Mountaineering
Ecuador is set astride the equator and is bisected from north to south by two important mountain ranges. We enjoy a superb year round climate and this particular situation makes it possible to climb most of the year. A successful climb depends on the skills of the guide and of course your condition and acclimatisation. We use only qualified mountain guides, who are usually members of the ecuadorian mountain guides association. They are capable of not only providing the best service to our clients, but also they are able to respond when needed to our rules. For example, they are supposed to give the necessary training on ice and snow to the client before climbing. They always bring a mobile phone or radio in case of emergency and before setting off to the summit they check carefully your mountain equipment. It is important to be well acclimatized before climbing the high peaks of Ecuador. For that reason we recommend to climb some lower mountains or participate on a several day trek in the highlands.
GRADING
The following grades reflect the difficulty of the climb considering the technical specifications, experience, altitude and duration of the ascent. The grades are roughly estimated and you have to take into account that what is easy for someone can be difficult for somebody else.
Easy:
We consider an easy climb when is less than 5000m. Experience on ice or
rock climbing is not nessary and in some cases a rope may be used to secure
some exposed places. The climber needs a good physical condition.
Moderate:
More than 5000m. Experience in high altitude and use of climbing gear
such as crampons, rope and ice axe is required. A moderate climb usually
is on a glacier, you may have to cross some crevasses, the slopes are
not so steep (max. 45%) and full gear is used on all climbs. Very good
physical condition is required.
Demanding:
More than 5000m. Technical climbs with steep snow slopes and exposed ridges,
you may encounter some crevassed sections. Experience in high altitude
and proper use of equipment as well as some knowledge of mountaineering
technics are required. An excellent physical condition is a must.
| Snow capped volcanoes (> 5000m.) | Meters | Feet | Grade |
| Cotopaxi. | 5897 | 19,348 | Moderate |
| Cayambe | 5790 | 18,997 | Moderate |
| Chimborazo | 6310 | 20,703 | Demanding |
| Iliniza Sur | 5263 | 17,268 | Demanding |
| Iliniza Norte (not permanent snow) | 5126 | 16,818 | Easy |
| Sangay | 5230 | 17,160 | Moderate |
| Altar | 5319 | 17,452 | Demanding |
| Carihuairazo | 5020 | 16,471 | Moderate |
| Antisana | 5704 | 18,715 | Moderate |
- Tungurahua is since 1999 not possible to climb due to its volcanic activity.
| Not snow capped volcanoes (<5000m.) | Meters | Feet | Grade |
| Pasochoa | 4200 | 13,780 | Easy |
| Guagua Pichincha | 4874 | 15,992 | Easy |
| Imbabura | 4609 | 15,122 | Easy |
| Rumiñahui | 4712 | 15,460 | Easy |
| Corazón | 4788 | 15,709 | Easy |
SUGGESTED CLIMBING COMBINATIONS
| Combination | Previous acclimatation | Grade |
| Pasochoa - Illiniza Norte - Cotopaxi. | Min 3 days in Quito | Easy |
| Iliniza - Cotopaxi Trek - Cotopaxi | Min. 3 days in Quito | Moderate |
| Cayambe -Cotopaxi -Chimborazo | One week hiking in the highlands or climbing smaller peaks | Demanding |
CLIMATE
Climbing may be possible to practice almost the whole year. Some months such as June and July can be unpredictable due to strong winds in the mountains, the rest of the months offer better possibilities. but the mountaineer must take into account that weather can change very quickly in any month of the year.
OUR CLIMBING SERVICES
- Experienced multilingual mountain guides. Normally one guide for every two clients, but depends on passengers experience.
- First class mountain equipment (boots, crampones, ice axe, harness, rope).
- More than 5 clients, one cook.
- Transportation (4WD jeep or bus).
- Meals: well balanced for high altitude.
- Security: 24 hours back up service from our office and evacuation schemes. Mobile telephone, only experienced mountain guides.