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Stamina - Endurance
A mountain athlete needs endurance above any other specific fitness skill. Cardiovascular fitness is of course always subject to the movement (as climbing rocks or steep ice, you will not be able to transfer your triathlete or running fitness to mountains without being solid in the required mountaineering skills).
Unsere erste Tour in Südamerika 2021 hat begonnen: Einzelner Teilnehmer Pascal P. ist gut getestet (2x PCR, 1x Antigen) in
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Bei unserem 1.Trekking 2020 zum Everest Basislager sowie unserer letzten Tour in Ecuador haben wir gerade noch geschafft unsere Teilnehmer am
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Gratulation an Daniel und Paul. Gestern standen Sie auf dem Gipfel des Cotopaxi. Ihre Ecuador Trekking / Bergsteigerreise geht weiter.
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Karl Egloff ist neu im SummitClimb-Leader Team. Er ist ein beliebter Bergführer aus Ecuador mit Schweizer Wurzeln und ein hervorragender
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Einer unserer Gäste erreichte heute den Chimborazo Gipfel: Gratulation! Ein weiterer Gast kehrt auf 5200 Metern um, zwei blieben gleich
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Unsere Ecuador Trekkinggruppe ist seit einer Woche unterwegs. Nach Erkundung von Quitio und vielen schönen Bergtouren erfolgte gestern der Aufstieg
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Berlin, Frankfurt, München, Wien oder Zürich
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Day 1 • Flight to Ecuador
Departure from your destination arriving in the evening in Ecuador's capital Quito. You will be picked up at the airport by our driver. The international airport is 50km away from Quito. The group will meet at the airport and will be transferred to the hotel in Quito (45 minutes). Depending on the day of the week, there may be a lot of traffic and it may take longer to get to the hotel. Hotel Finlandia is very well located in the center.
Accommodation: Hotel Finlandia, double room, breakfast.
Day 2 • Acclimatization in Quito (2850-3100m)
In Quito's old town, since 1979 UNESCO World Heritage Site, we visit the Plazas de la Independencia, Santo Domingo and San Francisco. These three squares are home to the most important monuments from the colonial period. From the short volcanic hill "El Panecillo" (the name means "the breadbun") we can admire the beautiful view over the city - and in clear weather - on the snow-capped Cotopaxi. In the afternoon we return to our hotel and have the evening at our disposal.
Accommodation: Hotel Finlandia, double room, breakfast.
Day 3 • Rucu Pichincha (4700m) - Avenida de los Volcanes
We reach the local mountain of Quito comfortably with the cable car (mountain station on 4000m height). The hike of about 6 hours (4 in the ascent, 2 in the descent) offers a wonderful view of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes: Cayambe, Antisana, Cotopaxi. In the afternoon we drive south on the Avenida de los Volcanes, the "volcano road". On the way, in sunny weather, the radiant peaks of Cotopaxi, Illiniza Norte and Illinaza Sur appear on the horizon. Overnight at the hacienda-like Huerta Sacha Lodge.
Accommodation: Huerta Sacha Lodge, overnight stay, full board.
Trekking: 5-6h; Ascent: 800 m; Descent: 800 m.
Day 4 • Ascent of El Corazón (4700m)
After we have collected our first impressions of the country and its people, we go for a day hike in the region of El Corazón. The 4788 m high volcano lies in the west cordillera in the northwest of Machachi valley and is part of a massif with three mountain peaks, rarely covered in snow. Early in the morning we leave our accommodation and hike to the pre-summit of El Corazón at an altitude of about 4500 m. Overnight stay at the Huerta Sacha Lodge.
Accommodation: Huerta Sacha Lodge, overnight stay, full board.
Trekking: 6-7h; Ascent: 1230 m; Descent: 1230 m.
Day 5 • Ascent of Illiniza Norte (5126m)
Early in the morning we set off to climb Illiniza Norte (5126 m). The ascent is technically not difficult, except for the last part shortly before the summit. During this first climb at a higher altutide we should "take it easy" in order to acclimatize well. After a short block climb (II), we reach the highest point of Illiniza Norte and deserve a break. The view from the summit over the Andes is fantastic! Cotopaxi, our next destination, grows into the sky directly opposite us. After the summit rest we descend quickly. After the climb we can relax in the beautiful Huerta Sacha Lodge.
Accommodation: Huerta Sacha Lodge, overnight stay, full board.
Trekking: approx. 8-9h; Ascent: 1250 m; Descent: 1250 m.
Day 6 • Hazienda - rest day at the foot of Cotopaxi (3600m)
We drive 1.5 hours along the volcano road to the foot of Cotopaxi. The day is free to relax, to write postcards or to use Wifi. The hacienda is beautifully situated, if you wish, we can organize a horse ride. Pablo, our landlord and hacienda owner, takes care of his guests with full commitment.
Accommodation: Hazienda Mortiños, B&B, full board.
Rest day.
Day 7 • Cotopaxi National Park, José Ribas Hut (4860m)
We enter the Cotopaxi National Park, which was established to protect the Páramo vegetation. We take time to visit one of the beautiful lagoons before continuing to the car park below the José Ribas hut at an altitude of about 4500 m. From there, the ascent to the José Ribas hut at 4800 m takes about 1 hour. We rest, put our equipment in order and prepare ourselves for tomorrow's summit ascent during a glacier training. We spend the short night in a warm sleeping bag in the José Ribas hut situated below the edge of the glacier.
Accommodation: Mountain hut José Ribas, full board.
Car transport: 1h; Walking time: 1h; Ascent: 350 m.
Day 8 • Ascent of Cotopaxi (5897m)
Cotopaxi was first climbed in 1872 by the German geologist Wilhelm Reiß and the Colombian Angel Escobar. The biggest eruption of this volcano took place in 1877, the lava flow extended to Latacunga 35 km away. Cotopaxi (5897 m) is one of the highest active volcanoes of the world and with its 5897 m of height - the second highest mountain of Ecuador. We plan a very early departure (midnight) to the summit. In clear weather we can see the volcanic peaks of Cayambe, Antisana, Illiniza and El Altar, as well as our next destination - Chimborazo located 100 km away. In normal conditions the ascent is technically not very difficult, but long and exhausting. The snow line and the glacial boundary lie at about 5000 m. We climb with ice axes and crampons right past the rocky crater structure that is already visibile from a distance. Depending on the conditions, we may have to bypass crevasses. After climbing up the last steeper slope we reach the crater edge (walking time from the hut to the summit approx. 6-8 hours, the descent takes 2-3 hours).
After returning to the hut we walk the short way to the parking lot and drive out of the national park onto the Avenida de los Volcanes. A scenic drive brings us to Baños. Depending on time we have luch on the way or after arrival in Baños.
Accomodation: Hotel Spa Sangay (or similar), full board.
Volcano climb: 10-11h; Ascent: 1080 m; Descent: 1380 m
Car transport: approx. 3-4h.
Day 9 • Rest day in Baños de Agua Santa
The city of Baños de Agua Santa (Spanish for Baths of Holy Water) is named after the hot springs so you can guess what the activity of the day will be. Our bus takes us to the Pastaza Valley. We can admire the Rio Verde waterfall and the "devil's pan" (el Pailon del Diablo). The afternoon is at our free disposal in Baños. The cosy seaside resort is located at the foot of the active volcano Tungurahua. If you like, you can stroll through the streets, hike or bathe in the hot springs. Overnight stay at Hotel Spa Sangay.
Accomodation: Hotel Spa Sangay (or similar), full board.
Active rest day: car transport approx. 1h; short walks.
Day 10 • Carrel Hut - Chimborazo Base Camp
The village of Ambato is the starting point of our climb. To get there we drive on a winding road through a picturesque landscape along deep gorges. We pass through a beautiful plateau and reach the Carrel Hut (approx. 4800 m) at the end of the slope. Chimborazo is an extinct volcano with many individual craters and five peaks. Alexander von Humboldt, who unfortunately failed to climb it, was convinced that Chimborazo was the highest mountain in the world. And indeed it is, but only if you measure its height from the centre of the earth and not from the sea level. The first person who managed to conquer this peak was Edward Whymper in 1880, also the first person to have reached the summit of the Matterhorn. Overnight stay in the hut.
Accomodation: Carrel Hut, full board.
Car transport: 2h.
Day 11 • Ascent of Chimborazo (6330m)
We set off for the summit around midnight. We follow the normal route, climbing first through "El Corredor" towards "El Castillo" (at approx. 5500 m) and we continue on the wide glaciated ridge to reach the Veintemilla peak (approx. 6300 m). From there a traverse leads us to the actual summit at Point Whymper (approx. 6330m). Due to the melting of the glacier, glare ice and falling ice are to be expected, especially when crossing "El Corredor" below the actual glacier. The ascent requires mountaineering experience and a sure foot in a difficult terrain. It takes about 7 to 10 hours from the hut to reach the highest point of Ecuador. From the summit we can admire a wonderful view; deep below us lies Riobamba. We need about 4-5 hours for the descent to the hut. In the afternoon we take the bus and drive to the Chimborazo Lodge, the hacienda "Las Estrellas".
Accomodation: Chimborazo Lodge, half board.
Trekking: approx. 10-14h; Ascent: 1300 m; Descent: 1500 m.
Day 12 • Experience Ecuador!
This is our reserve day for the Chimborazo ascent but if we are successful on Day 11, we may return to Quito today or enjoy spontaneous activities in the southern highlands: a train ride from Alausi (2350 m) past the foot of the Devil's Nose at a pace of 500 meters in zigzag turns (possible on three weekdays, partly closed in case of damage) or a horseback ride to explore the surroundings.
Accomodation: Guesthouse / Hotel, breakfast.
Reserve day for Chimborazo climb / free day.
Day 13 • Drive to Quito
We drive to Quito, where we still have enough time to stroll through the streets and shop.
Accommodation: Hotel Finlandia, double room, breakfast.
Car transport: approx. 8h.
Day 14/15 • Quito - flight home
Flight home or further journey to the next destination in South America (Amazon, beach or Galapagos Islands are possible). The return flight and arrival at home in the late afternoon/evening.
This trip is suitable for experienced climbers as well as sporty beginners and active travelers, as the summit challenges increase over the course of our two weeks and all ascents are made as day trips. You should be well prepared, but you can easily drop out if you realize in Ecuador that one of the climbs is too demanding. Experienced mountain guides supervise our Ecuador tour, on Cotopaxi and Chimborazo ascents with a 1:2 guide-client-ratio.
Temperatures:
Cotopaxi at night down to - 5°C
Chimborazo at night down to - 10°C
with wind chill factor down to - 15°C / - 20°C
Demanding trekking, 6000m, glacier tour, alpine tour, warm to cold, windy, changeable weather.
Cozy haciendas and hotels, tasty food, only 2-3 nights in mountain huts (sleeping bag down to 0°C is enough).
General requirements: A good level of physical condition and endurance are required. You should be fit and healthy. Experience of easy glacier tours should be brought along, preferably from 3000 m or 4000 m ascents in the Alps. Experience in higher altitudes would be an asset.
Technical skills: The normal routes on Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are easy glacier routes and do not present any major technical difficulties. However, you should not underestimate the effects of altitude at around 6000 m. According to the French Alpine scale, the route on Cotopaxi is rated PD and the route on Chimborazo PD+. You need to know how to walk on glacier with crampons.
Fitness requirements: With over 1000 meters of altitude difference from 5000 m to over 6000 m, the ascent of Chimborazo is physically the most challenging climb in our program. Also on Cotopaxi we climb about 1000 meters, but during the preparation tours on smaller volcanoes we acclimatize and test ourselves slowly for these two challenges. You should be in good shape and train regularly for endurance sports.
More information from Ecuador on the Covid-19-situation: https://www.salud.gob.ec
All travelers need a completed digital for boarding flights to Ecuador, and the entry form for Ecuador: https://declaracionsalud-viajero.msp.gob.ec/
Information valid since several month (lastest update 27. Sept. 2022).
"A great trip: All team summited Cotopaxi! We attempted Chimborazo on 2 occasions. Unfortunately, the mountain had too much snow and it allowed ascent to 5900m maximum and for safety, we came down. Thanks to all."
(Tom Bradley, USA - 05. February 2018 )
26. Dec - 09. Jan 2025
You can call us at:
+49 (0)30 774 9034
Or send us an e-mail:
info@summitclimb.de
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Single Supplement - SummitClimb Equador Cotopaxi & Chimborazo Tour
The Galapagos Islands (Spanish: Islas Galápagos; officially Archipiélago de Colón 'Columbus Archipelago') are an archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 1000 km west of the Ecuadorian coast. The extraordinary nature of the islands are part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage and are protected by the Galápagos Islands National Park. The word Galápago (Spanish for 'beaded saddle', among others) refers to the turtle shell, which in some subspecies of the Galápagos giant tortoise is bulging in the neck area like a saddle. It was the Galapagos that had a profound impact on Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. As fascinating to visitors as it was to Charles Darwin in the 19th century and the early explorers of the 16th century is the fearlessness that the animals have retained due to the lack of natural enemies on the islands. Sea lions, marine lizards, pelicans, penguins, birds - a huge range of animals can be observed in their species only in the Galapagos.
Tourism is now the biggest source of income in the Galapagos, but at the same time the biggest threat to the sensitive ecosystem and wildlife of the archipelago. Entering the islands and navigating the waters are strictly regulated and controlled by the National Park Administration based in Puerto Ayora. The following types of travel are suitable for visiting:
There are approximately 80 vessels authorized for tourist traffic in the waters of the Galapagos. The cruises are more economical and cheaper than the more ecological and exclusive choice of a sailing tour.
Island hopping involves the use of public speedboats to travel from island to island. The exact cost depends on still available places and desired class and form of the trip.
Services: Travel/flight from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos (Baltra), program with full board, accommodation in double room, transfers.
Not included: Entrance fees (approx. USD 100,- p.p), island fees (approx. USD 10,- p.p.) drinks in hotels, accloholic drinks.
Galapagos adventures and trips, prices per person (double room/cabin, min. 2 persons) - typical tours:
Galapagos Experiences and Travels, each price per person (double room/cabin, min. 2 persons) - typical tours:
Contact us: If you are interested, please click on this option. Ideally, you should book your trip at least 6 months before the planned date. We then clarify the still open places with the respective providers (ships / hotels) and calculate the exact price of the additional program to send you our special offers.
