IMG Ecuador Finds Success on Cayambe (18,990′)

November 9th, 2023–

IMG Ecuador team members at a rest break during their ascent of Cayambe (18,990′) on a stunning blue-bird day (Romulo Cardenas)

Congrats to our strong and persistent IMG Ecuador climbers on their successful ascent of Cayambe (18,990′)! Following an informative and restful day of training on Wednesday learning skills including knots and crevasse rescue, the team went to bed early to get up at 10pm to begin their ascent. In an exceptional 8 hours, the team returned back to the Oleas-Ruales-Berg Hut after standing on top of this magnificent peak. The team is now drying out gear and enjoying a well-deserved night at the famed Papallacta hot springs and hotel.

Stunning and clear views of the summit of Cayambe (18,990′) amongst rocks and plants in the alpine (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ecuador team member enjoying a break with clear views of their destination, the top of Cayambe (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ecuador Team Climbs Imbabura

November 7th, 2023–

IMG Ecuador team ascending towards the top of Imabura (Romulo Cardenas)

The IMG Ecuador team is feeling strong after another acclimatization hike to the top of Imbabura (15,109′) yesterday. Climbers enjoyed a peaceful climb amongst blooming plants and good conditions. The team spent the evening at CabaÃ±as Cayambe, preparing and packing for their upcoming attempt on Cayambe, and arose this morning to drive to Oleas-Ruales-Berg Hut (15,092′).

Blossoming white flower on the Imbabura trail (Romulo Cardenas)

An abundance of greenery and unique plants on IMG Ecuador acclimatization hike (Romulo Cardenas)

Bright yellow flower native to the region on the trip to Imbabura (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ama Dablam Climbers Go for Their First Rotation

November 7th, 2023–

Ama Dablam team with a final blessing before departing for their first rotation towards Camp 1 (Phunuru Sherpa)

IMG Ama Dablam team checked in and reported the team left at 7:30am this morning feeling healthy and acclimatized to begin their first rotation on Ama Dablam. The team will ascend to Camp 1 standing at a striking 18,800ft where they will rest tonight before climbing to Camp 2 (20,000′) tomorrow and descending to spend another night at Camp 1. This 3 day rotation helps climbers’ bodies prepare for the summit push ahead when the climbers will ascend to nearly 7000m (22,965′).

Ama Dablam team leaving Basecamp on a clear blue day (Phunuru Sherpa)

IMG Ecuador Team Acclimatizes on Fuya Fuya (13,986′)

November 6th, 2023–

IMG Ecuaodr climbers with wide smiles on their descent of Fuya Fuya amidst clouds (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ecuador team enjoyed a quiet and restful night at the historic Hacienda Pinsaqui last night and woke early this morning excited to head to Fuya Fuya for their first acclimatization hike. The team successfully reached the top standing at 13,986′ amidst cloudy conditions. Climbers moved quickly through their descent before arriving back to the van to head towards a local knitting workshop in Otavalo. The team rests tonight in San Clemente before going on another acclimatization hike on Imbabura (15,109′) tomorrow.

IMG Climbers near the summit of Fuya Fuya roped up and ready to climb (Romelo Cardenas)

IMG Ama Dablam Team Prepares for Their First Rotation

November 6th, 2023–

The team during their Puja Ceremony surrounded by prayer flags to spread blessings and good will (Phunuru Sherpa)

After a wonderful Puja Ceremony and some much needed rest yesterday evening, the IMG Ama Dablam team woke up this morning excited for the day of training ahead. Climbers picked up integral skills quickly including rope ascension, rappelling, and other climbing techniques to be used on their ascent of the striking Ama Dablam. The team is feeling strong and prepared to begin their first acclimatization rotation tomorrow. Nice work team!

Climbers practicing rappelling skills near Ama Dablam Basecamp as preparation before their first rotation tomorrow (Phunuru Sherpa)

IMG Ecuador Team sees the sights!

November 5, 2023

IMG Team members on an acclimatization hike today (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG team members visiting old cathedrals in Quito (Romulo Cardenas)

Looking out over Quito (Romulo Cardenas)

Visiting cathedrals in Quito (Romulo Cardenas)

AÂ plaza in Old Quito (Romulo Cardenas)

After gear checks in the morning, the team set out to visit the lovely city of Quito! The team went for a series of acclimatization hikes and was able to get panoramic views of the city. The team also toured the Old City, visiting historic cathedrals and heritage sites.

Next the team will start to move upward on a series of acclimatization hikes before embarking on their first climb!

Audrey Simonson

Ama Dablam climbers reach Base Camp, Mera Climbers to Kathmandu

Nov 5, 2023 –

Phunuru and the lama at Ama Dablam Puja (Phunuru Sherpa)

After a night in Lukla, after flying out from Khote, Â the two teams said their goodbyes.Â The Mera climbers flew back to Manthali and then drove the rest of the way to Kathmandu, arriving in time for a late lunch.Â The Ama Dablam climbers flew up to Ama Dablam Base camp, in time to conduct their puja this afternoon (it was a very auspicious day, good for puja!). Â Allâ€™s well in Nepal, weâ€™ll keep you posted.

Mera climbers back in Kathmandu (Ang Jangbu)

IMG Nepal Team Unaffected By Earthquake

Nov 3, 2023 – IMG received confirmation that the Mera/Ama Dablam team was unaffected by the earthquake in Western Nepal.

IMG Ecuador team comes together in Quito

November 3rd, 2023–

IMG Ecuador team exploring the beautiful architecture and buildings in Quito, Ecuador (Max Bond)

IMG Ecuador guide Romulo Cardenas checked-in and let us know all climbers have arrived safely to Quito after long traveling days. The team met this morning for an extensive gear check to assure all climbers are well-equipped for their climbs ahead. Climbers are excited to spend the remaining of the day hiking above Quito through the Teleferico (Gondala) and exploring famous churches and other sites in Old Town Quito. All is well in Ecuador!

Climbers enjoy seeing a stunning ornate gold leaf in La Compania in Old Town Quito (Phil Ershler)

Bright and colorful stain-glass windows in Quito Churches (Max Bond)

IMG Team celebrates their successful summit

November 3rd, 2023–

IMG Mera Peak Team on their descent from Khare with stunning views of Kyashar (22,208ft) (behind) after a successful climb (Phunuru)

IMG Nepal team celebrated their successful summit of Mera Peak (6476m)Â after descending to Khote and passing incredible views of Kyashar (6769m) and other Himalayan peaks. The team enjoyed dinner and beers with smiles across everyone’s face as they reminisced on their climbing adventure. Climbers are resting for the night before they depart. From here, the Mera climbers will depart for home, and the Ama Dablam climbers will head to Ama Dablam Base Camp to begin their next stunning climb.

IMG Mera Peak team with big smiles celebrating their successful summit in Khote (Phunuru)