The Andes

The Andes mountain range traverses Ecuador from north to south. These mountains are connected by knots that make them look like a ladder. The region is characterized by the presence of 35 volcanoes, 8 of which are snowcapped and considered potentially active. Nature lovers consider viewing the Andean scenery that contains high plateaus, valleys, mountains and snow peaks an incomparable experience. The Andes comprise a land of both cultural and physical extremes and extraordinary diversity, thus bestowing upon it a great strength as well as a vulnerable fragility.

The Andes Mountain Range, correctly called the "Cordon of Fire" or the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," will become the stage for long walks, for climbing the highest and steepest peaks, for trekking eternally snowcapped peaks and for providing you with sensations experienced previously only by mountaineers and adventurers

Following is a list of the programs we offer:

 

Because the 2-day Cotopaxi climb is one of the most popular excursions we offer, we give the details here as an example of these programs:

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CLIMBING THE COTOPAXI VOLCANO (Elevation 6,005 meters)
Cotopaxi, the most active volcano in the world.

Duration: 2 days
Departure: Daily
Time: 8 am

Day 1: After leaving Quito in the morning by the South Pan American Highway and passing through Machachi, we enter the Cotopaxi National Park on a third class road. We will ride in the car up to 4,600 meters. The car will continue with our equipment to 4,800 meters to the site of the José Rivas Refuge where we will spend the night.
- Lunch at the refuge
- Supper at the refuge

Day 2: We leave the refuge at 2 am and reach the crest after 6 or 7 hours of climbing. If the day is clear, the view of the entire country is impressive. Then we descend to the refuge to rest a bit before returning to Quito.
- Breakfast at the refuge
- Lunch on the climb

Instructions:
- The second day excursion begins at 2 am and is over at about 1 or 2 pm.
- Because of the altitude of this mountain, the climber needs to have spent some time adapting and getting acclimatized to the altitude.
- We suggest taking a less strenuous trekking tour before making this climb.

Equipment: For high mountains

Every program outlined above has its individual itinerary. We will be happy to provide you with specific information if you let us know your interests.