Mexico Climbers Ready For Ixta!

January 15, 2026

Mexico team enjoys breakfast (Tyler Nachand)

Tyler reports that the team had another good day of acclimatization hiking to over 14,000 feet yesterday. Now they are ensconced at the high camp, ready to ascend Ixtaccihuatl (7^th highest peak in North America) via the “Knees route”.

: Acclimatization day hiking on Ixtaccihutl (Matthew Cave)

: Iztaccíhuatl from Amecameca showing the knees route from the right

This will be a long day at altitude, as the climbers traverse the knees, stomach, and breasts of the Sleeping Lady.

Best wishes, team!

IMG Mexico Volcanoes Climbers On The Way

January 13, 2026

IMG Mexico Volcanoes Team (Tyler Nachand)

IMG leader Tyler Nachand reports all’s well in Mexico. The team arrived yesterday in Mexico City (about 7350 ft) with their luggage and got settled in for the night at the hotel in time for their first team dinner. This morning they headed for Amecameca (8100 ft) where they hit the local market, checked out the hotel and had some lunch. This afternoon they drove up towards Paso Cortez, the saddle between Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl and took a nice acclimatization hike, reaching 13180 ft. Now they are ensconced back at the hotel in Amecameca. All’s well in Mexico!

Aconcagua Climbers At Camp 1

January 13, 2026

Beautiful day for a hike!

Max Bond reports from Aconcagua that yesterday the team moved up to Camp 1 at about 16,300. The weather is good and they were able to send some photos.

: Incredible views from the trail

: Keep on keepin’ on

: View upward from C1

Well done, team!

Aconcagua Team Reaches Base Camp

January 8, 2026

Max and the crew are all smiles on the trail (Max Bond)

IMG Guide Max Bond reports that the team had another successful day of trekking: “All is well, great day finishing the trek to BC! We woke up to light showers which was a surprise! We crossed the river by mule (very fun) and after a half hour or so, it turned to snow and we enjoyed a snowy hike the rest of the way! Made for some great photos. Tents are up, clients are moved in, everyone feeling good!”

: River crossing on mules (Max Bond)

: Snowing (Max Bond)

: Following the river (Max Bond)

: Scenic views! (Max Bond)

: A patch of blue sky (Max Bond)

: Pulling in to BC (Max Bond)

They arrived at Plaza Argentina Base Camp (13,800′) where they’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest day tomorrow.

Great job, team!

Great Day of Trekking!

January 7, 2026

Blue skies on the trail (Max Bond)

The team just pulled in to Casa de Piedras (10,629′) late this afternoon (Argentina time), and we promptly received the following dispatch from IMG guide Max Bond along with some fresh photos: “All is well! Another incredible day trekking! Everyone feeling good, and we got in just before the afternoon showers hit!”.

: Hiking along the river (Max Bond)

: Time for a break! (Max Bond)

: New bridge crossing the river (Max Bond)

: Just in time for dinner (Max Bond)

After a solid night’s rest, tomorrow’s plan is to pack up and head to Plaza Argentina basecamp (13,800’/4198m).

So far so good!

Team Arrives to First Camp

January 6, 2026

Hiking up the Vacas River to the first camp (Max Bond)

Quick check in from IMG Guide Max Bond, “Excellent first day, we made it to Pampa de Leñas in great style! Everyone is feeling good!” The team hiked up the Vacas River today and reached first camp (9,678 ft/2864 m). Tomorrow they’ll make their way to Casa de Piedra (10,629 ft/3245 m).

: Mules loaded with gear (Max Bond)

: The trail running parallel to the riverbed (Max Bond)

: Fixing a snack (Max Bond)

: Refueling during a break (Max Bond)

: Resting at the campsite (Max Bond)

: Lunch time in the tent (Max Bond)

All is well!

Aconcagua Team Is On The Way!

January 5, 2026

The team at Punta del Inca (Max Bond)

IMG lead guide Max Bond reports that the team arrived on schedule to Mendoza Argentina, with all their luggage. Well done, that’s the first challenge of the trip! Yesterday they got their climbing permits, did some errands around town, and finished getting all packed up. This morning they traveled by van up into the mountains to Puenta del Inca (9000 ft), near the pass that leads west to neighboring Chile. Tonight they will be glamping at a luxury tented camp, and getting their first taste of altitude.

Punta del Inca lodge (Max Bond)

Glamping in style (Max Bond)

Everyone is doing well and they are ready to start hiking tomorrow. So far so good!

Ecuador Team Wraps It Up

November 12, 2025

Team dinner, wearing their alpaca wool ponchos (Romulo Cardenas)

Team members not continuing on the optional climb of Chimborazo parted ways from the rest of the group after a “goodbye” dinner on Monday night.

Early this morning the Chimborazo climbers reached 5800 meters (just over 19,000 ft), then turned around due to poor weather conditions on the mountain. The weather is not projected to improve in the next few days, so the decision was made to head back to Quito.

: Climbers approach shelter (Romulo Cardenas)

: Early morning steps on Chimborazo (Romulo Cardenas)

: One step at a time (Romulo Cardenas)

Everyone is safe and well, back in Quito and enjoying some well deserved rest. Well done, team!

Full Weekend In Ecuador

November 10, 2025

Stunning image of Cotopaxi, stars and mountain reflecting in Limpiopungo Lagoon (Romulo Cardenas)

It was a busy weekend in Ecuador! Friday was spent in San Cuco where the the team enjoyed fine Ecuadorian cuisine and local fruit, followed by a visit with famed Ecuadorian explorer, climber, photographer, journalist and pilot, Jorge Anhalzer. Jorge, who is well known for his contribution in photographing the South American landscape, personally autographed some of his books for the team!

: Enjoying Ecuadorian cuisine (Romulo Cardenas)

: The team meets Jorge Anhalzer (Romulo Cardenas)

On Saturday the team hiked to the hut on Cotopaxi and prepared themselves for their summit attempt after dinner and early bedtime. After an early start on Sunday, the team attempted Cotopaxi but unfortunately poor weather conditions prevented the team from summiting.

Today the team is back in sight-seeing mode in San Agustin where they visited historic Inca ruins and a flower plantation.

: At historic Hacienda San Agustin (Romulo Cardenas)

: Meeting the locals (Romulo Cardenas)

Team members sticking around for the optional Chimborazo climb will continue on to the next hut tomorrow while others will depart for home.

All is well!

Ecuador Team Summits Cayambe

November 6, 2025

IMG Team on the summit of Cayambe (Romulo Cardenas)

Romulo reports that the team reached the summit of Cayambe!

: Early morning start with city lights below (Romulo Cardenas)

: Crossing the snowfield (Romulo Cardenas)

: On the way down (Romulo Cardenas)

After returning to the hut, they’ll pack up their gear and head downhill to Papallacta, where they’ll soak in the famous hot springs and enjoy fine dining at the hotel. Well done, team!