Ecuador Update: Views, a Birthday, and Cayambe
After a relaxed start in Quito, it was time to head off and up. A spectacular hike up Fuya Fuya on day 2 took place in perfect weather and was a great start to our climbing, and the views were really amazing! Overnight at a lovely lodge in Otavalo and the next morning the adventure continued heading to the refugio at Cayambe. Roadworks on the 4x4 track to the Refugio meant a longer hike than normal. When the mountains don't throw curveballs, the local road works do! If you've climbed Cayambe already you'll know just how much that road needs a bit of TLC.
Day 3 started early, so we could get some solid training on the glacier in preparation for our summit push the following day. Some gear checks and an early night but not before a birthday celebration! A bit of sleep and we got an early start for the summit at midnight. Given how busy it was, that was a good decision.
Cayambe's summit wasn't so accommodating as the misty weather and zero visibility quickly turned to wet snow on the glacier and made a summit impossible. The team worked hard through deep wet snow to reach 17,000ft (5,180m) before turning around, still a big day out in the mountains even without a summit. On the flip side, after descending the team headed for Papallacta spa resort and their relaxing hot springs!
Yesterday was a move from Papallacta to the beautiful Chilcabamba Lodge as the team head for Illiniza Sur today. Some great forecasts for both Iliniza and Chimborazo have the guys pumped and ready to tag some summits!
Cheers,
CTSS Team







Ecuador Expedition Exits Quito
Our latest Ecuador expedition is off to a chilled start. Yesterday guide Josh McDowell and our small private team did a short guided tour of the city, and then headed to the Equator marker - Tick!
A late lunch to go over logistics for the remainder of the trip and then some down time before the hard work starts.
Today the fun begins when the team heads to Otavalo where we will overnight after an acclimatization hike to Fuya Fuya to help get us ready for the altitude to come.
The team is happy to be in Ecuador and are ready to get climbing!
- CTSS Team



Cayambe Summits!
This Ecuador Expedition has been about pulling rabbits out of hats and the team are doing a magic job! First we had Cotopaxi closed with volcanic activity and the team rolled with it with summits of Illiniza Norte and Illiniza Sur
A stable weather window in an otherwise dismal forecast saw the team take the opportunity today to skip their night at the mountain hut at Cayambe and make a run at the summit. Strong, willing and acclimatized they hit the top of at 7am this morning! Congratulations to all our climbers.
Tonight they are staying at Puerto Lago which is a nice hotelria just South of Otavalo.
Tomorrow they will be back on the regular itinerary and heading to the hot springs at Papallacta to celebrate their summits.
Cheers
CTSS Team








Summits on the Illinizas
With recent volcanic action meaning Cotopaxi is currently closed for climbing, the team pivoted quickly and efficiently to Plan B and have all summited in style as their reward.
On Illiniza Sur (South) we had summits from Schuyler, Rhawa, Guides Jacy and Edgar via the steep glacier route.
On Illiniza Norte (North) Craig, Patrick, Brandon & Veronica summited with Guides Raul & Segundo.
The team met back at the trailhead and took the bus to the amazing La Cienega hacienda, where everyone is enjoying a well deserved rest before they head to Cayambe.
Here are some pics of the teams.
Cheers
CTSS Team










Technical Training in Ecuador
The team are doing a stellar job in Ecuador.
Yesterday they covered cramponing on hard ice using various techniques for steep bare ice and set up belays using ice screws on the lower slopes of Cotopaxi. Crowd favourite was their self arrest training and sliding on the snow (which they were lucky to find in current conditions).
The team is moving very well at altitude and in various conditions. They tagged 16,400ft which is the highest they've been on the expedition thus far, moving as a rope team through the glaciers.
With the summit climbing route on Cotopaxi still closed due to volcanic activity, the team have pivoted plan and today they are driving to the trailhead of Los Illinizas where they will use a mule team to move some of their heavier gear up to the mountain hut and have dinner and sleep. The next day, they may split up with part of the team heading to Illiniza Norte to do more high altitude hiking/scrambling and the folks who really loved the ice portion of training will head to climb Illiniza Sur which is a steep glacier involving a short low angle ice climbing section.
Then it is onward to Cayambe!
All well in Ecuador.
Cheers
CTSS Team






Acclimatization in Ecuador
Our Ecuador team are off to a flying start.
They've toured Quito, tagged the Equator (where their GPS' read 000) visited the National Monument established by the French which was a marker for the equator but over time has shifted with continental drift. They then rode the Teleferico up to do an acclimatization hike up to 13,500ft. The highlight was some high altitude llamas who joined them!
Today they hiked Ruminahui up to 15,200ft which is a good altitude test and great for the legs and lungs to get prepped for the climbing that lies ahead.
Cotopaxi is still conservatively closed so they will do some training on the lower glacier fields far from any activity, before heading over to the Illiniza's for their first summit push.
Cheers
CTSS Team




Single Rooming Teahouse Upgrade
Single rooming option
$1,250 USD
We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations and a tea house upgrade for you throughout the expedition. If you snore or are easily awakened by others that do snore, this might be a great option. We feel that having a single room helps climbers stay healthy and adds a bit of comfort and personal space that can go a long way on a long expedition like Ama Dablam. If you would like a single rooming option please let us know. Please note that tent accommodations on Ama Dablam are double-occupancy for warmth and safety.
We stay at some of the nicest teahouses in the Khumbu valley throughout our trek to keep you healthy and to provide you with comfort. Many teahouses offer room upgrades which may include an en suite bathroom and more space, whereas our normal rooms generally have a shared bathroom and shower for an added fee.
City Tours & Nepal Extensions
Nepal is one of the world’s most popular destinations. With incredible landscapes and rich culture, once there, it is truly worth seeing as much of the country as you can.
We can seamlessly organise a variety of fantastic customised excursions and extensions for you either prior to, or after your expedition.
Contact Us for any requests you have so we can plan them seamlessly for you
Pre Trip Full Day Kathmandu Cultural Tour
$200 per person
Kathmandu is one of the most exciting, culturally rich cities in the world. Unique, and overflowing with sights, smells, sounds and tastes, it’s both chaotic and charming. A city of true contrast which needs to be experienced to be understood. During our Kathmandu Cultural Tour an English speaking guide will show you the best history and culture the city has to offer.
Paragliding in Pokhara (Annapurna Region)
Take in the spectacular views of the Himalaya whilst paragliding over Lake Pokhara. Nepal offers some of the best flying in the world with low lying valleys, high cold mountains and natural rising thermals that you can share with the hawks! You can fly with world class pilots tandem or stay longer and benefit from the wealth of experience and get your international license in Nepal. Spend a few days at the Lake and truly unwind with a change of scenery.
Trek the Annapurna Circuit or Sanctuary Walk
On a mission to tick off the best treks in the world? Why not take advantage of your fitness and experience the Annapurna region with either the Sanctuary Walk (Slightly shorter and slightly lower altitude) or the Annapurna Circuit (Slightly longer and crosses the 5,416m Thorong La pass into the Mustang region)
Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park
One of the greatest drawcards of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site that protects 932 sq km of forest and grasslands and is arguably the best place in Asia to view wild game including horned rhino, monkeys, deer and over 500 species of bear. If you are lucky you may even spot a leopard, sloth or elephant or even the elusive Bengal tiger!
Visit the Upper Mustang
To trek in the Upper Mustang is a very rare privilege and has only been open to non-Nepali’ for just over 15years. Here you will experience a way of life of true mountain people, who for hundreds of years had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and retained their rich cultural heritage. In many ways, visiting the Upper Mustang is similar to Tibet as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau.
Helicopter Options
Many of our climbers say that one of the best experiences of their entire expedition is taking a helicopter flight back down the Khumbu Valley and getting an aerial view of the trek, the peaks they’ve been climbing and the mighty Himalayan range. It is, without doubt, one of the most scenic, adventurous mountain flights in the world.
Further, while people initially think they will want to undertake the 3 day, 40 mile trek back down the valley, we’ve found that after a long expedition in mountains, the draw of civilisation, getting back to family and friends & enjoying that well-deserved beer can be irresistible.
We have a number of options available for you:
One Way Helicopter from Ama Dablam Base Camp to Lukla*
$2,995 USD
A helicopter flight from Ama Dablam Base Camp to Lukla avoiding the three day walk back down the valley. From Lukla you will catch a regularly scheduled fixed-wing plane back to Kathmandu either that day or the following. (Your domestic fixed wing flight is included in your expedition costs)
One Way Helicopter from Base Camp to Kathmandu*
$4,995 USD
For climbers who are keen to get back to Kathmandu and homeward bound as quickly and efficiently as possible at the end of the expedition, we can arrange a helicopter for you directly from Ama Dablam Base Camp all the way to Kathmandu.
Family & Friends Options
We welcome you to invite friends and family to join you for all, or part of your 3 Peaks expedition.
The benefits are:
- The joy of sharing this once in a lifetime experience with your loved ones
- Lessening the time apart
- Puts family at ease as they get a first hand understanding and empathy of the nature of your expedition and goal
Everest Base Camp Trek (with Lobuche)
$4,495 USD
The Everest Base Camp trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world and for good reason; it’s beautiful, challenging yet achievable, and incredibly scenic. Roughly 40 miles/70 km you will trek through lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests and the most spectacular mountain terrain in the world.
Adding 2 extra days to the usual Everest Base Camp schedule family and friends are welcome to stay with you the entire time and relax at Lobuche Base Camp while you climb (time apart is minimal)
Following your ascent you will journey together into Everest Base Camp Proper at 17,600ft/ 5,500m where, being affiliated with an Everest climbing expedition, your friends and family are also able to enter and spend 2x nights within Base Camp, something the vast majority of trekkers never experience.
This allows them to get a sense of the Everest base camp scene and community and what goes into an Everest expedition. If they are feeling good you have the added option to join our climbing clinic, scale Kala Pathar the morning they leave base camp for stunning views of the Everest Massif, Lhotse and Nuptse.
Your family and friends can then splinter off and return down valley if they are pressed for time with our other trekkers, spend extra nights at Base Camp, do the Gokyo Extension or join you for the entire 3 Peaks Circuit.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule will be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley. Our expedition ends in Kathmandu where CTSS will cover one night accommodation. We recommend booking a flexible return airfare.
- Apr 3 Team Arrives
- Apr 4 KTM Day
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest
- Apr 8 Trek to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest
- Apr 10 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche Base camp
- Apr 13 Acclimatization Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 14 Move to Lobuche High Camp (optional - family and friends are welcome to stay in the better equiped Base Camp if they prefer)
- Apr 15 Rest Day
- Apr 16 Climbers summit, family & friends rest day
- Apr 17 Trek to EBC
- Apr 18 Everest Climbing Clinic & Explore BC
- Apr 19 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 20 Trek to Namche
- Apr 21 Trek to Lukla
- Apr 22 Fly Lukla to KTM
- Apr 23 Fly Home
- Apr 24 Contingency Day
3 Peaks Trekking Circuit
$5,495 USD
Family and Friends often love to stay with you for your entire expedition and the 3 peaks trekking circuit is an ideal adventure to do this with you as it allows your loved ones to not only do the most spectacular trek in the world in Everest Base Camp but explore off the beaten track elements of the Khumbu Valley as they trek with you into Pokalde & Island Peak base camps too. These are seldom seen valleys off the main route full of authentic Sherpa culture minus the crowds.
Given the alpine climbing starts, the time you actually spend apart (whilst you are climbing and summiting) is actually minimal and a great time for them to kick back with some Chai tea and enjoy being in the majestic Himalaya far from the madding crowds
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule will be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley. Our expedition ends in Kathmandu where CTSS will cover one night accommodation. We recommend booking a flexible return airfare.
- Apr 3 Team Arrives
- Apr 4 KTM Day
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest
- Apr 8 Trek to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest
- Apr 10 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche base camp
- Apr 13 Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 14 Acclimatisation trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 15 Rest Day
- Apr 16 Rest while climbers summit and descend Lobuche BC
- Apr 17 Trek to EBC
- Apr 18 Rest at EBC - Training
- Apr 19 Trek to Lobuche
- Apr 20 Trek to Pokalde via Kongma La
- Apr 21 Rest at Pokalde while climbers summit & descend to Chhukung
- Apr 22 Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak BC
- Apr 23 Rest at Island Peak BC while climbers summit and return Chhukung
- Apr 24 Trek Chhukung to Pangboche
- Apr 25 Pangboche to Namche
- Apr 26 Namche to Lukla
- Apr 27 Lukla flight to KTM
- Apr 28 Fly home
- Apr 29 Contingency day
- Apr 30 Contingency day