THE VOLCANOES OF ECUADOR
November 29 - December 16, 2008

Join us for an extraordinary trip to Ecuador. We will have ample time to see spectacular scenery and historical sights, interact with the friendly people, and climb mountains.  Ecuador combines easy access, high mountains, and cultural and historical experiences.  The US dollar is used as local currency and the social and political environment is stable and relaxed.  In these unsettled times, this is one of the best places to go for an unforgettable adventure.  Our 18 day trip provides time to properly acclimatize - very important when we are climbing over 20,000'.

This expedition is appropriate for climbers with prior roped snow climbing experience with ice axe and crampons.  Climbs on peaks involving glacier travel are good. OPA's Alpine Mountaineering plus Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue courses combined with a Mt. Adams Mazama Glacier climb, would be excellent introduction.

As you are likely aware, the global warming trend is very apparent in the Andes.  We plan to do the standard routes on the peaks, but will modify the routes as appropriate.  Our local guides are intimately familiar with the climbs and monitor the conditions on a continuous basis.

Chimborazo is one of the most affected and we may do a north side route if it is the one in the best shape.  It depends on snow conditions and, ironically, the amount of ashfall from nearby Tugurahua. If we judge that all of the routes on Chimborazo are unsafe to climb, we can climb Antisana or Iliniza  instead.

Itinerary

November 29.   Arrive in Quito, 9,350'/2,850m.

November 30.    Tour Old Town in Quito. Slide show on the "Mountains and Peoples of Ecuador".

December 1.   Hike up Pasochoa, 13,776'/4,199m.  Spend night in Quito
 
December 2.   Hike up Guagua Pinchincha, 15,700'/4,785m.  Spend night in Quito

December 3.  Travel to the market town of Otavalo and tour the markets.  Spend night in Hostel Ayahuma.

December 4.  Hike to Cotacachi 16,199'/4,937m. Night at Cuicocha Lake

December 5.  Travel to Cayambe for skills practice. Spend the night in the refuge, 15,088'/4,599m

December 6. Cayambe skill practice. Spend night in the refuge

December 7. Cayambe, 18,993'/5,789m summit attempt.  Spend night at Hacienda Guachala

December 8. Drive to Cotopaxi region/ rest day.  Spend night at Cuello de Luna

December 9.  Travel to Cotopaxi Refuge, 15,750'/4,801m.

December 10. Climb Cotopaxi, 19,347'/5,897m. Spend night in Baños, 6,232'/1,900m..

December 11. Baños. Rest day at the Hot Springs.

December 12. Travel to Urbina, 12,792'/3,899m on the western side of Chimborazo.  Urbina is an old train station which has been converted into a climbers hostal.

December 13.  Travel to Chimborazo. Night in the refuge 16,400'/4,999m.

December 14.  Chimborazo, 20,702'/6,310m summit attempt.  If successful, travel to Quito .

December 15.  Chimborazo, second summit attempt if needed. Night in Quito.

December 16.  Departure

Price: $3,500.  Includes accommodations, transportation, all meals on climbs,  Oregon Peak Adventures Trip Leader,  Ecuadorian Trip Leader, Ecuadorian technical mountain guides (all are Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides (ASEGUIM) members and fluent in English), skills training sessions, National Park fees and permits, and refuge fees.  Does not include air fare, meals when not climbing, drinks, and tips.

Price based on four to 11 climbers (plus OPA Trip Leader)

$500 deposit required by September 1, with balance due October 15.

Call (877) 965-5100 or e-mail for more information or to sign-up.  You can also sign-up by using our  Secure Form.