Punta hiking to the Lookout

December 31st, 2024

The Magellen Strait view from the lookout above Punta Arenas (Max Bond)

Max reports the team had a nice Punta Arenas hike today, as they wait for flyable weather. The team went to the “Mirador (lookout) Zapador Austral” in the Reserva Nacional Magallanes. Max says “ it was about 4 miles with 750’ of gain but a fun way to make use of the day! We hiked up into the subalpine meadows above Punta Arenas with good views of the Magellan Strait, and we could even see Magdalena Island (where we went to the penguin colony yesterday)”.

Aconcagua Team 1 hits the trail

December 31st, 2024

: IMG Team 1 climbers at the Aconcagua trailhead ready to start (Stu Johnson)

: Stu Johnson and the team putting the mule loads together in Mendoza (Surya Gutta)

: Aconcagua map

IMG leader Stu Johnson reports that the team had a good day yesterday putting the finishing touches on packing up the mule loads, and then driving west from Mendoza up to Penitentes, near to the border with Chile. They are planning for 8 mules to carry the food, fuel and gear on the three day approach to the Plaza Argentina Base Camp. The first two days they will follow the Vacas River valley, spending tonight at Lenas and tomorrow night at Casa de Piedra. Then, they turn west and ascend up the Relinchos River Valley to the Base Camp. Coming from North America in the winter, the team will be slathering on the sunscreen for the high altitude summer sunshine in Argentina (which sounds pretty good right now!).

IMG Aconcagua & Vinson Teams Ready To Launch

December 30, 2024

We always say the hardest part of some expeditions is just getting started. Despite the bad weather for air travel over the last few days, our Aconcagua and Vinson climbers have navigated the challenges of cancelled and delayed flights, and made it to their respective destinations. Well done teams!

: Aconcagua team at the hotel in Mendoza (Stu Johnson)

: Enjoying the ambiance in Mendoza (Stu Johnson)

IMG Aconcagua leaders Stuart Johnson and Martin “Tincho” Lucero report from Mendoza, Argentina that the team are all together and doing well. Yesterday they did their gear checks and wrapped getting the permits squared away. Today they are doing the final packing before they head for the mountains. The plan is to drive up to Penitentes (about 9000 ft)) where they will weigh the duffels and deliver them to the mule drivers. Then, they will drop down to the village of Las Cuevas for the night. All’s well in Argentina!

: The team enjoy Antarctic cocktails in Punta! (Max Bond)

: Magellen’s well kissed foot in Punta (Max Bond)

: A penguin at the rookery near Punta (Max Bond)

Meanwhile, 1500 miles further south of Aconcagua, IMG Mt Vinson leader Max Bond reports that his team is all together in Punta Arenas, Chile, at the very southern tip of South America. Yesterday the team wrapped up their gear checks and got all checked in with ALE for the flights to Union Glacier (complete with drinks with Antarctic ice!). While they wait for favorable conditions for the 4.5 hour flight down to The Ice they have been seeing the sights around town. This included the obligatory visit to kiss the foot of Magellan (for good luck!) and visiting a local penguin rookery. The weather is currently not looking great for flying tomorrow, so they will likely be waiting a bit longer. So far so good!

Counting down the days to departure, destination Vinson Massif Antarctica!

December 16, 2024

: Max Bond, Senior IMG Guide

: The blue ice runway of Patriot Hills (G Vernovage)

: Mt. Vinson Camp 1 (E Johnson photo)

Counting down the days until Senior Guide Max Bond departs Punta Arenas, Chile, with his team for their flight to Union Glacier, Antarctica. Follow along as we receive updates from the southernmost continent and one of the Seven Summits!

Chimborazo – Check!

November 14, 2024

We just received word from IMG Guide Romulo Cardenas that the team had a successful summit of Ecuador’s tallest peak, Chimborazo (20,561′)!

: The waxing moon over Chimborazo (Romulo Cardenas)

: On the summit of Chimborazo! (Romulo Cardenas)

: The team catches their breath on the summit (Romulo Cardenas)

This has been a busy adventure in Ecuador for our climbers who crushed mountain after mountain (and also snuck in sight-seeing and cultural experiences in between!). They’ve earned themselves a nice rest and a solid celebration. Well done, team!

Thanks for following along with our 2024 Fall Ecuador program! We’ll be headed back to Ecuador again starting January 23, 2025 – want to join us?

Ecuador Team Summits Cotopaxi

November 11, 2024

We heard from IMG guide Romulo Cardenas over the weekend who confirmed the team summited Cotopaxi!

: Serene mountain view (Romulo Cardenas)

: Refugio on Cotopaxi (Romulo Cardenas)

: Team Summit on Cotopaxi! (Romulo Cardenas)

The team will have a nice rest day in San Agustin and tour some local sites before some members catch flights home. Those sticking around to climb Chimborazo will start heading toward the mountain tomorrow.

Everyone is doing well!

Ecuador Team Summits Cayambe

November 7, 2024

After a day of training on the lower slopes yesterday, our Ecuador team made it to the summit of Cayambe (18,996′) today!

: Ecuador team heading toward the summit of Cayambe (Romulo Cardenas)

: Perspective (Romulo Cardenas)

: Almost there! (Romulo Cardenas)

: Successful Summit! (Romulo Cardenas)

Next they’ll make their way down to Papallacta and relax at the famed hot springs and hotel.

Congratulations, team!

Ecuador Team Acclimatizing Nicely

November 6, 2024

Busy days in Ecuador! The week started with an acclimatization hike on Monday to the summit of Imbabura (15,109′), superb weather all the way. A delicious dinner and a restful evening prepared them for the next few days as they start making their way to climb Cayambe!

: A scenic hike (Romulo Cardenas)

: The team on Imbabura (Romulo Cardenas)

: Breakfast with a view! (Romulo Cardenas)

Everyone is doing well!

Mountain Hikes & Exploring The Sites

November 4, 2024

On Sunday the IMG Ecuador team enjoyed a hike to the top of Fuya Fuya (13, 986′) in perfect weather. A stop in Otavalo to visit a local artisan workshop, then continued to San Clemente to rest for the night before heading to Imbabura.

: Taking in the views (Romulo Cardenas)

: The top of Fuya Fuya (Romulo Cardenas)

: Local weavers (Romulo Cardenas)

Ama Dablam Team Rests at Base Camp, EBC Gokyo Trek Wraps Up

November 3, 2024

The IMG Ama Dablam team had a busy weekend! The team made a summit attempt on Sunday, but they turned around and returned to base camp for a few days’ rest.

Ama Dablam above the Khumbu Valley (Phunuru Sherpa)

The EBC Gokyo trekkers flew in to Kathmandu from Lukla, wrapping up the trek in good time and good spirits! After some well deserved rest, they’ll head home with great memories and fun stories to share.

Everyone is doing fine!