Ecuador Volcanoes. Pasochoa (4200m), Pichincha (4787m), Illiniza North (5216m), Cayambe (5790m), Cotopaxi (5897m)

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1 Typical South American blankets for sale in Ottavalo market Ecuador is a varied and diverse country. It is a fantastic experience and situated on the equator, it is possible to climb a stunning climbing experience with an unforgettable holiday. The best time to climb in Ecuador is around Xmas and the New Year. The mountains are high and offer views across the country of smoking volcanoes. All climbs are started from mountain huts and frequent returns to the city and country haciendas are mingled in the trip, allowing members to restore their energies and enjoy the South American lifestyle before embarking on the next stage of this action packed adventure. This expedition is a great introduction to high altitude climbing. During the 20 days we notch up 5 peaks. Starting in the welcoming town of Quito we start with some lower peaks to aid our acclimatisation. We work on our climbing skills or introduce them for those who have not used crampons and axe before. Before attempting Cayambe and Cotopaxi, our main objectives we work on our skills, fitness and acclimatisation. We stay in the best and most hospitable lodgings including mountain lodges and hostels. This will be a truly memorable trip. In addition to the scheduled 5 peaks, members have the opportunity to extend their stay and attempt Chimborazo. At 6310m it is the highest mountain in Ecuador, considerably harder and considered to have a summit that is further away from the centre of the Earth than any other mountain.

2 View of Cotopaxi Crater from the summit Itinerary The team will meet in the high city of Quito, Ecuador. You will be met by private transportation at the airport and taken to the hotel. We have a few tasks in Quito including getting to know the city and checking our equipment. Our hotel is well situated for restaurants and shopping and we enjoy the sights and also pay a visit to the museum on the Equator. Day 01 Arrive in Quito, settle into hotel. Hotel night included. Check gear. Day 02 Ascent of Pasochoa (4200m). Further acclimatisation as we venture into the countryside and spend the day climbing Pasochoa before returning to Quito. Day 03 Ascent of Rucu Pichincha (4700m). We venture slightly higher with the aid of a cable car before striking out for the summit. We are rewarded with views of Cotopaxi and Cayambe. Again we return to Quito to sleep. Day 04 The village of El Chaupi is our starting point for our climb of Illiniza (5126m). We spend our first night at altitude in the Refugio and get ready for the summit day. Day 05 Summit Illiniza North and return to the Refugio. Again fantastic views of the Ecuador volcanoes.

3 Smoking volcanoes on one of our acclimatisation walks Day 06 We continue our descent and take a well deserved rest at a local hotel where we eat well and relax. Day 07 The opportunity to visit either the town of Banos (hot springs), local markets or the Quilotoa Crater lake region, depending on the advice of the FCO and volcanic activity. Day 08 Almost another rest day as we drive to the Cayambe region and spend another night in the delightful countryside. Day 09 Arriving at the mountain hut on Cayambe we settle in and take a short acclimatisation walk and also practise our skill before going to bed early as we will be starting early. Day 10 An early start is required so that we arrive on the summit as the sun is appearing over the Ecuador horizon. After our success we descend and sleep low. Day 11 We are on the move again and take the short drive into Cotopaxi National Park and its superb lodge. Here we spend the night (3700m). Day 12 Moving further up the mountain we arrive at the Cotopaxi mountain hut (4800m) and prepare for summit day tomorrow. Day 13 An early start is again required as we tackle the last of our challenges. Day 14 Contingency Summit Day Day 15 After the summit, we overnight, comparing summit pictures and stories. Day 16 Arriving back in Quito we have the chance to do some last minute shopping and celebrate our success in the fantastic restaurants.

4 Please Note: This is the most likely itinerary. Our exact schedule will be determined by the weather and the general feeling within the group. Our guides are flexible and are capable of adjusting to suit the needs of the group. Rugged landscape near the summit of our first walk 4700m

5 Costs and dates 2008 / 2009 DATES November 27th December 12th December 18th January 2nd LANDCOST: $3,100 US With a $500 application fee required to confirm a reservation. Final payment must be received NO LATER than 90 days prior to the departure of the trip. Failure to do so may result in the loss of your deposit and reservation. Costs include: Included in your land costs are guide fees, double accommodations in hotels, shared accommodations in huts, group transportation, group equipment including stoves and fuel, ropes, cooking gear, group first aid kit, technical climbing equipment, radios, etc., and meals while climbing except for snack items. We ask everyone to bring their own candy and energy bars and powdered drink mixes for their water bottles. Not included: Not included are flights, airport taxes, visa fees, meals while not climbing, personal clothing and climbing equipment such as boots, packs, sleeping bag and pad, crampons and ice axe, or items of a personal nature. View of Cotopaxi from the superb lodge

6 Expedition kit List Please contact us for advice on kit and recommendation. Please quote for discount on gear at Large rucksack (70L) Large gear / duffle bag Day rucksack (50L) Ice axe (70 cm length is recommended) Ski poles (preferably adjustable) 12 pt. crampons Climbing Harness 1 locking and 2 regular carabiners Sleeping bag (down or synthetic) must be rated to approx. minus 10 degrees C. Full length foam and/or Thermarest sleeping mat Plastic or equivalent climbing boots Hiking / trekking shoes 3 sets of warm / high altitude socks for the climb Light hiking shirt (long sleeved for sun protection) Hiking shorts and / or pants. Climbing pants Goretex wind/rain trousers with full-length leg zippers Goretex wind and snow jacket Down or synthetic duvet jacket with hood Thermal underwear -- 2 zip-neck turtleneck tops and 1 bottom Neck gaiter or balaclava Warm high altitude gloves Thin liner gloves Protective hat fro sun Sunglasses AND ski goggles Suntan lotion (at least #30 protection factor) and lip salve on a neck string 2 wide mouth plastic water bottles with insulated covers 1 wide mouth bottle (pee bottle) Bowl, cup and spoon Pocket knife Headtorch with 2 sets of batteries Camera Personal first aid kit to include at least the following: aspirin antacids moleskin band-aids Ciprofloxacin (required) lightweight toilet articles and personal medications Imodium (required) Towel Hand disinfectant Toilet paper 2 rolls Ear plugs (optional) 5 plastic garbage bags Stuff sacs for organising gear Watch with alarm

7 Typical restaurant kitchen in Ecuador Extensions Chimborazo (6310m) / Antisana (5703m) We can also offer a guided climb of Chimborazo (6310m) or Antisana (5703m). This is a superb addition to any aspiring alpine climbers CV. It is sufficiently hard to require the use of alpine climbing techniques and equipment. We use a much lower guide to client ratio. Chimborazo has become much harder recently due to volcanic activity and plans change rapidly. This is a 4 day extension and gives us the most opportunity to summit either of these wonderful peaks. Contact us for more details.