ECUADOR EXPERIENCE
Cotopaxi - Chimborazo Tour Itinerary
Climbing El Altar - photos & info
In 1880 when Edward Whimper came to climb, Chimborazo was considered the highest mountain in the world.
If you measure things from the center of the earth it is the highest mountain still. With eight mountains
above 5,000 meters, Ecuador offers a perfect training ground for high altitude climbing without embarking on
a full expedition. Similar to the Alps, this region of the Andes offer an ease of access to a number of high
peaks. Quito with her International airport and Ecuador's people who are known for their warm hospitality,
facilitate the organization of these adventures.
Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano and it has erupted 50 times since 1738.
The 1877 eruption melted snow and ice on the summit, which produced mudflows that traveled 100 km
from the volcano. The most recent eruption of Cotopaxi ended in 1904. The crater is still hot and there's
no snow inside.
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Cotopaxi 19,348 ft. |
FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2002
Jill, Richard Nelson and Dan Terpsma
from kalamazoo MI, an introduction to High Altitude Mountaineering
The team: From left to right,
Dan, Jill and Richard |
Step one, the approach to the Ilinizas |
FIRST PEAK ILINIZA NORTE 5126 M./16,817 FT |
| Good acclimatization is the key to a successful climb at high altitude. During this tour the team
spent several days visiting Quito at 9,000ft before going up into the mountains. One night was spent
at the base of the Iliniza and one day reaching the camp. It allowed each member of the trip to adjust
and deal with their own personal condition. It is not uncommon for people to experience head ache and
discomfort while at high altitude. It is key to learn how each member of the team acclimates to
the high altitude environment.
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Success on Iliniza Norte |
SECOND PEAK, Iliniza Sur 5,263m. / 17,267ft.
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Success on Iliniza Sur, Cotopaxi in the background. |
THIRD PEAK, Cotopaxi 5897m. / 19,347ft.
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| For the bigger peak an early start was required. Up at 11:30 PM,
on the trail at 12:30 am, we slowly but steadily moved up the mountain, the temperature was
cold -20 degrees Celsius, the snow was excellent and the crampons bite in well. By the time the sun
rise the view of Antizana gives us a renewed energy.
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