This is a mountaineering expedition to Ecuador, with the aim of climbing four volcanoes in the Ecuador.
The highest is Chimborazo (6,310). We also climb the stunning crater of Cotopaxi (5,897m) and Cayambe (5,790m). As part of the acclimatisation we trek to Iliniza Norte still 5,126m.
This is a great introduction to altitude mountaineering as it has 4 high peaks split by rest periods at hotels.

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and technically the highest point from the centre of the earth (due to the Equatorial 'bulge') whilst Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

It is longer than the Kilimanjaro trip but exposes you to techniques such as crampons, ice axes, moving together in a team on a rope etc.
Plus you experience 4 high altitude peaks in South America.

• What is included in the price?

  Included
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  Transport from Quito airport
  A night before and after the trek in a hotel with breakfast.
  All food and camping during the trek and on the climb.
  Transfer to and from the gate.
  Tents (Four season,3 person mountain tent – double occupancy),chairs and table
  Mattress (Sleeping pad foam 1.5 inches thick)
  First aid kit/Bottled of oxygen/pulse oximeter
  ALL PARK fees, Camping fees and Rescue fees
  Forest fees where applicable
  Guides and porters fees as per government regulations, their food and public
  Liability insurance for the porters/guides.
  Value Added Tax (VAT) and other government taxes

• What is NOT included?

  What is not included in the price
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  International Flight
  Drinks such as alcohol or soft drinks.
  Tips for guides and porters
  Food for the first and last night at the hotel
  Personal equipment for mountain climbing such as sleeping back, boots, crampons, ice axes, warm clothes... We can help you prepare yourself for this and offer guidance and some discounts and also the possibility of rental.
  Personal mountain insurance/

• What training is provided before we leave?

  We run regular training and hiking weekends in the UAE throughout the winter which allows members to get to know each other and hike the great trails here.
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  A briefing meeting is planned in the UAE which is free to those who have signed up.
  You can also attend at cost if you are simply interested in hiking and want to know more.
  We camp for the weekend, discuss the route and hike some spectacular routes in the mountains.
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  Additional sessions are available at discounted rates.
  Additional mountains in the build up to Ecuador are also available.
  We also have a base in the French Pyrenees at 2000m and run altitude training trips there.

• Is there a discount available?

  Everything is priced to provide the best possible service.
  
  We can provide a discount for
  
  
  - return clients
  - clients who book multiple trips (such as Everest, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro or Aconcagua)
  - group bookings of 3 or more

• Do you have references or previous clients that I can speak to?

  Of course.
  
  This works in our favor as we love our clients and our clients love us.
  
  Contact us.

• What about acclimatisation?

  To enable all expedition members to acclimatize well and so maximize their chance of success, the expedition takes what I consider to be the best routes.
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  Adaptation to the altitude takes time and there can be no short-cuts, even if supplementary oxygen is used in the final stages on mountains like Everest.
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  The atmospheric pressure at the summit is half that at sea level which means you are breathing 50% less oxygen than normal.
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  A thorough programme of acclimatization is built into the itinerary, which consists of regulated height gains and rest.
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  Your guide, Sean James has summited Everest many times and has a vast knowledge of acclimatisation, altitude warning signs and how to treat cases.

• Who will be my leader?

  Sean is your western guide for the Ecuador Volcanoes.
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  We also have local guides and porters in Ecuador.
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  He has lived in Dubai for 12 years and splits his time between here and the Pyrenees.
  He has led 4 expeditions to the summit of Everest and 15 expeditions to mountains over 8000m as well as many around the globe.
  If we employ further western guides they will be qualified and experienced mountain guides or mountaineering instructors.
  We also ensure that all of our local porters have a good track record of mountaineering at high altitudes.
  Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our porters have the right temperament to lead an expedition comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. To that end, we aim to provide a staff (and clients ) who will make the expedition both successful and enjoyable throughout.

• Can we make the schedule shorter?

  Of course there are shorter schedules but to give everyone the maximum chance of success we are following this itinerary.
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  If you want a 1:1 or personal experience such as trail running to the summit, please contact us direct.

• What equipment do I need?

  When you sign up we arrange a personal meeting and go through everything that you will need.
  Our connections with retailers will give you a discount and ensure you look good and are safe.
  • Walking poles
  • 3 or 4 season sleeping bag if you like to be warm
  • Day rucksack & Duffel kit pack
  • Duvet jacket
  • Warm walking boots
  • Crampons
  • Ice Axe
  • Harness, prussiks
  • Wash kit
  • Duvet jacket
  • Water proof outer clothes
  • High altitude Cat 4 Glasses
  We can provide assistance with obtaining equipment not normally stocked by retail outlets. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us but, for this expedition, we strongly recommend that you purchase your own personal equipment and test it before departure.
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  We will also check any equipment you have before you depart and at the hotel.

• Is it safe?

  Climbing and mountaineering are inherently dangerous sports and should be performed only with the proper instruction and supervision of an experienced guide.
  We work on the premise that the inherent risks of outdoor activities and mountain climbing can be in part identified and mitigated by information, training, interesting gear and knowledge gained in part, through the experiences of others.
  
  
  Although many people have now climbed Kilimanjaro, the mountain and its potential dangers are undiminished.
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  The aim of our expedition will be to get as many team members as possible to the summit. However, this will not be to the detriment of safety. Safety will govern all decision making on the mountain and will be based on the sound mountaineering judgement of our highly experienced expedition leader.

• Can I meet you before I sign up?

  Please do and infact we would prefer to meet in person before you sign up with us.

• What level of experience do I need?

  The volcanoes in Ecuador are a great first introduction to altitude and mountaineering or a second step after Kilimanjaro.
  Although higher at over 6000m, the approaches and time between peaks allows you to recover.
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  No prior climbing or trekking experience is needed.
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  However once you sign up we expect you to take regular exercise and treks in the build up.
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  This not only helps you but gives the team deeper strength.
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  Ecuador is a fantastic experience and and as a first taste of altitude unparalled.
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  Why not stay longer and experience more of South America and the Galapagos.

• What is the typical schedule?

  Typical Itinerary
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  Day 1: Fly to Quito at an altitude of 2,850m.
  Day 2: Acclimatisation & City Tour
  Day 3: Hike of Pasochoa (4,200m) returning to Quito for the night.
  Day 4: Walk to Guagua Pichincha (4,787m) with overnight at an Ecuadorian hacienda.
  Day 5: Ascent of Iliniza - hike to La Virgen Camp (4,000m)
  Day 6: Iliniza Norte Summit Day (5,126m)
  Day 7: Drive to Hacienda Guachala / Otavalo Market
  Day 8: Drive to Cayambe, walk to the refuge (4,600m)
  Walk up to the start of the glacier (4,930m) to aid acclimatisation and practice crampon skills.
  Day 9: Training and acclimatisation on Cayambe Glacier
  Day 10: Climb Cayambe (5,790m)
  Day 11: Drive to Cotopaxi National Park, night in Tambopaxi lodge (3,750m)
  Day 12 - 13: Ascent of Cotopaxi (5,897m) from the hut at 4800m
  Day 14: Drive to Urbina (3,500m) near Chimborazo
  Day 15: Hike to Stübel Camp (5,050m)
  Day 16: Summit Chimborazo (6,310m)
  Day 17: Spare summit day for bad weather / return to Quito
  Overnight hotel.
  Day 18 - 19: Depart Ecuador

• What are you contact details?

  Sean lives in Dubai and the Pyrenees and as he is guiding the trips he is frequently travelling.
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  All messages will be repsonded to as quickly as possible.
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  Try these different options
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  Whatsapp +447507886417
  UAE +971585528611
  FR +33645518199
  SP +34605128807
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  [email protected]
  
  Zoom is also available