Trip Reports

Ecuador Volcanoes - 17 Dec to 5 Jan '07

Written by Leader Pelle Bagewitz, January 2007

This expedition unfortunately started out in poor weather conditions with lots of rain and thunder. With strong-minded team members this was never a problem and in the end we returned back to Europe with memories of a fantastic expedition.

With twelve guests and two guides the team started out with acclimatisation climbs near Quito at Pasochoa, (4,200m) and Pichincha (4,650m). After having walked for two days with pretty much no visibility, we finally had a clear morning as we set off to conquer our first main objective, Iliniza (5,226m). Although the weather turned bad again and we had very snowy conditions on the upper part of the climb, twelve of us reached the summit tired but happy. The rainy down climb made Pablo’s (our chef) warm homemade Ecuadorian soap taste even better. We spent the night in our tents at 4,000m.

Our next goal was the summit of Cayambe. First we spent two days of training for the coming challenge. The first day was used as rope and rescue training and the second day was used as glacier training. Well-prepared we sat off for the summit and after another blistering fight against the weather, eight of us reached the Cayambe summit at 5,790m.

After a well-earned couple of days rest, some sightseeing and market bargains, the team attacked the magnificent summit of Cotopaxi (5,897m). This time, with perfect conditions, the team set off at midnight with a clear night full of stars and perfectly frozen snow. In the morning, our efforts were finally rewarded as we reached the spectacular summit of the beautiful mountain Cotopaxi. The eleven of us who made it had all stood on summits before, but this was something special as we could see smoke coming out of the crater, and with a stunning view of the big volcanoes around us - Antisana, Cayambe and Chimborazo.

Reaching the summit of Cotopaxi was a great way to end the year of 2006. Exhausted, after having climbed all night, the new year's party ended just after midnight. The satisfaction we all felt at the turkey dinner at the Tombopaxi Hut will stay in our memories for a long time.

The final days before leaving Ecuador we spent visiting some more interesting and unique places in beautiful weather. A highlight was the organic home made meal we all found great at the Posada de Tigua near by the Quilatoa Crater Lake.

On 4 January a great group of newly found friends said goodbye to our new Ecuadorian friends Felipe, Nacho, Maritius and the bravest bus driver on the planet, Gallo.

Pelle Bagewitz, Expedition Leader and IFMGA Guide« Previous report | Next report »

Jagged Globe Newsletter

We publish an email newsletter with trip reports and latest availability, plus features, competitions and general news of our climbing, trekking & skiing activities.