November 13, 2021
Pico de Orizaba
IMG Senior Guide Dr Emily Johnston checked in to let us know that the team reached the summit of Pico de Orizaba (18,491′)! The team had another great day of climbing and are now packed up and heading back to Tlachichuca for a quick bite to eat before heading to Mexico City to celebrate their successes.
Congratulations to all of the climbers on a great trip to Mexico!
November 13, 2021
The upper slopes of Cotopaxi (Jorge Ignacio Anhalzer)
IMG Guides Kim Sieradzki and Romulo Cardenas called in from the summit of Cotopaxi (19,347′) to let us know that it was a perfect morning to climb and the entire team was standing on top! The route is in great condition and the weather was as good as it can get. The team is now descending and will get summit photos out to us as soon as they get to town.
100% on top of Cotopaxi is a nice way to start off a weekend!
November 11, 2021
Cotopaxi (Jorge Anhalzer)
IMG Guides Kim Sieradzki and Romulo Cardenas checked in from Ecuador to let us know they had a great rest and recovery evening at Papallacta Hot Springs last night. After a wet and cold climb of Cayambe, it is nice to thaw out and rejuvenate the body in the famous hot springs of Papallacta. Reports are that the team took multiple opportunities before and after dinner as well as a morning soak before heading out for the next destination.
On the way to the our next stop for the night, the team had lunch at a beautiful old Hacienda called Chillo Jijon. A great lunch and tour of the hacienda was followed by a quick drive to the base of Cotopaxi and the Hacienda Loa Mortinos. This Hacienda has great views of Cotopaxi and is a perfect place to stage for the climb. They will now be in position for Cotopaxi and looking forward to climbing again!
All is well in Ecuador!
November 11, 2021
Iztaccihuatl Summit Photo (Emily Johnston)
IMG Guides Porter McMichael and Dr Emily Johnston checked in on their way through Puebla this morning. Yesterday was a big day for the team but having everyone stand on top together was all worth it! After descending Iztaccihuatl (17,159′) the team set off for Puebla, a hot shower, great dinner and some well deserved rest. Emily said, “we found a great pizza spot in Puebla and did our best to eat a lot!” Emily and Porter sent back a number of great photos from the climb of Iztaccihuatl. It is interesting to see Popocatépetl (17,802′) in the distance with the absence of snow near the summit!
The team is now heading to Tlachichuca where they have made a great call to adjust the itinerary by spending an additional night in the fantastic hospitality of Sr Reyes. They will organize gear and make the move to Piedra Grande hut in the morning which will put them in position for the summit of Pico de Orizaba (18,491′) on Saturday.
All is well for the Mexico Team!
November 10, 2021
Sunrise On Izta
IMG Senior Guide, Dr Emily Johnston just checked in from Iztaccihuatl (17,159′) to let us know that the entire team made it to the summit! Congratulations to all climbers! They are now heading back down to camp and will pack up and head to Puebla for the night. From Puebla, it will be time to head over to Tlachichuca and put themselves in position to climb Pico de Orizaba (18,491′).
All is well in Mexico!
November 10, 2021
A Beautiful Morning on Cayambe
IMG Guide Kim Sieradzki called early this morning to let us know that the team was back at the Refugio and in great spirits after getting “oh so close” to the summit. The team departed the Refugio at midnight and began climbing in light precipitation. As the team climbed, the snow got stronger and at 18,000 feet, they huddled up and made the decision to turn around due to visibility and snow accumulation.
All is well and the team will now head to Cotopaxi!
November 9, 2021
Cayambe (Luke Reilly)
The Refugio on Cayambe
IMG Senior Guides Kim Sieradzki and Romulo Cardenas gave a quick call from the Refugio on Cayambe this morning to let us know the team is doing great and is heading out to do some training on the lower glacier of Cayambe. “Everyone is feeling strong and ready to climb tonight.” It is snowing lightly right now but the we can see climbers high on the mountain. The team has done all of their acclimatization and is now in position to summit Cayambe (18,996′).
All is well in Ecuador!
November 9, 2021
Mexico 2021 Team Photo on Izta (Porter McMichael)
View of Cortez Pass (Porter McMichael)
IMG Senior Guides Dr Emily Johnston and Porter McMichael checked in this morning to let us know they are having an absolute blast with this team! “Great people, great weather and great climbing.” The team moved up to Cortez Pass and met our local guide yesterday. After setting up camp, the team headed out for an acclimatization hike which took them up the same route they will be on tonight. It is always nice to head up the beginning of the trail in daylight to get familiar with the route; they will be doing it again tonight in the dark. After returning to camp, it was time to put another important skill to work, making dinner! The team will be up and climbing at 1 am and looking forward to standing on top of Iztaccihuatl (17,160′).
All is well in Mexico!
November 8, 2021
Imbabura Summit (15,902′) Kim Sieradzki)
Imbabura Trek (Kim Sieradzki)
IMG Senior Guides Kim Sieradzki and Romulo Cardenas sent a message this morning to let us know that their acclimatization hike of Imbabura (15,109′) went great with everyone reaching the summit yesterday. After the acclimatization hike the team made their way to the Hacienda Guachala for the night. Here the team prepared for the move to Cayambe Refugio this morning an enjoyed a nice dinner while learning about the history for this beautiful Hacienda from the Mayor of Cayambe. What a treat!
As we speak, the team is loading the bus and is heading out to the Oleas-Ruales-Berge Hut (15,902′) on Cayambe (18,996′). The team will hike and do some training on the lower glacier tomorrow which will put them in position to summit on Wednesday!
All is well in Ecuador!
November 8, 2021
Mexico Team is ready to head up to Iztaccihuatl (17,159′)(Emily Johnston)
Trekking with Popocatepetl (17,802′) (Emily Johnston)
The Mexico Team checked in this morning to let us know they are on the move! IMG Senior Guide, Dr Emily Johnston checked in to let us know the team was up early for breakfast and heading up to Cortes Pass and the entrance to Iztaccihuatl (17,159′). Once the team arrives at the park entrance, they will meet our local guide and get camp set up. Another hike this afternoon for more acclimatization will put the team in position to summit. This is a great climb and the team will be able to see another beautiful volcano, Popocatepetl (17,802′). After climbing Iztaccihuatl, the team will head to Puebla and be ready to climb Pico de Orizaba, the third tallest mountain in North America at 18,491 feet!
All is well in Mexico!
