In Ecuador, the forces of mountain building are evident everywhere.  Earthquakes regularly shake the countryside and active volcanoes belch plumes of smoke and fire.

Ecuador is bisected from north to south for 400 miles by a string of peaks which form two parallel cordilleras (chain of mountains) separated by a broad fertile valley.  Our expedition will concentrate on the highest mountain in each cordillera.

After an acclimatization hike on Pinchincha (15,500 ft), outside of the capital city of Quito, we will make our way to beautiful Cotopaxi (19,498 ft) in the eastern cordillera.  Cotopaxi is an excellent peak to practice roped travel skills, crampon and ice ax use, and crevasse rescue techniques.  Cotopaxi is also the world's highest active volcano.

After returning to town for a fine dinner and relaxing hotel stay, our next objective will be the massive Chimborazo (20,702 ft) in the western cordillera.  Extensive glacier travel on terrain up to 70 degrees can be expected.  To minimize the dangers associated with glaciers (avalanche, serac tower collapse, deteriorating snow bridges) we will begin our climbs at midnight and climb throughout the night.  We will have summit days that may be up to 15 hours long.  Excellent physical fitness is required.

Participants are exposed to issues of high altitude physiology, high altitude mountain sickness, nutrition at altitude, evaluation of objective mountain hazards, and an introduction to glacier formation, movement, and route selection.

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