South America summits of ecuador trip highlights Fully supported expedition including services above base camp The opportunity to summit up to 5 peaks including Cotapaxi (5897m) & Chimborazo (6310m) Basic mountaineering training Ride the Devils Nose Train Experience the culture of Ecuador with market visits & Quito city tour Trip Duration 16 days Trip Code: SOS Grade Entry level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks Activities Mountaineering Accommodation 16 day trip, 10 day trek/climbing, 11 nights hotel and 4 nights mountain hut welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Summits of Ecuador trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals - philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to remote and challenging destinations, many factors need to be considered. World Expeditions have enjoyed a long association with our partner in-country, and our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a trouble free and memorable experience. All internal transport in comfortable vehicles is included, accommodation in good quality hotels and mountain refuges on the climbs, and all meals whilst climbing is also included. Our Ecuador climbs are led by bilingual mountain guides, who are either UIAGM or ASEGUIM certified (ratio of 1 guide to 2 climbers on Cotapaxi and Chimborazo, and 1 guide to 4 on Illiniza) - This ensures your best chances of summit success! 1 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 5/10/2012 6:19:12 PM
summits of ecuador Colombia Otavalo Quito Chimborazo Ecuador trip dates 2013 09 Nov - 24 Nov trip cost Joining Quito: $3790 options & supplements World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. Fuya Fuya Cotapaxi Baños Riobamba the trip Ecuador is a climbers delight with a diversity of vegetation zones, from the jungle cloud forest to the high paramo where the vast alpine plateau is dotted with majestic snowcapped volcanoes rising to over 6000m. To appreciate these remarkable contrasts, we combine 5 peaks including Cotapaxi - the highest volcano in the world, and Ecuador s highest peak - Chimborazo. Under the guidance of our mountain guides we undertake glacier training and learn the basics needed for the bigger peaks. Providing you have an excellent level of fitness, this is suitable for experienced trekkers that are keen to go a step further and climb their first 6000m peak. Visits to the Otavalo market, Quito and the famous Devil s Nose train ensure this expedition is more than just mountains, but a complete Ecuadorian experience. at a glance Day 1 Join Quito Day 2 In Quito, city tour Day 3 Drive to the Northern Province of Imbabura, visit Otavalo market, and afternoon acclimatisation walk to Laguna Cuicocha Day 4 Ascend Fuya Fuya (4197m), and Lagunas de Mojanda Day 5 Climb Imbabura (4580m), and return to Quito Day 6 To Mt Illinizas, via Avenue of Volcanoes Day 7 Climb Illiniza North (5125m) Day 8 To Cotopaxi National Park. Technical training. Day 9 Technical training. Commence summit attempt of Mt Cotopaxi. Day 10 Climb Mt Cotopaxi (5897m) Day 11 Devil s Nose Train Day 12 To Mt Chimborazo. Technical training. Day 13 Climb Mt Chimborazo (6310m) Day 14 Contingency day Day 15 In Baños. Return to Quito. Day 16 In Quito, trip concludes what s included 15 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 6 dinners Bilingual mountain guide, either UIAGM or ASEGUIM certified (ratio of 1 guide to 2 climbers on Cotapaxi and Chimborazo, and 1 guide to 4 climbers on Illiniza) Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 16 Private internal transportation Good quality accommodation Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed Devil s Nose Train National park fees Group medical kit Mountain refuge accommodation Group climbing equipment, sleeping mat, climbing boots, crampons, ice axe, harness & carabiners 2 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 5/10/2012 6:19:12 PM
detailed itinerary Day 1 Join Quito You will be transferred from Quito Airport to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. A group briefing with our senior leader will be held from 5-6pm; please ensure you are at the hotel at this time. A welcome dinner will be held afterwards. meals: D Day 2 In Quito, city tour Today we will explore Quito, taking in the colonial architecture of the Old City - a UNESCO World Heritage Site; plus other fascinating sights, such as the Equatorial Monument. Day 3 Drive to the Northern Province of Imbabura, visit Otavalo market, and afternoon acclimatisation walk to Laguna Cuicocha Today we will leave Quito, and drive north through beautiful Andean countryside to the famous market town of Otavalo. The markets here date from pre-incan times, when people came from jungle areas to trade their produce with those of the highlands. This is still the case today, as well as being many crafts and wares for tourists. It is considered by many to be one of the best markets for textiles and crafts in South America. In the afternoon we will undertake a 3-hour acclimatisation hike to Laguna Cuicocha - a crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. Day 4 ascend Fuya Fuya (4197m), and Lagunas de Mojanda Today we will hike up Mt Fuya Fuya (4197m), with spectacular views of the Lagunas de Mojanda consisting of three pristine crater lakes, wide expanses of páramo grasslands, and achupallas (andean tall pineapples). At the summit on a clear day, it may even be possible to see the surrounding volcanoes of Imbabura and Cayambe. Day 5 Climb Imbabura (4580m), and return to Quito Climb up Volcan Imbabura (4580m). The land around Imbabura is extensively farmed with maize, sugarcane, and beans being the staple crops of the region. Cattle also graze on the high-altitude meadows above the tree line. In the afternoon, we will return to Quito in order to organise our mountain gear rental. Day 6 To Mt Illinizas, via Avenue of Volcanoes This morning we will depart Quito, travelling south on the Avenue of Volcanoes towards Mt Illinizas. This route offers great views of some of the highest volcano peaks in the world including: Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Sangay and Altar. From the Illinizas parking area, we will commence a 3-hour hike up to the refuge (4600m).,D Day 7 Climb Illiniza North (5125m) After an early wake-up call and breakfast, we will depart for our summit attempt of Illiniza North (5125m). After our descent, we will be transferred to our hotel in Machachi.,D 3 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 5/10/2012 6:19:12 PM
fast facts Countries Visited: Ecuador Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is not available for this trip Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: The Americas *Ask our staff for more information. Day 8 To Cotopaxi National Park. Technical training. This morning we will be transferred to the Cotopaxi National Park. From the Cotopaxi parking area, it will be a 45 minute hike up to the Jose Rivas refuge. After a short rest, a technical training session is scheduled for the remainder of the day.,d Day 9 Technical training. Commence summit attempt of Mt Cotopaxi. We will continue adjusting to the altitude and acclimatizing. After 5 hours technical training, we will return to the refuge and prepare our mountain gear. At midnight, we will depart for our summit attempt of Mt Cotopaxi (5897m).,D Day 10 Climb Mt Cotopaxi (5897m) From midnight, climb Mt Cotopaxi. After our descent, we will be transferred to our hotel in Riobamba. Total ascent/descent - approximately 8 to 10 hours. Day 11 Devil s Nose Train Today is a well-earned rest day, with a ride on the historic Devil s Nose Train. After an early breakfast we will be transferred to Alausi, where we will take the best portion of the infamous Devils Nose Train journey to Sibambe. This short section gives the railway its name with a series of hair raising switchbacks that negotiate the descent down to the lowlands. This was one of the great train journeys of the world and a fantastic piece of engineering with a maximum gradient of 5.5%. The track originally climbed from Duran on the coast to its highest point at 3700m. It has recently been re-constructed to once again be Ecuador s pride and joy. Return transfer to our hotel in Riobamba. Please note that the Devil s Nose Train does not operate on Monday s or due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. meals: B Day 12 To Mt Chimborazo. Technical training. After breakfast, transfer to Mt Chimborazo. After a short rest, a technical training session is scheduled for the remainder of the day. Overnight refuge.,d Day 13 Climb Mt Chimborazo (6310m) Early morning departure for our summit attempt of Mt Chimborazo (6310m) - Ecuador s highest mountain. In the afternoon, we will be transferred to our hotel in Baños. Day 14 Contingency day Extra summit day, or free time in Baños. Overnight hotel in Baños. meals: B Day 15 In Baños. Return to Quito. Free morning in Baños. In the afternoon, we will be transferred to Quito. Overnight hotel. meals: B Day 16 In Quito, trip concludes Transfer to Quito Airport, where trip concludes. meals: B 4 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 5/10/2012 6:19:12 PM
responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com trip grading Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers and few snow/icy slopes. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential. Please see the Am I Suitable and Physical Requirements paragraphs in this document for further details. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. suggested extensions Galapagos Islands We also have a range of options to Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and more Refer to our website, www.worldexpeditions.com for more details requirements for members We expect all participants on this expedition to have prior experience trekking at altitude. Mountaineering experience is preferred but not essential. am i suitable for this trip? A Challenging trip is more difficult than any other program we offer. Each of these expeditions has an ambitious objective or goal that necessitates cooperation, contribution and a positive spirit from every member for it to be successful and ultimately rewarding and enjoyable for all. Being personally very fit and healthy will allow you to cope with the rigours of the trip through all conditions right through to the finish, and being mentally ready to embrace the variety of experiences involved is equally important. We strongly encourage intending participants to talk and meet with us directly as early as possible to discuss your ideas and ensure you have chosen the right trip for your level of experience and fitness. physical fitness For a challenging program physical fitness should be an ongoing thing, which should start from a base at around 4 to 6 months prior to departure and increase to build maximum endurance, stamina, flexibility and familiarity with the anticipated routine as much as possible by your trip commencement. Three to five hard sessions of 40 to 60 minutes of physical exercise per week such as running, hill walking, swimming, cycling or gym work will build excellent aerobic capacity and overall endurance and stamina which are so important in trekking and climbing at altitude. Overnight or multi day bushwalks ( on rough, loose and rocky terrain) should be incorporated in your training regime also, this develops skill and confidence on difficult terrain you will find on expedition. Rest and recovery, whilst at the same time steadily increasing your routine and incorporating variety, are just as important parts of the process if you intend to maintain and enjoy the regime for any duration. (We hope that it will become a lifetime thing.) With a solid training regime comes a more relaxed disposition, more energy and usually better walking and breathing technique, which ultimately leads to you having a great trip rather than some kind of survival experience. Likewise overnight camping bushwalks encourage you to become self-actualised and self-reliant, making the daily routine on trek, getting ready on time, keeping clean, helping out and so on, much easier and less stressful. Plan early with us and prepare yourself physically on a continuing basis right the way through, rather than putting it off for periods. country information Ecuador has a population of close to 14 million people. It is made up of pure-blooded Indians (approx 40%) whose forebears were the Incas and speak Quechua. Over time, these people have developed sub-groups according to their locality and with it, their own language and culture. The balance of the population is basically made up of Mestizos - a mixture of Spanish and Indian stock, many of whom live in urban/city areas. Approximately half the population lives in the coastal areas and Galapagos, and the other half in the highlands. A small number live in the Amazon area. Ecuador has an area 283,520 square kms, (a little larger than the state of Victoria) and is situated on the Equator on the Pacific coast of South America. Its capital, Quito, at 2850 metres, is located in the highlands and makes an ideal base for our 5 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 5/10/2012 6:19:12 PM
important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. trip. With a population of 1.8 million, it is a city rich in history with well-preserved colonial architecture in the old part of town, and modern developments in the new area. Guayaquil is an important port city for the country, with a population similar to that of Quito. The country s main exports are oil, bananas, shrimp and various agricultural products. Official languages are Spanish and Quechua. The form of government is a republic that is democratically elected, headed by a president. Geographically, Ecuador is extremely varied but can be divided into three distinct regions which each have a dry and a wet season. The coastal lowlands and Galapagos Islands are basically warm and tropical. To the east is the tropical rainforest of the upper Amazon basin known as the Oriente. It is however, the Central Highland region, with high mountains and fertile valleys, that is of greatest interest to us on our visit. Much of the population is located in this region, as well the snowcapped volcanoes that run in the form of a ladder down the length of the country. The eastern and western cordilleras (mountain ranges) contain a total of thirty volcanoes of varying seismic activity and size. climate Ecuador has an amazing variation in weather and seasons, and is unpredictable. The Highlands, are more often influenced by the weather from the Amazon. November to February and June through September periods are found to be the most stable, but with rain/snow or wind still possible at this time. Bad weather does not usually persist, and it is quite common to have four seasons in one day! Temperatures at both day and night time are quite moderate, considering we are in an alpine environment, with cool/cold evenings and warm days (depending upon altitude). The Galapagos climate can be divided into a hot season (Dec-May) when there is a possibility of rain, and the cool season (Jun Nov) when the days are generally cloudy with some rain and drizzle. Despite these variations, conditions are generally favourable for visiting the islands throughout the year. a typical day This is a mountaineering expedition and you are a member of the team. You are ensured a client/guide ratio of at the most one to four and a half. Catering will mostly be handled by your guides, but you have to understand that due to the terrain and workload on a mountain, one has to be flexible. You will be responsible for gathering water or snow to melt for drinking and meals, and expected to clean your own eating utensils, as well as erect and take down your tent. You are a member of a mountaineering team whose goal is to climb 5 mountains in Ecuador, and as such your help is important in making the team and yourself reach the summits. Food will be as varied as possible with a lot of emphasis put on fresh food up to Base Camp. From Base Camp we have to be totally self sufficient - we will be carrying all our equipment, food, fuel and stoves. You are expected to be able to carry your personal gear above base camp and a share of group gear; either camp gear and/or food. Before base camp, mules will be used to carry the bulk of equipment and supplies. If the weather conditions allow for the expedition to make the summits before the official end of the expedition, there may be spare time. Any help needed with ideas of where to go, what to do, will of course be most willingly given. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack. equipment required Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking). 6 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 5/10/2012 6:19:12 PM
acute mountain sickness When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms. Headache Tiredness Disturbed sleep Loss of appetite/nausea Shortness of breath Cough Palpitation Swelling of the hands and face Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist. what s not included Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Items of a personal nature - ie excess baggage costs, beverages, laundry and phone calls International flights and departure taxes Travel Insurance and Emergency evacuation charges Visas Tips and gratuities info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website - www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. 7 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 5/10/2012 6:19:12 PM
subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office. trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip. 8 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 5/10/2012 6:19:12 PM