Ecuador 2026

January 24. Ecuador. News from the "Eg-Masters" group. After an overnight stay at the cozy Hotel Andalucía—a place steeped in the history and spirit of Ecuador—the morning began especially pleasantly. The hotel impressed with its rich collection of antique relics: typewriters, telephones, saxophones, coal irons, and many other exhibits. Everything here exudes antiquity, evoking awe and keen interest.

After a hearty breakfast, the group set off for a hotel with thermal springs—a favorite vacation spot for locals. Our destination was the village of Papallacta. The drive was long, taking about six hours, but the journey proved to be eventful and captivating.

Along the way, we stopped at a greenhouse factory where roses are grown. The enormous greenhouses, filled with countless flowers of every variety, were breathtaking: the fragrance, the riot of color, and the sheer scale. We were given a tour during which we followed the roses' entire journey—from seedlings to loading onto trucks. Incidentally, these roses are also shipped to Russia.

In the evening, we reached the thermal springs. We thoroughly enjoyed a dip in the hot pools located right outside our rooms in the hotel courtyard. A true relaxation after a busy day.

Tomorrow, the group departs: some will go home, while others will continue their journey and fly to the Galapagos Islands. Over a delicious dinner, we reminisced about our Ecuadorian adventure, climbing three mountains, and all the highlights of the journey.

Everyone is happy and content, taking home warm memories of Ecuador.

Super-Andinists Lyudmila Korobeshko and Alexander Spirin.

January 23rd. Greetings from Ecuador to everyone from the "Eg-Masters" group! Today we summited Chimborazo, the most distant peak from the center of the Earth! Almost all of us (7 of us on the summit, one member out sick). Yesterday, we headed to Base Camp, full of apprehension: the forecast called for heavy snowfall on the night of our summit push (30 cm of snow on the evening of January 22nd). We hiked from 4800 to 5350 meters in sleet. Snow continued to fall even at camp.

We set out for the summit push at midnight in fog and light snow. But the weather soon cleared up. We reached the summit at different times. Valera Tebiev, as always, set a record – he finished in 3 hours! The others reached the summit in 6-8 hours.

Everyone unanimously agreed that the mountain was difficult, long, and cold. They also unanimously agreed that Ecuador is a wonderful country, very diverse, colorful, and hospitable. And they definitely need to return (for example, to climb Cayambe and visit the Amazon jungle).

Super Andinists Lyudmila Korobeshko and Alexander Spirin.

A message from expedition leader Lyudmila Korobeshko from the slopes of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador:

11:30 PM. We are at 5,350 m. Heavy snowfall. But we decided to attempt the summit push anyway.

 January 21st. News from the EG Masters group. After a successful ascent of Cotopaxi Volcano, we finally indulged in the luxury of a good night's sleep and recuperation at the luxurious Samari Hotel. Warm beds, silence, and a sense of accomplishment were the perfect start to a new day.

Refreshed and energized, we headed to where nature reveals its wild side—the true jungle. A narrow trail wound through dense greenery: the humid air, tangled vines, giant ferns, and the sounds of the jungle all around created a feeling of total immersion in a pristine world. Every step was like a scene from an adventure film.

Our destination: the Devil's Cauldron waterfall. And it was impressive from the very first second. Powerful streams of water crash down with a roar, swirling in a bubbling cauldron, demonstrating the incredible power of the elements. The waterfall is also astonishingly beautiful: in the sunlight, the finest spray creates a vibrant rainbow, as if nature had staged this spectacle especially for us.

After the walk, lunch awaited us—fresh trout in a cozy restaurant overlooking the waterfall. The sound of the water, the aromatic lunch, and the sense of harmony—a perfect combination.

On the way to the hotel, we stopped for a local delicacy, kuy. In the evening, we dined at a trendy spot: the walls are decorated with animal prints, an open fire is in the center, and music and a disco are all around. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively, but we're not in the mood for dancing today.

We have big plans ahead. Tomorrow morning we'll move to the Chimborazo high camp, and tonight we'll be summiting. Our goal now is to rest, recover, and recharge.

Wish us luck!

See you there! Super guide Lyudmila Korobeshko and assistant Alexander Spirin.

To be continued.

January 20th. Hooray! It's happened! Early this morning, our "EG-Masters" team stood at the summit of the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi! The most agile participants reached the summit while it was still dark. The slower climbers were lucky enough to see stunning views and a beautiful sunrise. Valery Tebiev was the fastest, reaching the summit in just over three hours!

By lunchtime, our entire group moved closer to the jungle – to the town of Baños at an altitude of 1,800 meters. Here we rested for two nights before the decisive assault on Chimborazo. At dinner, we held an awards ceremony for the ascent of Cotopaxi.

Super Andinists Lyudmila Korobeshko and Alexander Spirin.

January 19th. Greetings from the summit camp on Cotopaxi (Ecuador) from the "EG-Masters" group!

This morning, we had a photo shoot with animals against the backdrop of Cotopaxi. We were lucky enough to capture llamas, alpacas, wild horses, and eagles against the backdrop of our mountain. After lunch, we ascended to the Jose Ribas refuge at 4,850 meters. Now we're having dinner and getting ready for a short nap. We'll be up at 11:00 PM for the midnight summit push! Wish us luck!

Super Andinists Lyudmila Korobeshko and Alexander Spirin.

January 18th. Greetings from Ecuador from the "Eg-Masters" group! Today we faced our biggest challenge before our assault on Cotopaxi – we reached 5000 meters!

 In the morning, we left our beloved La Cienega hacienda, with its eucalyptus trees and ghosts, and headed to Cotopaxi National Park. Along the way, we nearly tamed several alpacas, took gorgeous photos with Cotopaxi in the background, and bought some coca candies to fuel ourselves for the upcoming climb.

 From the parking lot at 4500 meters, we quickly reached the José Ribas refuge at 4800 meters and headed to the glacier at 5000 meters. There, we refreshed our memory on how to walk with crampons, ice axes, and roped ropes. Around lunchtime, we descended to the hut for a nutritious lunch of quinoa and exotic fruits.

In the evening, we arrived at a new hacienda, Los Martinos, amid blueberry thickets and with stunning views of Cotopaxi and the neighboring peaks.

 Here we decided to relax until tomorrow's lunch. And then, everyone—on the summit!

Super-Andinist climbers Lyudmila Korobeshko and Alexander Spirin were on the line.

January 17th. News from the "EG-Masters" group from Ecuador. Today was a true celebration of impressions and discoveries! Our team spent it actively, vibrantly, and deliciously.

We headed to the famous Lake Quilotoa, one of Ecuador's most beautiful natural wonders. The lake is located at the bottom of an ancient volcanic crater, and even from the observation decks, breathtaking panoramas open up. The azure water shimmers in the sun with every shade of turquoise, and the surrounding slopes make you feel like you've stepped into a postcard.

A long but picturesque descent to the lake itself awaited us. The weather was wonderful—bright sunshine, clear skies, and crisp mountain air. At the bottom, we took magnificent photos against the backdrop of the mirror-like water and the rugged volcanic slopes.

After the climb, a culinary adventure awaited us—we tried the traditional Ecuadorian dish, cuy. This is baked guinea pig with a crispy crust, served with potatoes, corn, and aromatic sauces. A true national delicacy and an important part of the local culture. Then—shopping! We bought warm ponchos and cozy alpaca blankets—soft, cozy, and incredibly beautiful.

The day ended with a return to our hacienda, La Cienega—a cozy, atmospheric retreat with colonial charm and a homey feel. It's so nice to relax here after a busy day.

All the participants were absolutely delighted. Ecuador continues to surprise and inspire!

Main guide Lyudmila Korobeshko and assistant Alexander Spirin.

January 16th. Greetings from Ecuador from the "Eg-Masters" group! Today we completed our first acclimatization ascent of the Guagua Pichincha volcano at 4,800 meters. This volcano is still active, and in 1999 there was a very powerful eruption, covering a significant part of Quito in ash.

 We climbed briskly to the summit in 1.5 hours. On the descent, we encountered the local Cara Cara birds, who weren't at all afraid of us. Along the way, we often encountered the main symbol of the Andinistas—the Chocoquerau flower. On the descent, we stopped at a refuge at 4500 meters, where we were treated to a delicious Ecuadorian soup—locro de papa. It's a soup made from several types of potatoes, avocado, and cheese.

 After lunch, we headed south toward our next mountains. By evening, we arrived at the ancient hacienda La Cienega. Everything here exudes history—fireplaces, candlesticks, antique furniture, exotic plants in the courtyards, fountains, a small church, huge araucaria trees, and century-old eucalyptus trees… We couldn't resist taking photos.

We dined in the fireplace room and tasted local Ecuadorian wines. Tomorrow we're heading to the Quilotoa volcano crater lake.

Ecuadorian eg-guides Alexander Spirin and Lyudmila Korobeshko were on the line.

Today, our entire group finally reassembled in Quito! Yesterday, those who arrived early managed to stroll through Ecuador's largest city park, the Metropolitano Park, visit the house-museum of artist and sculptor Oswaldo Guayasamin, and stroll through the historic center.

This morning, the entire group set off for the equator. We were so successful in the competitions that almost everyone received a diploma as "Egg Masters" (or, more accurately, egg-laying experts, or rather, experts in placing eggs on nails). So our group is now called "Egg Masters."

Next, at the official equator line, we climbed to the very top of the main tower without a lift (for acclimatization). After a wonderful lunch at a restaurant at the foot of the Virgin Mary statue on Panecillo Hill, we took the cable car up the slope of Rucu Pichincha to almost 4200m.

Today we're going to bed early, as tomorrow morning we'll face our first serious ascent: Guagua Pichincha (4800m).

Egg Masters and Super-Egg Master Lyudmila Korobeshko with Egg Apprentice Alexander Spirin.

January 10th. Today, our brave "Kalya Nulya" group reached the summit of Cotopaxi in full force! We left the refuge at midnight and reached the summit by 7:00 AM. Wind and cold tried to hinder us, but we overcame everything! Hooray!

At 7:00 AM Ecuador time, the following were standing at the summit of Cotopaxi:

1. Anna Grinevich
2. Varvara Butko
3. Polina Butko
4. Anton Kharashkevich
5. Irina Ryabenkova
6. Alexey Ryabenkov
7. Alexander Butko.

And our team of valiant Ecuadorian guides, led by Edgar Parra.

January 9th. Greetings from Ecuador from the "Kalya Nullya" group at 4,850 meters from the Jose Ribas refuge on the slopes of Cotopaxi! In the morning, we rested at 3,700 meters, rode horses, watched llamas, and after lunch, climbed to the hut at 4,850 meters. Now we're having dinner and getting some sleep. We're up at 11:00 PM, and at midnight, we'll set out to storm Cotopaxi.

Wish us luck!

Lyudmila Korobeshko, super guide in Ecuador, is on the line.

January 8th. Greetings from Ecuador, from the "Kalya Zero" group, from an altitude of 3,700 meters on the slopes of Cotopaxi!

Today we had snow and ice training on the Cotopaxi Glacier. We took jeeps to 4,500 meters, then hiked up to the Jose Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters. From there, we reached the glacier at 5,000 meters. There, on a comfortable snow slope, we walked in ropes and crampons, and briefly learned how to self-arrest with an ice axe.

We were hurtling downhill as it started to hail. By 5 PM, we returned to our cozy hotel with fireplaces and canelasa. We had a total blast. Tomorrow is a rest day—we plan to go horseback riding. After lunch, we'll climb up to the refuge and set out for the summit that same night.

Lyudmila Korobeshko, the 7 Summits Club guide in Ecuador, was on the line.

January 7th. Greetings from Ecuador from the "Kalya Nullya ili Malevichi" group! Today we took a stunning trip to the amazing Lake Quilotoa, located in the crater of a volcano.

On the way to the lake, we stopped in the village of Tigua, home to the Quechua Indians. There's a gallery there with paintings by the locally renowned artist Alfredo Toakis. Locals respectfully repeat that Alfredo's paintings have been exhibited in Paris!

We arrived at the rim of the crater around 11 a.m. and began our descent down to the lake itself from 3900 to 3500. A very convenient road to the lake was recently built. As you walk, you'll see a new, stunning view around every turn. We didn't dare swim in the lake itself before the climb – we just wet our feet. Then we climbed back up to the rim of the crater. Here we had a photo shoot with the alpacas. And for lunch, a long-awaited surprise awaited us – cuy! or guinea pig. It's delicious here.

By evening, we were already on the slopes of Cotopaxi, in the cozy Los Martinos mountain hotel at an altitude of 3,700 meters. Tomorrow, training is planned on the slopes of Cotopaxi.

Lyudmila Korobeshko, a guide in Ecuador, was on the line.

December 6th. Greetings from Ecuador from the "Near zero" group! Today we climbed the first volcano on our program, Guagua Pichincha, at 4,800 meters. On the way up, we encountered Andean wolves (a mountain fox) and caracara birds. We climbed through snow, which is rare here, and barely found the summit in the fog. On the descent, we drank tea made from local Ecuadorian coca (sunfo) at the hut – it immediately invigorated us.

In the evening, we arrived at a very beautiful place – the ancient 17th-century hacienda La Cienega. Each room has a fireplace, there's a church right inside the hacienda, and a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and palm trees. We celebrated our first ascent and Christmas over dinner! Tomorrow we're heading to a unique place – a lake inside a crater!

The 7 Summits Club Guide  Lyudmila Korobeshko.

January 5th. Today was our group's first full day in Ecuador. And we had a very busy time. Early in the morning, we headed to the equator. We saw how the local tribes lived, how they scalped and boiled skulls. We also saw the anacondas and boa constrictors that inhabit the local jungle.

We conducted a series of experiments right on the equator. Even one of our members, Alexey, managed to balance an egg on a nail, for which he received a special diploma.

 Then we strolled through the historic center of Quito, visiting the Bun Hill with its winged Virgin Mary at the summit. There, we had lunch at a very picturesque restaurant and then headed to the slopes of the active volcano, Rucu Pichincha. We acclimatized at 4,100 meters and barely escaped a thunderstorm. We ended the evening at an Italian restaurant, where we discussed plans for tomorrow.

 Tomorrow is our first mountain.  7 Summits Club Super Guide Lyudmila Korobeshko from Ecuador.

January 4th. Today, the first Ecuadorian group assembled in Quito! Those who arrived early had a chance to stroll through Quito's historic center. All participants completed their gear check today. Tomorrow, we'll head to the equator to conduct some interesting experiments, then take the cable car as high as possible (4,000+ meters) to see Quito from above and acclimatize.

 Now, the participants' main priority is to get enough sleep and adjust to local time, which is a whopping 8 hours behind Moscow.

 Lyudmila Korobeshko, the guide oof the 7 Summits Club from Ecuador, is on the line.