Trip Reports

Cotopaxi - 27 Dec to 10 Jan '05

Written by Leader David Buchan, January 2005

The expedition began by acclimatising and exploring the 2,900m city of Quito. Then followed acclimatisation walks around the Cuicocha Lake, which sits in a collapsed volcanic crater; a walk on the side of Guarmi Imbabura to 3,750m; then a visit to the famous Otovalo market.

The New Year was celebrated with an excellent meal and entertainment from some local dancers. Then New Year’s Day included a walk up to 4,900m to the Cayambe glacier: the only glacier in the world to straddle the equator.

All team members then reached the beautiful rocky summit of Iliniza North (5,126m) and returned to a rest day, while learning volley-ball from our local guide and multi-talented athlete, Diego. The quality and character of accommodation in the various haciendas was a great feature of the trip.

After some rest we began our ascent of Cotopaxi, which at 5,897m is the second highest mountain in Ecuador and also the second furthest point from the centre of the earth (even Everest cannot beat that!). The weather was very unkind for our two designated summit days. Glen, Celina and Nick reached 4,900m, Alex and Trish reached 5,600m. Ian and Nina with guides David and Felipe then reached the summit in very wild, arctic conditions. It was hard to believe that we were sat on the equator with icicles dangling from our grinning faces!

David Buchan, 11 January 2005 « | »

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