Ecuador has the earth's greatest concentration of volcanic peaks. In the central Sierra, eleven solitary peaks, discernable from many miles, form the backbone of the nation. Chimborazo (20,705'), the country's highest mountain, El Altar, Tungurahua, and Cotopaxi are some of the most impressive of these great volcanos. This outstanding program was designed for novice to intermediate climbers. It provides an exceptional opportunity, not only to improve high altitude glacier and ice climbing skills, but also to explore Ecuador's lovely countryside and meet some of the friendliest people in South America. Each trip could be timed to coincide with the full moon, giving our groups the greatest chance for good weather and the highest probability of success on the summit!

After a night in Quito, we drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanos to Riobamba. Here, we enjoy a 3-day acclimatization trek, through the páramo, to the foot of Ecuador’s fifth highest peak, El Altar (17,450'). An impressive, extinct volcano, its jagged, ice-clad peaks form a ring around a central caldera. We explore the Collanes plains and view the mountain's glaciers and rugged crater before returning to the road and driving to the hot spring resort town of Baños. In this tropical, cloud forest setting we test our legs with a full day's hike toward the climber's hut on Tungurahua. Heading back north to Cotopaxi National Park, we drive past Limpiopungo Lake and overnight at the Tambopaxi acclimatization center before continuing up to the José Ribas climber's hut (15,750') from where we stage our summit bid. (A glacier seminar is held before our climb). Starting well before dawn, we begin the 10-hour, demanding ascent following the normal route. After the climb, we return to Quito for a special celebration dinner. We fly home the next day.