Definitely an ambitious target: climbing Chimborazo, especially due to the situation that still both refugees are closed. For our group it’s clear from the very beginning: only Oliver and Lukas are going to try the summit, Karin will enjoy the beauty of Chimborazo National Park, staying down. more “attacking the highest – Chimborazo 6.310 m”
Ecuador is the perfect location for acclimatization tours. After leaving Quito we head north to Otavalo, where acclimatization continues: a visit to the market and the lagoon Cuicocha. It takes us approximately 3 hours to get from Quito to Otavalo. We first check in at our hotel and afterwards it’s market time. more “acclimatization pack – Ecuador”
Every big journey starts with a first step and so do we. Karin, Oliver and Lukas arrive safely in Quito and their target is Chimborazo by end of the month until then, lots of acclimatization, culture, people, food … and FUN! more “Quito, getting started”
Of course, high mountains are our favourit, but what to do before, after and in between your climbs? That’s a big question! We always recommend visiting Baños, a piece of heaven on earth. And in Baños, our hometown, there’s plenty of things to do: hot springs, spa, waterfalls, volcano watching, … AND rock climbing! more “Baños ROCKS”
This time will be my time! After 4 attempts without summit the 5th shall be a special one to reach Chimborazo: full moon, birthday and daylight ascent.
Altitude approximately 6.100 m, I knew I could get to the summit, but I also knew that the descent would be the hell, so I decided not to summit that time. more “Chimborazo (6.310 m) – daylight ascent”
The last weekend in August was a marvelous one at Cotopaxi. Very punctual for the season the climate is getting better and conditions were almost perfect. more “Cotopaxi – summit, altitude sickness & location update”
Saturday morning, same situation as on many days during the year … Iliniza Norte and Sur in the clouds, but the weather forecast is good and in Ecuador … “everything is possible, but nothing is certain” … as we have been told. more “acclimatization @ Iliniza Norte (5.126 m)”
Quito 05:30 a.m. – break of dawn:. We are getting on a 4×4 vehicle and head to Lloa, a small village close to Quito. It takes us about 1 hour to get there. We are enjoying first great views before continuing our drive up to the mountain hut. The hut lies just below Guagua Pichincha, and takes almost another hour. more “The Pichinchas”
Winter in Ecuador – the number of rainy days rises whereas the number of mountaineers trying to reach the summits of the Ecuadorian Andes drops. It’s the time for recovery from the past season and also time for preparation for the upcoming season with a climb to Cotopaxi more “Cotopaxi – getting ready for the next season”
All you need is Ecuador and DIVERSITY is what Ecuador offers in all aspects: its people, culture, mountains, beaches, islands, jungle, cities, wildlife, tradition … and so much more. more “All you need is Ecuador”