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 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 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 6, 2021

Reaching the summit block of Fuya Fuya (Kim Sieradzki)

We just heard from the Team in Ecuador.  It was another great day touring and acclimatizing for the team and I think I will let the photos and summary from one of our teammates do all the talking!

Reaching the summit block of Fuya Fuya (Kim Sieradzki)

“After an early morning stroll through the Otavalo Market, said to be one of the oldest in South America, the team embarked on their first acclimatization ventures. A beautiful drive through the Ecuadorian countryside led the team to Lago Mujando.  The team left the vehicle and started uphill towards Fuya Fuya. A meandering and beautiful hike through the high Ecuadorian grasslands found the team at the summit block of Fuya Fuya.  A short 4th class scramble put everyone on top at 13,986 feet.  After descending down through the clouds, the team took a quick drive back to Otavalo where they enjoyed a Traditional dinner accompanied by a show demonstrating the Indigenous Cocoa to Chocolate process. 

Summit of Fuya Fuya (Kim Sieradzki)

Tomorrow the team will continue upwards with a climb of Imbabura (15,109′).  This is the 11th tallest volcano in Ecuador!  After this climb, the team will move to Cayambe.”

All is well in Ecuador!