder of Fundacion Golondrinas, an organization committed to preserving cloud forest and rain forest in northern Ecuador and to providing education about environmentally friendly forestry and agricultural practices. Eliza uses the money raised from the hostel to purchase land for preservation and to fund educational programs.
Reservations, Refunds, and Cancellations
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required for registration. Cancellations made after the set cancellation date will forfeit the course fee. Extreme weather, avalanche conditions, inadequate personal fitness or difficult terrain may make it impossible to achieve our stated objective of the summit. No refunds will be made in anticipation of inclement weather or for not reaching the summit. If, for any reason, Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School must cancel the course, a full refund will be made. There is a $20.00 charge for returned checks. MC, VISA and Discover accepted.
Space is limited, reserve now.
Gear Discount
Clients receive a 20% discount on any items purchased for the trip through our retail store – Alpenglow Adventure Sports and a 10% discount on all future purchases. We also accept mail orders.
