January 9th, 2024–
IMG Lead Guide Max Bond reports the team is safe and all is well amidst reports of internal conflict in the country.
Ecuador Team reaches Imbabura (15,109′) Summit
January 9th, 2024–
IMG Ecuador Team, led by Max Bond, had a fantastic day of acclimatization hiking on Imbabura yesterday, reaching a new high point at 15,109′. The team enjoyed scrambling rocks and trekking amongst native plants. Climbers spent the evening at Cabañas Cayambe checking gear and preparing for their summit attempt of Cayambe (18,997′). The team is feeling strong as they get ready to drive to the Oleas-Ruales-Berge Hut (15,092′) today.
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- IMG Ecuador Team on the Imabura summit (Max Bond0
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- Climbing amongst native plants (Max Bond)
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- Rock scrambling on the descent (Max Bond)
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- Team photo on the ascent (Max Bond)
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- Climbing in the clouds (Max Bond)
Aconcagua Teams Meet Up at Camp 2 (17,953′)
January 9th, 2024–
After breakfast lounging in the Grajales Expeditions dome (Tyler Nachand)
IMG Aconcagua teams are looking strong as they continue to make their way up the False Polish Guanacos Route. Team 1, led by Tyler Nachand, had a fantastic day of climbing yesterday carrying to Camp 3, known as Camp Cholera (19,587′) and will be resting at Camp 2 today. Climbers look forward to attempting a summit in the next couple of days.
Team 2, led by Stu Johnson, had a successful carry to Camp 2 (17,953′) via the Ameghino Col yesterday and returned to Camp 1 for a restful night of sleep. The team is on the move to join Team 1 at Camp 2 today and looks forward to reaching a new high point at Camp 3 tomorrow. All is well on Aconcagua!
IMG Aconcagua Team 1 at Camp 2 with the summit peaking above (Tyler Nachand)
Aconcagua Teams Move Higher Up
January 8th, 2024–
IMG Aconcagua climbers heading towards Camp II (Tyler Nachand)
IMG Aconcagua Teams are doing well and enjoying their time on the mountain. Team 1, led by Tyler Nachand, arrived to Camp 2 yesterday (17,953′) via the Ameghino col. The team slept well and were able to successfully carry to Camp 3, Cholera, today, reaching a new high point at 19,587′.
Team 2, led by Stu Johnson, has been making great progress while battling strong winds. The team successfully arrived to Camp 1 (16,372′) today and look forward to a restful night. Climbers anticipate carrying to Camp 2 tomorrow via the Ameghino col.
IMG Aconcagua climbers walking through penitents (Tyler Nachand)
Ecuador team explores Quito
January 7, 2024
Over the past few days, our Ecuador team has been getting acquainted with Quito and the surrounding areas. From visits to the local museum, cathedrals, and a morning trip to Otavalo Market, the team is doing well! On their way to Hacienda Pinsaqui, the team stopped by San Pablo Lake to stretch their legs out. Today the team is climbing Fuya Fuya (13,986′) to keep acclimating before starting their ascent of Cayambe!
Audrey Simonson
IMG Aconcagua Team 1 Reaches Camp 1, Team 2 Reaches Basecamp
January 4th, 2023–
IMG Guide Tyler Nachand (Team 1) let us know the team successfully reached Camp 1 (16,372′) after a long yet strong day of climbing. Climbers are doing well and look forward to another night higher on the mountain.
IMG Guide Stu Johnson (Team 2) finished out their climb to Plaza Argentina Basecamp (13,800′) today and were welcomed with fresh lemonade and warm meals. The team is enjoying the space and amenities at Basecamp as they look to use tonight and tomorrow to rest.
IMG Aconcagua Team
Aconcagua Teams Continue On
January 3rd, 2024–
Stunning views of Aconcagua on the way to Plaza Argentina Basecamp (Stu Johnson)
IMG Aconcagua Team 1 spent their rest day at Plaza Argentina Basecamp enjoying fresh fruits, delicious meals, fantastic views, and recovering after a long trek. Climbers embrace the luxuries of basecamp today while excitedly preparing to climb to Camp 1 (16,372′) tomorrow.
IMG Aconcagua Team 2 spent the day making their way towards Casa de Piedras (10,629′) from Pampa de Leñas. Climbers are moving well and are enjoying their night on the trail and look forward to arriving to Plaza Argentina Basecamp tomorrow.
All is well in Argentina!
Entrance into the Aconcagua National Park (Stu Johnson)
IMG Climbers enjoying a lovely meal with fresh fruit at Plaza Argentina basecamp (Tyler Nachand)
IMG Team moving into their spacious tents (Tyler Nachand)
Moon on a blue bird day (Stu Johnson)
Happy New Year from the Serengeti!
December 31, 2023
Visiting the Maasai Village (Phunuru)
Happy new year IMG family and friends. I hope this year is full of happiness new experiences and joy for you. Hope we have an amazing year ahead.
Together, we had a fantastic Safari seeing more than 100 species including 4 of the Big 5, only missing the leopard. We did have the fortune of seeing a record 7 rhinos in the Crater!
The crew is having a blast! We will continue to have fun and celebrate the New Year!!
2023 has ended in a fantastic fashion. Cheers to an even better 2024!
Phunuru Sherpa
Aconcagua Team 1 On The Move, Team 2 Doing Final Prep
December 31, 2023
The Vacas River along the hike to Pampa de Leñas (Tincho Lucero)
Fresh meat on the grill for dinner! (Tincho Lucero)
The team on their way to Pampa de Leñas (Tincho Lucero)
Team 1 rounded out 2023 with a lovely hike to Pampa de Leñas (9,678′)! Tonight, they are planning a small NYE dinner celebration before carrying on in the AM to Casa de Piedras (10,629′) where they will spend the night.
Team 2 is poised in Mendoza doing their final preparations before departure to Penitentes tomorrow.
Audrey Simonson
Aconcagua Team 1 ready to go!
December 30, 2023
The team all packed up and ready to go! (Tincho)
Aconcagua Team 1 led by Tincho & Tyler is off! The team is all packed up and is out the door from Mendoza. Team 2, led by Stu, is just a couple days behind.
All is good in Argentina!