Hi,

I'm looking to go to Cotopaxi and the surrounding peaks during Dec 25-30. I'm a rock climber, but totally new to mountaineering. Any recommendations for guides around Quito, and also itineraries? I checked a few out on the web: 5 day trips that include some acclimatization climbs, but if you can point me to some guides based on your experiences there, that would be great!

Thanks,

Ajit

I haven't used these guys, but I've heard good things about them:
Ecuadorian Alpine Institute
http://www.volcanoclimbing.com/

FWIW, saw them on Cayambe in 2006, they seemed to have it together.

Also, people have spoken highly of Moggely on this forum, but they have changed their name it seems:
chimborazo-cotopaxi-logistics-t59771.html
also: guide-cotopaxi-chimborazo-t62183.html

Also, I think there are a few Washington (and other U.S.)-based mountain guide services that run instructional mountaineering programs on the Trilogia Ecuatoriana (package/not Cotopaxi only). Check out AAI, Mountain Madness, Alpine Ascents, etc.

Cotopaxi is awesome volcano and fun climb..

Happy hunting (and climbing)!

...I climbed Chimborazo with these guys: http://andeannadventures.com/

It seemed to be a pretty good company and the owner John speaks perfect English.

Iliniza Norte is a good acclimitazation climb and can be done without gear.

Hello Music,

My daughter and I had a great experience this past June on a (4) peak adventure/ Pasochoa, Corazon, Illiniza Norte, Cotopaxi /. We used Edgar Parra at Lonelysummits.com. He is based out of Machachi. We were successful on all (4) peaks due, in great part, to a well coordinated effort by Edgar. Keep in mind Cotopaxi has roughly a 50% success rate. I feel we were successful due to the proper acclimatization regimen & determination by the guides. I submitted a Trip Report for Cotopaxi titled "no problems no worries" which might give you more specific information.

Sincerely,
Schleger

Anybody hear anything through the grapevine about Sierra Nevada Expeditions (based in Quito) lately? I had been in email contact with them Sept to mid October and for the last 4 weeks they are not replying to anything all... I had hoped to plan a mountaineering trip with them for 10-12 days in early February.

I tried them too several times and got no response. I´m using AndeanFace and then Gulliver in January on separate trips for guiding. Got good reviews on both of them.

athom110 wrote:Anybody hear anything through the grapevine about Sierra Nevada Expeditions (based in Quito) lately? I had been in email contact with them Sept to mid October and for the last 4 weeks they are not replying to anything all... I had hoped to plan a mountaineering trip with them for 10-12 days in early February.

Try sending an e.mail to Estalin, http://www.summitpost.org/users/highmountain/68195. He works (used to work for Freddy Ramirez - Sierra Navada's owner) he might know something.

Good luck!

Estalin is a good guy. We climbed Chimborazo with him last year. He comes highly recommended.

Cheers

Anybody ever used Andes Climbing Ecuador (www.andesclimbing.com) or heard anything positive or negative from people that have used their services?

MMclimbhigh wrote:Estalin is a good guy. We climbed Chimborazo with him last year. He comes highly recommended.

Cheers

I climbed Cotopaxi with Etalin around Nov end, and I would recommend him as well!