PHYSICAL CONDITION REQUIRED
Climbers must be in good physical condition to join our trekking and climbing programs. Good physical condition means that you can manage strenuous activity for a certain time and be able to recover from this effort rapidly. If you exercise regularly and are in good health you´re good to go. Keep in mind that a summit day may imply 12-14 hours of continous and rigorous activity, and long treks usually demand 6-8 hours of walking day after day.
It is also well-known that a climber´s good level of cardiovascular and aerobic fitness react better to high altitude demands and finds no major trouble along the acclimatization process.
HOW IMPORTANT IS ACCLIMATIZATION
We may never emphasize enough the importance of acclimatization which ist he process in which an individual adjusts to high altitude. Ideally, it takes from three to six weeks to fully acclimatize your body. Yet, with the proper techniques a shorter time should be enough to adjust your body to the goals at hand.
While our climbing and trekking programs are designed to gradualy gain acclimatization and build endurance along the way, it is strongly advised to spend three to four days at an altitude above 2600 meters /8,530 feet prior to the start of the program. This will allow your body to start adjusting in a relaxing mode and avoiding high impact activities in the first days. A good hydration and healthy diet will do the rest.
For those who live at sea level or at low altitude we have some tailor-made programs specifically designed for acclimatization that are combined with the main program. These acclimatization programs usually involve cultural tours, day hikes, and spending nights at different altitudes.
REQUIRED CLIMING SKILLS
Most oft he Ecuadorian five-thousanders have snow and glaciers. Although the glaciers recede at a worrying velocity, they are, fortunately, still present on Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antizana, Iliniza Sur, Altar and Sangay. Climbs to these mountains through normal routes involve cramponing on moderately steep slopes (40-55 degrees) and a great deal of glacier travel. Good physical fitness is important.
In some cases our programs include glacier training to learn, reinforce or improve your mountaineering skills prior to tackling the big peaks. This also permits our guides to correctly asses your climbing skill level.
BEST SEASON TO CLIMB IN ECUADOR
The Ecuadorian summits can be climbed all year round but the important thing to remember is that hiking and climbing in the high peaks of Ecuador always carries some risk of variable climatic conditions and unpredictable weather changes. Therefore drastic changes can occur at any time and any month of the year. An Ecuadorian saying says that „the four seasons can be met in a single day.“
MOUNTAIN GUIDES
Your safety is our top priority. All our guides in Ecuador for the mountaineering program are internationally certified be IFMGA/UIAGM/IVBV – the highest attainable qualification for mountain guides – and are members of the mountain guides association ASEGUIM.
Still, they are not only top-notch mountain guides but people truly fond of mountains who enjoy the work they do. They are also chosen based on their personal skills as well as on their experience in leading groups.
GROUP SIZE
We can organize single trips up to big groups but on the mountain we keep the overall size of the group as small as possible. While climbing on glacier we keep a ratio of two climbers to one guide.
EQUIPMENT
All our climbing itineraries include ropes, carabiners, slings, radios,etc.
You need to bring the following equipment: (depend on the tour)
- Rigid sole mountaineering boots –semi-automatic (or „hybrid“) crampon compatibe, plastic boots recommended. If you have leather boots make sure to bring good gaiters to keep your feet dry.
- Helmet
- Harness
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack 30-50 liters
- Clothing
- Gaiters
- Headlamp plus extra batteries
- Other personal gear
If you don´t have your own glacier gear you can rent it here in Quito. We will provide you with costs and product availability once you sign up.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
For Ecuador travel insurance isn´t mandatory but we highly recommend to get one to cover medical help, emergency transport, cancellations, theft or accidental damage while traveling. You don´t need any vaccinations to enter Ecuador.
VISA
Most American and Western European countries do not require a tourist visa to enter Ecuador. If you come to Ecuador as a tourist or on a business trip, you do not need a visa for a stay up to 90 days in a 12 month-period. However, please check with the respective consulate of each country if you need one, or ask us and we will help you sort it out.
-Your Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay.
-You must have tickets and documents for return or onward travel.
-We recommend at least 2 blank pages in your passport per country visited.
MONEY
Ecuador uses the US Dollar, so any conversion from your home currency will be on that basis. ATM´s are available at most banks in Ecuador. Check with your bank before leaving home for bank names and locations paricipating in your ATM system. Also check with your bank to see if you need a new „ PIN“ code to use overseas. Amounts available for withdrawal in one transaction in Ecuador may vary from the maount your bank allows you to withdrawal in one day and several transactions may be necessary for larger amounts.
LANGUAGE
The most common and official language of Ecuador is Spanish, in addition to Northern Quechua and other pre-colonial American languages. Ethnologue lists 24 languages of Ecuador.
CLIMATE OF ECUADOR
The climate of Ecuador varies by región, due to differences in elevation and, to a degree, in proximity to the equator. The coastal lowlands in the western part of Ecuador are typically warm with temperatures in the region of 25°C (77 °F). Coastal areas are affected by the ocean currents and between January and April are hot and rainy.
The weather in Quito is consistent with that of a subtropical highland climate. The city has barely any cool air since it is close to the equator. The average temperature during the day is 21 °C (70 °F), which generally falls to an average of 10 °C (50 °F) at night.
IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTION PLEASE CONACT US BY EMAIL (info@andengipfel.com) OR WHATSAPP (00593-983181391).
