Ecuador Volcanoes2012
We are excited to announce that we will be heading to Ecuador during the 2012 season!

Please stay tuned for full details to be added.

Dates
TBA

• All guiding services and organization with Canadian Guides
• All food while on the mountain
• All expedition fees and permits
• Transportation to/from Quito to the start of the climb
• Transport services and support
• Technical climbing and safety equipment as required
• Tents and camp supplies
• Base camps and hut service
• Use of satellite phone
• Two nights lodging in Quito (first night and final night)

Not included in the cost of the trip:

• Participants are responsible for their own international transportation to and from Quito, Ecuador
• All meals while in Quito and while in transit
• Personal clothing and equipment (see equipment list)
• Medical insurance* valid for Ecuador
• Visa's and proper travel documents for travel to Ecuador
• Lodging while off of the mountain (except as noted)
• Miscellaneous personal costs on and off the mountain
• Tips and gratuities
• Any costs incurred by travel delays, lost or delayed baggage, or for any other reason
• Personal costs on and off the mountain (laundry, alcoholic beverages, etc.)

* Emergency Travel Insurance
All participants are required to obtain Emergency Travel and Trip Cancellation insurance. We recommend Ingle International Insurance, for details please visit their site here.

Mountain Rescue/evacuation insurance is not included in the fees for this climb. Emergency evacuation during the tour in the event of an accident or medical emergency is available, but will be charged to the person at the time of evacuation. The additional cost of medical attention or transport while off of the mountain is also not covered in the trip fee.

Prerequisites
Anyone attempting this peak should be in excellent physical shape, and be prepared to carry loads that weigh up to 25 kg's (55 lbs). You will spend much time at altitudes above 5,000 meters and will need to be as fit as possible to help with your performance.

While previous climbing experience is not required, previous backpacking and wilderness camping is.

Location

Guides
We will be working with local Ecuadorian Guide Ramiro Garrido, along with CWMS Owner and Lead Guide Brian Jones. Brian has been leading expeditions to the "Seven Summits" over the past 10 years, including a 2008 ascent of Everest. Ramiro and Brian lead teh succesful 2011 ascent of Aconcagua together.

Group sizes on this expedition are kept small to increase the enjoyment of all members of the team, and to improve the chance of success for all. There will be a maximum of 5 members per each guide, with a maximum of 10 people per trip.

Itinerary
Please check back soon for the complete itinerary of this Expedition.

• Boots - double plastic mountaineering boots - Scarpa, Koflach, etc. Must be properly fitted and broken-in
• Approach boots - sturdy but lightweight hiking boots/shoes suitable for extended hiking on rough trails
• River shoes - lightweight shoes for river crossings. Beach shoes, paddling shoes, old running shoes, etc.
• Sleeping bag - good to a -10 Celsius range.  A light silk or cotton liner is recommended.
• Sleeping pad – Therma-rest style pad plus a thin closed-cell foam pad combo is best
• Backpack - internal frame, minimum 70+ litres, suitable for carries of personal gear plus a share of food/communal gear.
• Daypack - approx. 30 litres. This is used for thetraining hikes and possibly on summit days.
• Outer shell jacket with hood - Gore-Tex style suitable for all weather conditions.
• Full-zip pants or bibs - Gore-Tex style.
• Long underwear - top and bottom, Poly-pro, Capilene, wool, etc. 1 set light weight + 1 set medium weight
• Hiking pants – lightweight synthetic pants for lower mountain (1 pr)
• Hiking shorts – for approach, cotton or synthetic (1 pr)
• Long pants - synthetic pants for upper mountain/cold weather hiking conditions (1 pr)
• Insulated pants – fleece, pile or down pants for around camp and summit day (1 pr)
• Shirts – suitable for athletic purposes, synthetic (2)
• Gaiters – ensure they fit properly over your boots. Can be insulated but not over-boots (1 pr)
• Gloves - medium weight wool, wind stopper or synthetic style (1 to 2 pr)
• Expedition style gloves or mitts w/removable liners (1 pr)
• Overmitts - shells only that can fit over Expedition gloves for summit day (1 pr)
• Socks - synthetic, wool or wool blend (3-4 pr)
• Liner socks (Poly-pro type) (2-3 pr)
• Warm parka - down, fleece or pile with a hood (1)
• Jacket – lightweight fleece or wind-stopper style (1)
• Sweater or vest - wool, fleece or down (1)
• Toque/insulated hat - wool or fleece (1)
• Balaclava or face mask for wind protection (1)
• Hat with sun visor (baseball cap, etc) (1)
• Bandannas (2)
• Glacier style sunglasses with side shields and nose shields
• Ski goggles
• Headlamp with extra set of batteries
• Personal kit - (toothbrush, foot powder, skin cream, etc.)
• Personal 1st aid (blister kit, medications, etc.)
• Misc. personal items (camera, book, cards, journal, music player, lighter, etc.)
• Water bottles/hydration system - 2 L capacity. Hydration systems with hoses are good for approach only, not summit-day
• Knife - Swiss army style
• Sunscreen and lip screen (min. 30 spf & waterproof)
• Collapsible ski/walking poles (1 pr)
• Crampons - adjusted to your boots (1 pr – supplied if required)
• Ice axe (60 - 70 cm – supplied if required)
• Large duffel bag with lock suitable for storing your pack in for transport on mules.

When organizing your equipment, remember that the conditions in Ecuador may vary from +30 degrees Celsius in the lower valleys along with high humidity, to -20 degrees Celsius on summit days on teh higher peaks, with possible high winds.

Outer clothing should be capable of venting, and you should be able to get in and out of it easily.  Inner layers should dry easily and retain warmth when wet (no cotton on the upper mountains). Take into account your own personal "warmth rating".  If you know that your hands don't warm up easily, that you sleep cool, or your feet are always cold, keep this in mind!

Quito is a very relaxed modern and pleasant city. Generally it is a safe city, though travelers should still take the usual common sense approach to traveling.  You can leave your bags checked at our hotel as well while you are on the climb, so don’t hesitate to bring extras if you are not sure about any gear or clothing items – you can decide down there what to bring and not bring on the mountain.

When you register, a pre-trip package of information will be sent to you, as well as follow-up discussions via phone and email to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure!