Having previous glacier experience is not required. We do recommend that you have joined one of our best acclimatization and ascent programs containing instructions and skills that we teach you as previous mountaineering training helps you enjoy the overall experience. Is also important that you try out your mountaineering gear prior to joining this adventure if you don’t have we have for you in our rental equipment shop.
A). In Ecuador you can Climb all year, but these are the seasons
B). Likewise, weather forecasts are very unpredictable. Therefore, we recommend being prepared for all types of weather
We strongly urge you to purchase travel and accident insurance. We recommend Global Rescue for both types of insurance.
A). Cotopaxi is a relatively safe climb on the routes we climb. The biggest challenges are the high altitude and people not coming physically prepared. Some groups try to ascend too quickly and do not take the time to acclimatize. We do not have this issue because our itinerary has been carefully planned over years of experience working in low oxygen environments.
A). We will provide you with a full detailed itemized kit list so that you
A). Yes, you can leave a bag of items not needed in our base camp. You can also leave valuable items in the safe.
A). Depending on the glacial conditions we will follow the safest route to the top. We also leave from the refuge at 4864 m./15,958 ft for all our summit attempts.
A). Acclimatization is the most important and should be taken seriously. Even if you are fit and practice any physical activity, it is important to follow the process for a successful climb. B). Firstly, there is some very specific training you should be doing. Learn more. Let’s be clear, always pick the itinerary with more acclimatization built in. After that, you need to focus on mapping out a training plan that focuses on strength and endurance. We will pace the trip at lower heart rates so we can perform for longer periods of time. You still need to be comfortable hiking for 6+ hours. We know that building up the weight you carry in your backpack for hours at sea level builds endurance, strength and cardio which stress tests your body for high altitude. We can help you learn more about how to prepare for your high-altitude adventure
A). If you sign up to one of our trips, we can give ongoing advice. We also have training courses in Cotopaxi that you can sign up to.
A). Yes, you can do it
Develop a personalized training plan: Mountaineering requires multiple types of training, each focusing on a different need:
Cardio workouts: to improve the overall fitness level of your heart and lungs.
Interval sessions to boost your ability to process more oxygen with each breat.
Strength and endurance exercises so you can haul a heavy load and sustain physical output for many hours.
Balance and flexibility: training because you need both for mountaineering.
Hiking days: to extend your training into real-world situations.
