Come and challenge yourself in 21 days of altitude and adventure. Reach new limits in progressive summits. You will develop the maximum leadership skills while meeting Andean mountains such as the Cayambe (glaciar) in the northern Ecuador. Then head south to Iliniza Norte where you will enjoy biking and horseback riding. Reach for the summit of Cotopaxi (20,000 ft above sea level), the highest active volcano in the world. Share an important and valuable time with Andean communities and also with yourself on your own.

Length of program: 21 days

Age Rate: +18

Main Activities:

• High altitude glacier mountaineering (+ 19.000 ft)
• Rock climbing
• Camping
• Building an ice cave - bivouac
• Mountain bike
• Horseback Riding
• Community Service
• Solo element

Certifications earned:

• WAFA Certification
• Introduction to High Altitude Mountaineering (OB Ecuador School)

Program Dates:
18 July – 7 August 2011

Tuition: US$ 3,150.00*

*Includes: All transportation, accommodation and camping equipment, all meals, instruction, materials and equipment for all activities and accidental insurance.
*Does not include: Airfare to and from Ecuador (Uio), accommodation the night prior and after the course, personal gear, money for souvenirs or personal shopping, or other incidentals.

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Course description

We will start at Cubilche where mystical lagoons spontaneously appear among moorlands; Imbabura with some rock climbing you will do next. Then we will go to Cayambe for ice practicing. During the program, get the skills and knowledge to manage a professional mountain expedition, including a WAFA certification. Finish with the greatest challenge: Cotopaxi summit.

Part 1 – Intercultural participation at Indigenous Community

• Early bus ride toward indigenous community at the base of Imbabura
• WAFA Certification
• Introducing the community and start working on social work and intercultural exchange
• Activities such as land work, animal care, indigenous celebrations, and many more intercultural activities
• We will have time for home stays and to learn how Ecuadorian culture lives
• Great time to acclimatize our bodies to high altitude, the community is at 9500 ft high
• Learn the basics for climbing and rescue skills at the Outward Bound School Camp in San Pablo - Ecuador

Part 2 - Climbing skills and training for the high glacier expedition

• Attempt summit of two medium high mountains, time to apply our learned skills and help our body for acclimatization process. Average altitude 13000 ft.
• Introduction on glacier mountaineering, rescue in crevasses, and ice climbing at Cayambe (third highest mountain in Ecuador).
• We will spend our first night camping over 13.000 ft, at the base of Cayambe Glacier.
• Bivouac at the glacier slopes. We will learn how to build a snow cave to spend the night.

Part 3 – Expedition: attempt two of the highest glacier Mountains in Ecuador

• Participants will learn how to lead and manage a 1 week high altitude expedition.
• Climb North Iliniza lead by participants (16000 ft).
• “Solo” element at Cotopaxi National Park will help our minds to prepare for next climb.
• Attempt Cotopaxi Volcano summit (19350 ft).
• Back to Quito. Night for closing ceremony and dinner.

Part 4 – Flight back home

*To see travel information, the “what to bring” list and other information, click on “Get Ready”.