High Altitude Mountaineering Course – Ecuador
Climbing/Mountaineering in Ecuador with SWS Mountain Guides
Highlights
- High altitude mountaineering course in the Ecuadorian Andes
- Learn alpine mountaineering skills
- Explore Ecuadorian culture
- Small group sizes with low guide to client ratios
- Climb with SWS Mountain Guides with over 20 plus years of international guiding experience
- Experienced American guides on every expedition, course or trek
- Excellent safety record in over 29 years of continuous operation
Full Description
Learn high altitude mountaineering in the Ecuadorian Andes. Exceptional instruction on spectacular moutains, with climbs over 20,000 feet.
Ecuador Volcanoes High Altitude Mountaineering Course :The Land of the Incas
Cayambe (18,997 ft.) Cotopaxi (19,348 ft.) Chimborazo (20,703 ft.)
Join SWS Mountain Guides for a climbing adventure in Ecuador! Our 14-day expedition allows the opportunity to experience cities, villages, countryside's, and high mountain peaks. After arriving in Quito, Ecuador's capital and the heart of the Central Highlands, we will spend two days shopping, sight-seeing, and exploring Quito while acclimatizing. Traveling north from Quito through the mountain city of Cayambe up to one of the finest huts in Ecuador at 14,200ft. At the base of Volcan' Cayambe (18,997 ft.) we will train and review climbing techniques and our acclimatization prior to our summit attempt of Cayambe. We will return to Quito and the Magic Bean for a hot shower and a great meal before head south to Latacunga to further acclimatize in the vicinity of Cotopaxi National Park. Traveling to the Cara Sur Hut at the base of Cotopaxi for a night in our hut at 13,125 ft before climbing the next day to our high camp at 15,700 before attempt the summit of Volcan' Cotopaxi (19,348 ft.) the next day. If you have booked our extension we will continue our adventure south, to Riobamba, feeling fit and acclimatized for our attempt of Chimborazo (20,703 ft.), the highest peak in Ecuador. If not we will be returning to Quito for airline departures, but if time allows we will explore the town of Bano's an exciting town with a mix of international travelers and hot springs for a relaxing evening. This trip is a true travel adventure with a lively mix of sight seeing, climbing, hiking, and exploring. If you have always wanted to experience the culture of South America, and have a desire for high altitude climbing, come join us!
Includes:
- Professional American guide(s)
- Information support
- Land transportation
- Hotels
- Hut fees
- Porters (as needed)
- All food while trekking and climbing
- Entrance fees to parks
- Climbing permits
- Radios, safety equipment, group technical equipment
- Group camping equipment including tents, stoves, and fuel
Excludes:
- International airfare to Quito, Ecuador
- International airport taxes
- Meals in cities, and beverages as noted under food and beverages
- Laundry
- Personal items such as: sleeping bag, pack, proper footwear, personal clothing, snack and lunches
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador from United States. Meet your guides, evening at the Magic Bean, no meals included.
Day 2
We will start the acclimatization process in Quito, (9,200 ft.) with the first two nights spent adjusting to the new culture, exploring Quito, and enjoying the shops and excellent restaurants. We will take a short trip to the equator known as the Mitad del Mundo (middle of the world) just outside the city of Quito, and tour the museum inside the monument which is at a latitude of 0°0'00''. The afternoon will consist of short acclimatization hike at the nearby pre Incan ruins of Rumicucho or a walking tour of Old Town Quito. Overnight at the Magic Bean.
Day 3
Another day of acclimatization day. After a leisurely breakfast at the Magic Bean and we will then pack up our lunches and catch a taxi to the TeleferiQo and catch the tram up to the base of Rucu Pinchincha. From here we will then proceed to hike up to the top (15,413 ft.) and have lunch and enjoy the tremendous views of Quito and the surrounding areas. Back to the Magic Bean to pack for tomorrows trip to Cayambe. No meal included.
Day 4
Travel north from Quito through the mountain city of Cayambe up to one of the finest huts in Ecuador at 15,250ft. Depending on conditions, a short hike may be necessary to the hut. The evening will be including lectures in high altitude mountaineering considerations, knots, and mountain medicine. Overnight at the hut.
Day 5
Acclimatization day/ overview of basic mountaineering skills. Overnight in the hut.
Day 6
Acclimatization day with a short hike to the glacier. From here, we will conduct instruction in glacier travel and crevasse rescue skills. Overnight at hut.
Day 7
We rise early and begin our ascent of Nevado Cayambe (18,993 ft.). We climb on glaciated terrain and steep snow slopes and finally tackle the difficult bergschrund near the summit. Overnight at hut.
Day 8
Weather Day/ possible summit day. Overnight at the hut.
Day 9
Travel back to Quito for a hot shower and a relaxing evening at the Magic Bean/re-pack and re-supply. Dinner not provided.
Day 10
Travel to Cotopaxi National Park Cara Sur Hut 13,125 ft. on the southside of Cotopaxi. Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the wonderful views. Overnight in Cara Sur Hut.
Day 11
Sleep in, have a nice breakfast and pack our daypacks (the heavy gear is carried by horse) for a hike up to the high camp at 15,700 feet. Overnight in High Camp Hut.
Day 12
Up early for Summit day of Cotopaxi (19,347 ft.) from a southside route. Overnight at Cara Sur Hut 13,125 ft.
Day 13
Extra Summit day (weather day), upon completion we will hike back to our transportation and head back to Quito for our celebration dinner and some last minute shopping. Prepare for flights home or if staying on for Chimborazo Extension back to Quito to re-supply and re-pack. If we have extra days due to great weather, we may make a trip to the city of Bano's for a relaxing evening at low elevation and a dip in the natural hot springs.
Day 14
Transport to the airport and flight back home.
Day 14: Chimborazo Extention Option
Travel to the town of Riobamba and a night in the Whymper Hotel.
Day 15: Chimborazo Extention Option
Travel to the base of Chimborazo with an short (easy) hike to the Edward Whymper Hut (16,500 ft.)
Day 16: Chimborazo Extention Option
Day of Acclimzatization at the Whymper Hut (16,500 ft.)
Day 17: Chimborazo Extention Option
Midnight departure for a summit Attempt of Chimborazo (20703 ft.)
Day 18: Chimborazo Extention Option
Extra Day for a Summit Attempt (if needed). or Travel to Banos for a well-deserved soak in the mineral springs and Celebration dinner.
Day 19: Chimborazo Extention Option
Travel back to Quito, and our final evening in the Capital city with great food and drink! Overnight at the Magic Bean
Day 20
Flights out of Quito back to the United States
About The Operator:
SWS Mountain Guides
Headquarters:
Mt. Shasta, CA
Established:
January 1981
Our 2010 courses and climbs are conducted year around whether a first-time backpackers or a skilled mountaineer, we have a course to get you started or improve your techniques. We have been teaching & guiding, mountaineering, backpacking, winter mountaineering, rock & ice climbing for over 29 years on the best mountains in California. As well as conducting small personalized expeditions, treks & adventure travel throughout the world for over 20 years. We have an excellent safety record and our climbs and courses are kept small for maximum safety and the best experience! So whether you want to backpack in Yosemite or Climb some of the worlds biggest mountains, come explore our website and "EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE" with SWS Mountain Guides.