Ecuador Volcanoes Speed Ascent with Private Guide
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Ecuador Volcanoes Speed Ascent with Private Guide
Contact us for pricing, dates, and availability.
CTSS offers select climbers our Speed Ascent option which employs state-of-the-art technology to allow climbers the ability to summit in less time. If you are short on time and want to make the round trip safely but as quickly as possible, this is the ideal option. We use a time-tested training program in conjunction with the use of a portable hypoxic altitude chamber to pre-acclimate your body to the rarefied air found at altitude. This option is perfect for those who want to minimize time away from home while still stacking the odds in their favor for summit success.
Having your own private climbing guide with you can be an indispensable advantage. A private guide allows you to dictate the schedule, amend it depending on how you’re feeling, and customize your climbing itinerary. They will be on the lookout for any signs of altitude sickness or medical issues while also acting like a coach, giving you valuable and direct feedback on the mountain. All of these factors together will result in a more enjoyable climbing experience with increased opportunities for growth.
Although summits are never guaranteed, climbing with a private guide is the best way to increase your chances.
This expedition provides a private guide at a 1:1 ratio, logistical oversight by expedition leader Mike Hamill, logistics, food, group gear, and support for a summit attempt on both Cotopaxi and Cayambe. Whether you’re a less experienced climber or have climbed at altitude many times before, our Ecuador Volcanoes expedition with a 1:1 private guide will give you a greater chance at standing on the summit of these beautiful Ecuadorean peaks.
Sample itinerary. CTSS will work with our private climbers to create an ideal climb itinerary that meets their specific needs. Please contact us for more information.
- Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador
- Day 2: Gear checks, equator visit, Teleférico de Quito (cable car)
- Day 3: Acclimatization hike on Rumiñahui Central (15,203 feet)
- Day 4: Travel to Cotopaxi for training
- Day 5: Hike to the Refugio José Rivas on Cotopaxi
- Day 6: Summit Cotopaxi (18,996 feet) and descent to Hacienda La Ciénega
- Day 7: Drive to the Refugio Ruales Oleas Bergé on Cayambe
- Day 8: Acclimatization day or possible summit day
- Day 9: Summit Cayambe (19,347 feet) and drive to Termas de Papallacta
- Day 10: Drive to Quito and enjoy a celebration dinner
- Day 11: Departure day for those not climbing Chimborazo
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services and items of a personal nature, like flights, gear, and insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect.
Included in the Ecuador Volcanoes Speed Ascent with Private Guide
- Professional mountain guides
- Hotels and mountain huts at single occupancy (excluding early arrivals or late departures)
- Breakfast is provided daily, and expedition food is available in the huts. While on the mountain, dinners and breakfasts will be provided. Lunch is mountaineering style, which means you will eat a steady graze throughout the day to keep your energy levels high.
- Guidance and expedition management
- All group transportation is provided while on the expedition. If you depart early, you are responsible for the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation.
- Group gear, including fuel, ropes, safety gear, and tents for Chimborazo
- Satellite phone to update the CTSS blog. Also available to clientele at $3/min
Excluded from the Ecuador Volcanoes Speed Ascent with Private Guide
- Flights to and from Quito, Ecuador, and associated travel expenses (e.g., hotels, excess baggage fees, visas, departure taxes, food) getting to and from Ecuador
- All costs incurred prior to the start date of the trip and after the end date.
- Ecuadorean visa fees
- In-town and off-mountain meals in Ecuador (we will just split the bill at the end of each meal)
- Personal climbing gear and snacks
- Any additional meals and transportation outside the expedition
- Bar tabs, minibars, hotel internet bills, laundry, etc.
- Expenses while on the expedition that are above and beyond the normal scope of the trip, such as medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, rescues, snacks, flight changes, alcohol, gifts for friends and family, specialty coffees, and bottled water, among others.
- Expenses incurred due to events outside CTSS's control, such as delays or interruptions, political events, natural events, or disasters. These may include additional expenses, such as extra hotel nights, resulting from delays.
- Trip insurance policy that includes personal climbing, medical, rescue, evacuation, trip interruption, and trip cancellation insurance
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments once submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.