Ecuador's Volcanoes 2024

Ecuador's Andean region is characterized by stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, picturesque lakes, and traditional indigenous communities. The famous Avenue of the Volcanoes showcases a series of majestic peaks, while towns like Otavalo are known for their vibrant indigenous markets, where you can find intricately woven textiles, colorful handicrafts, and traditional cuisine. On this 11-day expedition, we’ll ascend two of Ecuador’s volcanoes: Cotopaxi and Cayambe.

Cotopaxi is renowned for being one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. It rises 5,897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. The volcano's perfectly conical shape and its picturesque snow-capped summit make it a breathtaking sight. Climbing Cotopaxi offers a thrilling and challenging experience, with its steep slopes, glaciers, and stunning panoramic views from the top.

Cayambe is another majestic volcano, standing at 5,790 meters (18,996 feet). It is notable for being the highest point on the equator and the third-highest peak in Ecuador. What makes Cayambe unique is its permanent equatorial snowcap, which adds to its allure and provides a captivating contrast against the surrounding landscape. Climbing Cayambe presents a rewarding adventure for experienced mountaineers, combining technical challenges with awe-inspiring scenery.

These climbs are great options if you want to build on your alpine experience.

To guide the trip, I’ve partnered with Climbing the Seven Summits, I appreciate their professionalism and enthusiasm for helping climbers of all skill levels achieve their mountain goals. I also love that they believe in the transformative power of the mountains. This will be a private, all-female team of no more than 12 clients, led by female Ecuadorian and US guides with a client to guide ratio of 2:1. You can learn more details about the day-to-day itinerary from CTSS’s website linked above.

For me, there is more meaning in summiting a challenging peak when I can give back to women in the local community. That's why I will ask each team member to give back to a local charity for Fundación María Guare, a local non-profit that provides legal, psychological, and social support for women who are survivors of gender-based violence.

Because preparation is so critical for any mountain endeavor, this climb will include six months of customized coaching from my company, Alpine Athletics. I'll help you prepare physically for the challenge of climbing Ecuador’s volcanoes. We'll also work through any fears or concerns you have about the climbs, and I'll be sure that your gear is dialed.

Here are the specifics:

Dates: January 13–23, 2024

The costs break down like this:

$3995 – Cotopaxi and Cayambe climbs

$500 – suggested charitable donation

$2250 - 6 months customized training ($3000 value)

Coaching costs can spread out over time, cost of climb is due to Lisa when climb is booked, I will pass it along to CTSS (you can also pay them directly if you prefer).

You will make the charitable donation directly, so you receive tax credit.