INTERNATIONAL TRIPS 2011 — 2012
Ecuador
Ecuador Volcanoes
Artesanraju (19,767 feet) is a most spectacular and magnificent mountain. Very few peaks in the Cordillera Blanca surpass this peak for beauty. Located at the head of the beautiful Paron Valley, Artesanraju rises above the other granite rock walls and other alpine peaks like the lower but more difficult Piramide and Nevado Paron.
Description
This is the CLASSIC Ecuador experience. The volcanoes trip requires minimal mountaineering experience and is perfect for those climber who want to experience challenging high altitude peaks but with the convenience of operating from a comfortable, European-style hut.
Starting with Illinizi Norte (17,889 ft) and finishing with Cotapaxi (19,347 ft), we offer progressively challenging climbing at altitude. The trip is organized such in a way that success is maximized by taking rest days while enjoying the wonderful cuisine and climate of Ecuador. These climbs are characterized by snow slopes beginning with 45 degree slopes steepening to 60 degrees with some easy mixed (rock and snow) terrain.
Technical ascents of Illiniza Norte and Cotopaxi
Ratio: 2-3 clients, 1 guide
Prerequisites: Minimum mountaineering experience. Good level of fitness.
Altitude experience up to 14,000 feet helpful but not necessary.
Trip Fee Includes:
All guide fees
Scheduled accommodations
Shared accommodation in huts
4WD transportation to and from hotels and mountains
All airport pickups and transfers to and from Quito airport
All group climbing gear
All hut and park entrance fees
Meals while climbing, in huts and on the mountain
Trip Fee Does Not Include:
Airfare
Personal travel costs, taxis, delays etc.
Ecuador airport departure fee ($40)
Fees due to excess luggage
City meals and drinks
Personal climbing gear and other equipment and clothing
Medical costs and/or evacuation and Trip Insurance
Staff and Guide gratuities
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly into Quito (9,450’). You are greeted at the airport by our staff and taken by private taxi to your hotel. We stay in a beautiful and historic hotel located in the heart of the city. Internet cafes and restaurants are within a short walk of where we will stay.
Day 2: We spend the first full day walking around Quito with a local guide. Quito is a Western Heritage Site. There are many interesting and beautiful churches, a splendid cathedral, and much architecture to admire. Walking around the city allows for some acclimatization and exercise while still taking in the splendor of the city.
Day 3: On our third day we begin the formal acclimatization process with an ascent of Rucu Pichincha. Pichincha’s summit (15,250’) is accessed by hiking a moderately steep trail to a final rock ridge with third class scrambling terrain to the summit. Beautiful views of the city and surrounding area can be viewed from the top and also on the way down. We take the van back to our hotel and go out for dinner.
Day 4: The fourth day we depart from Quito and drive to a hut in the village of ???????? where we are based for our ascent of Iliniza Norte. While relaxing in this hut we admire the surrounding scenery and the peaks in the area. If we are lucky we will catch a glimpse of Cotopaxi. We will have a gear check for our ascent tomorrow and after an early dinner retire to our rooms in anticipation of an early start the next day.
Day 5: You will be awakened early and after a hearty and breakfast, depart in a jeep for the drive up to the trailhead, where we will begin the hike towards Illiniza. Setting a moderate pace allows us to arrive at the foot of the mountain, rested and ready for the steeper slopes which take us to the summit. Upon completion of the climb and descent we depart for a day of rest at the beautiful and historic Hacienda Cienega. Here we will shower, enjoy wonderful cuisine and relax.
Day 6: We have a leisurely breakfast and depart in the afternoon for our destination for the next two nights. Here we sleep at over 12,300, have great food and fast internet and comfortable beds.
Day 7: If everyone wishes to acclimatize more we can go for a hike. Otherwise we can relax at and around the lodge..
Day 8: We wake up early and begin climbing in the middle of the night so as to take advantage of the firm snow and safer climbing conditions. The initial part of the climb is very straightforward with little concern for technical climbing. As we ascend higher we climb through some moderately crevassed terrain and a final 50 degree headwall leading to the summit. Spectacular views and sunrise greet us on top . After taking pictures and admiring the view a much quicker descent down the way we came up take us back to the mountain hut and further down to our waiting vehicle. We spend the night in Quito.
Day 9: After a leisurely breakfast, we spend the day relaxing and preparing for our travels home..
Day 10: Fly home.
DETAILS
Duration: Ten Days
Price: $3500 per person
Dates: 2011: Dec. 6-Dec. 20, Dec. 27-Jan. 5. 2012: Jan. 14-23, Feb. 4-13
For booking reservations or questions please call: 303-494-7950 or contact us at: bldrjac@aol.com