Trip Reports

Ecuador Volcanoes - 4 to 23 November 2007

Written by Leader, December 2007

A very friendly and cheerful group succeeded in the Jagged Globe Ecuador Volcanoes expedition this past November. The team arrived to Quito with no problems, ready for the adventure, after some views of the historical streets of Quito, we couldn’t wait any longer to get into the highlands!

Pasochoa was our first peak, and we had good weather but with a little hail before the top. There was more hail on Rucu Pichincha. It was the same weather pattern that stopped us on Iliniza Norte summit day only 100 metres from the top, from where we descended to the comfort and warmth of our campsite to rest and relax after a very rainy journey.

Otavalo market was visited for some cultural views and shopping of course. Then we travelled to Cuicocha Lake for some sightseeing and lunch. In the evening a folk group with music and dance performed a show for us at the Aya Huma Hotel.

At Cayambe we had a couple of glacier skills clinics to remember and get sharp our skills for the rest of the climbs. Four out of five members climbed successfully to the top of Cayambe on a beautiful, clear and starry night, with excellent snow conditions!

On the other hand, Cotopaxi received us with super moist and windy conditions. We waited at Tambopaxi for one night but the weather did not change. Two out of five climbers reached the top despite a constant fight with cold temperatures, wind and moisture.

On the Chimborazo Extension, both climbers who chose to stay on in Ecuador reached Ventimilla Summit after a considerable 13 to 14 hours climb. We were lucky to get good snow conditions on what is typically black ice on the “El Castillo” slopes. As the conditons deteriorated during the day, we decided to take a longer but safer way down El Castillo to avoid these icy steps.

Congratulations to all the team and keep on climbing!

Alejandro Lazzati, Expedition Leader « Previous report | Next report »

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