A Summit Streak in Ecuador
Our Ecuador Volcanos private expedition is cruising along as their summit streak continues!
After climbing Illiniza Norte, the team headed to Cayambe. They pushed through windy and cloudy weather and contended with less than ideal terrain conditions, but at 8:00 am local time yesterday, they proudly stood on the summit of Cayambe at 18,996 ft!
From Cayambe, the team headed to the Papallacta Spa Resort, where they relaxed and enjoyed the thermal waters - one of our favorite post-climb activities in Ecuador. But the fun begins again today as they head to Chimborazo Lodge (13,123 ft) to start their final climb of the expedition to the summit of Chimborazo (20,548 ft)!
We are hoping for continued success for the team. Stay tuned for an update on Chimborazo in the coming days!
Photos from CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
It was windy and cloudy but it didn't stop our private team on Cayambe.
Making their way across the glacier on Cayambe.
A few breaks in the clouds offered up impressive views of the Ecuadorian landscape below.
A summit success at Cayambe (18,996 ft) - congrats to the team!
More Ecuadorian Summits: Cayambe and Illiniza Norte
Our Ecuador Volcanoes private expedition continued onto Illiniza Norte (16,818ft) with a successful summit. The weather held out, and rain greeted them at the summit, but that didn’t slow them down. The team climbed from the hut to the summit and back to the hut in just 5 hours! Go team!
Our Alpine Athletics team started Monday with a glacier skills session on Cayambe. After a hearty dinner, they began their summit ascent at 10 pm local time. Our guide reported beautiful weather on the summit with a team of happy (and tired) climbers!
The following climbers summited Cayambe (18,996ft):
- Lisa T.
- Courtney H.
- CTSS Guide Lucy M.
From there, they explored the beautiful markets of Otavalo, then transferred to Papallacta Hot Springs to enjoy and relax after their successful climb. Congrats to the entire Alpine Athletics team!
Photos from CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
Feeling good on the summit of Illiniza Norte (16,818ft).
Ecuador's volcanic landscape comes to life at sunrise!
Congrats on the successful summit of Illiniza Norte (16,818ft)!
Our Ecuador Volcanoes private expedition on the descent from Illiniza Norte (16,818ft).
Photos from CTSS Guide Lucy Mejia
Our Alpine Athletics team on Cayambe (18,996ft).
Glacier skills on slopes of Cayambe (18,996ft).
Ecuador Summits
Our Ecuador Volcanoes private expedition is off to a fantastic start! Over the weekend, the team hit the ground running. On Saturday, they hiked and summited Pasochoa (13,878ft), an extinct volcano. On Sunday, they climbed and summited Corazon Peak (15,708ft). Next, they are headed to the Nuevos Horizontes Hut, where they will gear up to climb Illiniza.
Our Alpine Athletics team is busy climbing in Ecuador! The weather turned around for them, and they had fantastic climbing conditions this weekend. The team is currently on Cayambe (18,996ft) with perfect weather still lingering, and we hope for a summit today!
Photo from Lucy Mejia
All eyes on Cayambe for our Alpine Athletics team
Photos from CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
Acclimating and feeling good for our private team!
Pasochoa summit (13,878ft/4230m) under perfect conditions.
We love llamas, just about as much as we love Ecuador!
8 hours of climbing to Corazon Peak (15,708ff/4,788m) - well done team!
Among the Clouds on Cotopaxi
The Alpine Athletics Ecuador Volcanoes trip took an adventurous hike today in the unremitting moody weather!
The team postponed their snow school due to rain and wind and opted to walk to the Refugio Cotopaxi, a quaint mountain hut tucked just below the glacier level in Cotopaxi National Park. After a trek through the clouds, they've settled in for the evening and are looking forward to snow school and summits this weekend.
Our guide reports the team is acclimatizing well. We are continuing to send our support and encouragement to the entire team!
Photo from Lucy Mejia
Walking among the clouds on Cotopaxi
Valentine's Day in Ecuador
The Alpine Athletics team has officially kicked off the climbing portion of their Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Under moody skies, the team spent Valentine's Day hiking to the summit of Rumiñahui (15,489 ft / 4,721 m), a dormant stratovolcano in Cotopaxi National Park. Our guides report that the acclimatization hike was a success for all climbers, and the team enjoyed the local scenery.
The team spent the evening resting, and today, they are onto snow school and mountaineering training on the lower slopes of Cotopaxi. They will head toward Illiniza tomorrow as they prepare for their next summit.
Photos from Lucy Mejia
Big smiles on Rumiñahui (15,489 ft / 4,721 m)
A very Ecuadorian Valentine's Day for the team
Alpine Athletics Team Arrives in Quito, Ecuador
Our private Alpine Athletics Ecuador Volcanoes expedition is off to a great start!
The entire team safely arrived in Quito yesterday. Once on the ground, the team gathered for gear checks and guide briefings to ensure everyone was ready for the upcoming expedition.
Today, the team is exploring Quito and taking the teleférico (cable car) to Pichincha, an active stratovolcano near Quito. This cable car is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 3,117 meters (10,226 feet) to an impressive 3,945 meters (12,943 feet). There, they will take in the views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Tomorrow, the team is off to start the climbing portion of their expedition, kicking things off with an acclimatization hike on Rumiñahui, a dormant stratovolcano in Cotopaxi National Park.
Photos from the CTSS Archives
Flying high over Quito!
Exploring Quito, Ecuador on Day 1
Cotopaxi National Park - Photo Julie McKelve
Chimborazo Summits
Our team arrived at the Chimborazo trailhead and climbed up to High Camp, where they spent the night on the mountain. The next morning the team got an early alpine start and headed for the summit. They had wonderful climbing weather and excellent snow/terrain conditions. The climb went smoothly, and the following climbers stood on the summit of Chimborazo (20,549ft).
- Jocelyn C.
- Patrick M.
- Carey T.
- CTSS Guide Franklin
The team is now on their way back to Quito for a hot shower and celebratory dinner before they fly home. Congrats to the entire team on a successful expedition and multiple summits.
Ecuador Team Photos: Courtesy of CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
The team preparing and resting at the refugio for their summit bid on Chimborazo.
Headed home after a successful summit on Chimborazo!
One of our favorite sights - the mountain shadow! And Ecuadorian treat!
It's summit (or sunrise) o'clock!
On the summit of Chimborazo (20,549ft).
Jocelyn C, Patrick M, Carey T, and along with CTSS Guides Edgar and Franklin on the summit.
Summits on Cayambe and preparations for Chimborazo
After a successful acclimatization hike on the Cayambe glacier, our team in Ecuador readied themselves for a summit bid under perfect weather and terrain conditions. The team took off, and after six hours of climbing, the following climbers stood on the summit of Cayambe (18,996ft).
- Jocelyn C.
- Patrick M.
- Carey T.
- CTSS Guide Franklin
Congratulations to the entire team on your summits and summit attempts on Cayambe!
After a quick rest outside Quito at the Termas Papallacta Hotel Spa and a cultural pit spot at the Otavalo Market, an indigenous market famous for handmade crafts and textiles, our team began their preparations and briefings for the coming days on Chimborazo (20,548ft).
Chimborazo is a pinnacle climb. This inactive stratovolcano is Ecuador’s tallest peak, and the summit is the furthest point from the center of the Earth due to its position on the planet’s equatorial bulge (whereas Mount Everest is the highest point above sea level).
Stay tuned for more from Chimborazo.
Ecuador Team Photos: Courtesy of CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
An alpine start on Cayambe over the Ecuadorian horizon
CTSS guide Edgar readies our team for Cayambe.
Just below the summit of Cayambe – congratulations to our all of our climbers!
On the way to the summit of Cayambe (18,996ft).
CTSS climbers fueling up for their next summit bid on Chimborazo.
A thumbs up for rest, relaxation, and cultural appreciation from the team!
South American Mountain Updates
An update from our Ecuador Volcanoes and Aconcagua Expeditions:
In Ecuador, our team arrived at the Refugio Nuevos Horizontes with eyes on the Illinizas, a twin pair of volcanoes connected by a small one-kilometer saddle. Yesterday, half of the team successfully summited Illiniza Norte (5,126 m / 16,818 ft), and the other half made a valiant summit attempt on Illiniza Sur (5,263 m / 17,267 ft).
A few on our team even had the opportunity to check out the stunning high-alpine lake, Laguna Verde, not far from the Refugio. The team is now resting at Hacienda La Cienega and will be heading to the Cayambe area today. Once they arrive, they will move up to the Cayambe Hut in preparation for their summit climb of Cayambe.
Thanks to CTSS guide Edgar for the updates from the field, and best of luck to the team on Cayambe and beyond!
On Aconcagua, we received an update from CTSS guide Robert, who is guiding one of our private clients up the Normal Route. Aconcagua is the second tallest of the Seven Summits, only eclipsed by Mount Everest. Standing proudly at 6,961 m or 22,838 ft, Aconcagua's altitude, elevation gains, load carries, and harsh weather conditions make it a truly unforgettable climb that requires stamina, strength, and mental fortitude.
Yesterday, our small but mighty team moved from Base Camp at Plaza de Mulas (4,930 m / 14,440 ft) to Plaza Canada or Camp 1 (5,050 m / 16,500 ft). Today, they continue their long winding trek towards Nido de Cóndores (5,350 m / 18,000 ft) along a sea of scree and incredible views of the surrounding Andes Mountains.
Wishing our team continued success and good luck on Aconcagua!
Ecuador Team Photos: Courtesy of CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
The team making the trek to Refugio Nuevos Horizontes with eyes on the Illinizas.
All smiles and high spirits from Ecuador!
An alpine start for the team as they made the ascent to Illiniza Norte (5,126 m / 16,818 ft) and Illiniza Sur (5,263 m / 17,267 ft).
Part of the team on the summit of Illiniza Norte with a sun dog welcoming their arrival.
Aconcagua Photos: Courtesy of CTSS Guide Robert Jantzen
Making the trek through a sea of scree on their way to Plaza Canada or Camp 1 at 5,050 m / 16,500 ft.