Ecuador Team Enjoys a Nice Day at the Hot Springs

November 10th, 2023–

Peaceful morning in the courtyard at the famous Papallacta hot springs and hotel (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ecuador team enjoyed a well-desired and relaxing night at the famous Papallacta hot springs and hotel after a successful summit of Cayambe (18,997′). The team is using their beautiful and bright recovery day to rest in the hot springs and visit haciendas near Sangolqui. Climbers look forward to spending tonight at Hacienda Carriona before traveling to Antisana via 4WD trucks in the next couple of days. All is well in Ecuador!

Luscious greenery on a relaxing day in between climbs (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG Ama Dablam Team Takes a Day to Rest

November 9th, 2023–

Ama Dablam peeping through the clouds on the trek in the Khumbu Valley (Harry Hamlin)

The IMG Ama Dablam team made it back to basecamp after a successful acclimatization rotation yesterday. The team spent their rest day today relaxing and refueling by stretching, sharing laughs, and enjoying a clear day at Basecamp. Team members will look to use the next couple of days to finalize their training and preparation as they plan to climb later this week.

Alpenglow shining on the summit of Ama Dablam from near Camp 1 (Harry Hamlin)

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.