2019 Ecuador Cotopaxi Skills and Chimborazo Expedition (Trip 12: Nov. 30 - Dec. 14, 2019) Dispatch 2

Ecuador High Altitude Trip Report

Guide: Jose Salazar

Climbers: Jeremy B., Ian B., Anthony Q., Samantha D., Matt B., John C., and Christopher A.

December 8, 2019

Christopher called on behalf of the team to report on their climb of Cayambe.

Hello! I am very happy to report we have had a wonderful climb of Cayambe. After having a nice night at Hacienda Guachala after our hike up Rucu Pichincha. We then headed to the hut on Cayambe and had a day-and-a-half to work on glacier climbing skills. Jose did a great job teaching both climbing skills and things like proper roping and crevasse rescue. We all felt like we learned a lot.

On the day of the Cayambe climb we left the hut at midnight. It was fairly good weather and good conditions on the mountain, and we felt like we made good time on the ascent. As we got closer to the top, the visibility decreased. However, after our 6:30 am arrival on the summit, it was still a wonderful place to be.

We’ve all been having an excellent time together. From the culture and history, to the food, and the hiking and climbing, it’s been excellent. This is my fourth trip with AAI, and it keeps getting better! I really like applying the skills I have developed on new kinds of terrain, and of course, in new places. And Ecuador has been a great place to be. It’s a very rich experience.

So the climb was really good, and after a break on the summit, we descended to the hut in about two-and-a-half hours. We’re now at Hacienda Guachala again, and before long we’ll head for another mountain lodge for some rest and good food.

Next comes Cotopaxi and we are all looking forward.

December 9, 2020

Just a quick note from our team - They were able to reach the summit of Cotopaxi this morning! We will hear back from them soon.