Cotopaxi (the second peak of Ecuador and one of the most popular volcanoes in the world for guided climbing) turned out to be a difficult and interesting volcano with a relief that changed after the eruption - open cracks and rocky areas, requiring technical training and experienced guides.

The ascent to the summit was successful, but it required incredible efforts and a long, exhausting return to civilization. Thoughts arose about the advisability of continuing the program.

 But, after two days of rest, recovery and further acclimatization in the atmospheric lodge Marco Cruz at 4000 m, everything fell into place and at the appointed time the team reached the base camp of Chimborazo at an altitude of 5300 m. The move and night at 5300 was easy, the body was already ready for all further tests.

But, on the night of the assault, a storm wind arose (up to 100 km / h) and our group turned after 200 m of ascent. An attempt to climb was made, but the mountain did not let us this time!

But everyone is healthy and happy and are already making plans for next year, how to make another attempt to climb Chimborazo 6310 m. This highest peak of Ecuador and the most distant point from the center of the Earth has a harsh character. It is necessary to select an acclimatization program so as not to repeat the ascent of any of the previously descended volcanoes over two years! This is not an easy task!

And a very interesting plan has already been outlined, where volcanoes not only of Ecuador will be involved! A super-non-standard mega-trip is planned, which apparently no one has done before! So - To be continued!

Pasochoa - translated from Quechua means "widower". We recently learned this and do not even know what it means. You know, there is a giant crater of a volcano that exploded 100,000 years ago. From the top you can see the full power of what happened. The summit is the top of a wall that goes 500 meters down into the former crater.

If you think about it, it's amazing! The lava flow reached the Pacific Ocean. And this eruption completely changed the geography of these places... there are giant boulders-peaks that are part of the caldera of the crater. And it seems like huge faces in them... like giants frozen in stone.

Most of the trekking on Pasochoa goes along the Andean prairies, from the summit there are stunning views of the volcanoes Antisana, Cayambe, Ilinica, Cotopaxi and somewhere in the distance you can see the inviting Chimborazo.

After another great day spent in the mountains, the evening program continued in the world capital - Quito. An excellent combination of time spent in the mountains and cultural leisure.

We are waiting for further news!

This time, Rustam returned for Chimborazo, which he failed to climb last year. Now conclusions have been drawn, the acclimatization and rest scheme has been changed, another stage of annual physical training has been completed, a bunch of literature and articles have been studied. Fighting spirit!

So, this time we started acclimatization not with the usual excursion program around the capital of Ecuador - colonial Quito (2800 m) and the equator line (we have already been there), but with easy trekking along the slopes of the Ilalo volcano (3194 m) in the suburbs of Quito. The weather was favorable for our team and the day was a success.

A good dinner with good wine in good company also contributes greatly to proper acclimatization!

We are waiting for more news!

Anastasia Kuznetsova, guide and manager of the 7 Summits Club reports from Ecuador:

I remind you that there are 10 volcanoes in Ecuador above 5000 m and only one of them above 6000 m, it is also the highest peak of Ecuador and the furthest point from the center of the Earth - Chimborazo volcano (6310 m). Chimborazo is a project mountain and the dream of many climbers. I must admit that recently, for one reason or another, the groups on Chimborazo remained without the summit, to our great regret. One of my tasks was to figure out what is wrong and why the participants fail to reach the top.

   I received a certain acclimatization, although the group and I did not climb 2 of the 3 peaks, but high-altitude overnight stays were made and acclimatization rotations were made. The logistics at Chimborazo is built in this way. First you come to the administration of the National park. You show your permit and the residence permit of the guide (you can climb according to the rules only with licensed guides), you draw up the necessary documents. Then you go to the parking lot at 4800 m, where there is a shelter, but few people use it, because now local residents are responsible for it and it is sparsely populated and uncomfortable.

   Basically, all climbers make the march from a parking lot at 4800 to a high-altitude camp at 5,300 m. Moreover, as a rule, everyone goes at once in assault boots and carries all their belongings on themselves. And although the move to a high-altitude camp is considered easy (like 2-3 hours on a gentle path), but the drop of 500 m and the height itself above 5000 m has not been canceled. Most climbers come to the camp already tired, and after a few hours they go to the assault, so it is a great recommendation to negotiate in advance about the services of high-altitude porters. We immediately include this in all our national team programs, and I used this service myself, which allowed me to come to the camp light and not get tired on the way.

The start was scheduled for 23.00, so that there was a reserve of time, and so that there was an opportunity to go at your own pace. The sunset was excellent, but at the exit the weather was so-so (strong wind, intermittent precipitation and lack of visibility, but in Ecuador the weather changes every 15 minutes, you can't guess in advance and it's almost useless to look at forecasts). The guide called the weather a bad word, but decided to go anyway.

 We dressed warmly and went. On Chimborazo, first there are approaches to the slopes of the volcano along rocky ridges with elements of climbing, then several long snow-covered steep slopes with cracks (it seems that this will never end). Then the last steep part ends and it seems that here it is the top (marked with an inconspicuous rod), but this is only the second peak (6200 meters with something), and there is still an hour's journey to that cherished one along the next hard part, and there is no sign at the very top, nothing. Only snow on the rounded top!

To say that I would not have ascended without a guide is to say nothing! Edgar Parra understood everything and did everything to get me up. He carried all my heavy things, dressed and took off my mittens when I was no longer able to do it myself, said that I was walking very well when I was almost unable to move, smeared cream and gave tea, dragged me on a rope when I periodically fell into a semi-comatose state after 6000 M. On the other hand, if I didn't have such a goal and motivation to go to the top, then he alone would hardly have brought me there. That is, it was still a team effort - my desire and his experience.

When we were descending and I was impatient to get to the camp as soon as possible with shaking legs and hands, Edgar decided to show me another cool thing – via ferrata, which he and the guides from the local mountaineering federation punched. "Just show" did not work! He strapped me to it with a rigid safety harness and told me to get down. I realized that until I descend from this cliff in boots with cats on my arms and legs shaking after the mountain on iron brackets and a stream flowing down from above, there is no chance to reach home. What can you not do to just let them let you go!

Hola from Ecuador! Today we said goodbye to the beautiful hacienda La Cinega and its eucalyptus groves and headed closer to our main goal - Cayambe volcano. But, along the way, we will have another stop for the night in a beautiful place - the thermal springs of the Pappayakta Valley, originating from the Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes. Cascades of baths with mineral water of different temperatures in a blooming garden and views of volcanoes are very similar to a paradise where you want to stay longer.

On the way to Pappayakta, we wanted to taste a local delicacy - "kui" in one of the local "kui", but something stopped us, in the end we decided to abstain and have lunch at the hotel.

Tomorrow there are extensive plans - the birthday of one of the band members (the author and ideological inspirer of this trip) and moving to the shelter of the Kayamba volcano, from where the group will have to storm this key peak.

 In the morning, we left the capital of Ecuador - Quito early and moved towards Machachi (local Chamonix), where there are many volcanoes large and small around. Today, the plan was to continue acclimatization on the next volcano - Iliniza Norte (5127 m), with a height comparable to Ararat. We have to get to the refuge at 4800 m, spend the night there and go out on the mountain in the morning.

On the way to Iliniza, we stopped for rent and had lunch at one of the authentic Machachi restaurants, which turned out to be very useful before going to the shelter with a 900 m climb (the march from 3900 to 4800 m). On the way to the refuge, panoramas of the volcanoes of Cotopaxi, Antisana, Cayambe, Corazon (translated as heart) were opened. At sunset we reached the Nuevos Gortzontas shelter at 4800 m. For many members in the team, this is the first experience of a night in a mountain shelter and the first night at such an altitude.

We got up early in the morning to go to Iliniza. But, the weather did not please. A cloud hung over the mountain and all the slopes were wet and dusted with snow. We decided not to go to the top along the rocky route along the ridge, but to walk along the saddle in order to acclimatize better.

As soon as we left the refuge in the direction of the valley, the weather began to improve, the clouds dispersed, the sun came out and all the snow on the slopes instantly melted, as if nothing had happened.

 After a night at the refuge, we had lunch in a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant and rest in the ancient hacienda of La Cinega. The hacienda itself is a unique atmospheric place with a rich 400-year history. This estate has been owned from generation to generation by one family, starting from Marquis Mateo, that is, from 1695 to the present.

This estate has witnessed important events in the history of Ecuador, establishing itself as one of the oldest and noblest mansions in the country. Important people stayed here, including Alexander Humboldt, the founder of botanical geography.

And now our group is resting before moving on towards the Cayambe volcano.

But, the main info-reason, of course, is not this one. The group finally reached the volcanoes and made their first acclimatization climb on the volcano Ruco Pichincha, which overhangs Quito with its slopes. For most of the members, this was the first high-altitude experience. Everyone did a great job! Although, for many it was not easy at all! We were very lucky with the weather! As soon as we got back down, a couple of minutes later a heavy downpour began.

On the way we saw parama (high Andean steppes), the famous "Ecuadorian Edelweiss", a lot of Andean rabbits and, of course, a bird on the top, which has already become a symbol of this place.

Tomorrow we leave Quito and go towards the next volcano Iliniza Norte.

Today we continued our acquaintance with the capital of Ecuador - Quito, which means, of course, "the center of the world". And the name of the country Ecuador, as it is not difficult to guess, means "equator".

The morning began in the Gothic cathedral, on the Condor tower, from where you can see the whole of Quito and its symbol - the statue of the Virgin Mary with wings towering on top of the hill.

Then we got lost in the colonial streets and squares of Quito, looked into the Franciscan monastery, where an ancient brewery still exists and operates, got to a local festival, had lunch in a traditional restaurant overlooking the main square of the city. And at the end of the day we stood, of course, on the equator line with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tomorrow we climb the mountains! Our first volcano is Ruco Pichincha.

Finally, the whole group is assembled and we begin our acquaintance with Ecuador with a visit to the cloud forest of Mindo. Cloud forest is a zone of equatorial rain forest stretched along the western slope of the Andes at an altitude of about 2000 m. Moisture evaporates over the Pacific Ocean, rises and settles in the form of thick clouds along the Andes ridge at about these heights. A dense blooming lush forest with lianas, bromeliads and tree ferns among the clouds looks mysterious and mysterious.

Mindo is the closest nature reserve to Quito with such a natural area.

There are many different activities for every taste. Someone rafts on a local mountain river, someone feeds a hummingbird with sweet nectar, someone watches butterflies and orchids.

We went hiking through the rain forest to a series of waterfalls, reaching the starting point on the local version of the cable car through the blooming valley.

The highlight of the day was a visit to a local farm where handmade chocolate is made from cocoa, which is grown right here. Already on the way we were knocked down by the magical rich aroma of freshly made hot chocolate. Then we participated in the process of making chocolate from the very beginning, from tasting fresh coffee beans, a bit like lychee. Next comes their fermentation in special trays under the open sky. In small farms, fermented grains are fried over a fire in a large cast-iron frying pan, fried grains are peeled and rubbed with a stone in a stone bowl. It turns out 100% cocoa bean paste without any additives.

Next, the paste is heated, various incredible additives are added and poured into molds for chocolate bars.

Of course, we didn't leave until we tried all kinds of pure 100% chocolate and chocolate with additives of lemongrass, mint, coffee, dry tropical fruits, orange, black pepper. The husk also goes into business. It makes a wonderful tonic drink.

In general, the day was a success!

The first signs of weakness appeared already at the entrances to Chimborazo, but despite this an attempt was made to climb. The night at the base camp showed everything. It was decided to turn around. Rustam writes that he is generally satisfied with the overall results of climbing the third peak of Ecuador, but it would not be a wise decision to take risks and move on. It was a difficult but rewarding experience.

 Now Rustam has safely descended from the mountain and is preparing to return home. The main conclusion is that it is necessary to concentrate only on the main goal - Chimborazo, without climbing other volcanoes. They really take a lot of energy.

We draw conclusions. Let's move on.

The guys reached the top of Kayambe volcano (5790 m). Congratulations to Rustam on his achievement! According to Rustam, it was a powerful challenge and he felt better this time!

Now it is very important to rest, sleep and gain strength for Chimborazo! The preparation stage is over, we are nearing the key moment!

But, despite favorable weather conditions, according to Rustam, if an unprepared climber goes to this mountain, he will have an "adrenaline shock".

The guys "took a normal walk to the top", the whole day was full of ascents and descents. That was awesome! Everyone feels good! In the photo and video we can see that the Cotopaxi volcano is still erupting.

And after a successful ascent, of course, a well-deserved rest and recovery before the next peak!

Our Rustam continued his acclimatization here, accompanied by a guide Ivan. An unexpected (but hopefully pleasant) meeting with a representative of the local fauna took place at the top.

Alexander climbed another volcano, about an hour and a half drive from Quito, Guaga Pichincha (4776 m). He's a little taller and there are fewer people here. It was quite cloudy and a solid cloud cover began above 3500 m, so this time it was not possible to shoot stunning shots from the top. But the mood is excellent and the acclimatization process is going according to plan.

 And everything is still ahead!

 Now everyone is already down in the valley and in a good mood they are returning to civilization.

Nikolai Kirillov restores the calories spent

Alexander Rykov is ready to leave for Papayakta, thermal springs

October 16. Hello everyone from the Center of the World!!!

Today our Ecuadorian team with the working name "Mitad del Mundo" visited the Equator Line. On the way, we attacked a fruit stand and arranged a tasting of the most exotic fruits - tasted cherimoya, naranjilla, granadilla, taxo... you won't remember everything.

On the equator line, they admired the scalps of people (the inhabitants of Amazonia loved and knew how to cook them); they learned to determine the time of planting, harvesting and resting by the sundial, put eggs on nails (some even received diplomas of Egg Masters), turned the water in different directions and dropped 1-2 kg of weight each.

Then we returned to the historic center of Quito, where we found an excellent restaurant in the bishop's palace with a stunning view of the central square and delicious Ecuadorian cuisine. Of course, we tasted locre de papas (thick potato soup with avocado and cheese), ceviche, fritado, empanadas.

And finally we walked around the historical center of Quito, looking at the numerous churches. The Church of San Francisco was especially impressed. The walls are made of volcanic stone, the ceilings are made of mosaic without nails or glue, huge organs on the walls, a wonderful courtyard with tall palm trees, orchids and talking parrots. And from the bell tower there is a breathtaking view of the historic center of Quito.

Walked up, in general. Tomorrow we will have the first ascent - Guagua Pichincha (4800). Getting ready.

News of the Mount Fever project from Ecuador. There is a Peak Ilinitsa Norte! The group of the 7 Summts Club coped with the next task and reached the top of this extinct volcano. Further along the program, two other volcanoes are planned: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo - the highest in Ecuador, the most remote peak from the center of the Earth.

News from Ecuador. On the last night of the Super Cuy team, the group members were awarded for climbing three peaks. The highest of which was Cotopaxi 5900m.

The gala evening was held at the hotel in Papayakta, where we lived for the last days and swam in the hot springs. So we said goodbye to Ecuador.

 News of the group "Super Cuy" from Ecuador. At 10 PM, we started climbing Mount Chimborazo from camp 5300. The snow continued to fall. We walked for a long time, trampled the path through the complicated terrain of the volcano, climbed on 6000 m. There, local guides who have been here on the mountain 100-200 times, determined that the slope is avalanche-prone. They said it was suicide to go further. Of course, all members were upset. We went down. And finally we decided to eat the local Guinea pig "Cuy", which gave the name of the group.

Then we settled in another wonderful hacienda.

 News of the Super Cui Team. We climbed up in a thunderstorm to camp 5350 on the slope of Mount Chimborazo. Here we were waiting for tents in the snow. We were caught in a thunderstorm on the way. Lightning struck the ridge, we threw all our things and lay in the snow for 30 minutes. Then it got better and we continued climbing.

Now we have dinner and at 11 o'clock p.m. we  plan to start a climb the highest peak in the World, if you count from the center of the Earth. It's snowing now. The forecast is bad. Wish us luck!

Snow is falling. The mountain is avalanche-prone. Tomorrow we will decide whether to go further, depending on the weather. The team's mood is cheerful. We feel  fighting…

News of the Super Cuy team from Ecuador. Today, in difficult conditions, the entire team, 100%,reached the top of Mount Cotopaxi (5856m) - the highest active volcano in the World.

The glacier is partially destroyed, as 4 years ago there was an eruption. Movement on the glacier is very confusing. 100 m from the top, we began to choke on the sharp smell of hydrogen sulfide.

When dawn broke, we saw huge cracks. It is quite possible to get lost in them, especially after a heavy fog has settled. Now the team is resting in the town of Banos. There are gorgeous hot springs here.

Today our team "Super Cuy" climbed on Iliniza Norte 5200m. The climb was not simple. The rocks were covered with snow. All the team members reached the top and on the descent we were covered by bad weather. Tomorrow we plan to leave for the refuge under Cotopaxi.

We have a unique program. For 12 days we will climb on 4 volcanos.  Including the highest active volcano in the World  Cotopaxi. And the highest volcano in Ecuador is Chimborazo. It is probably the highest mountain in the World that can be climbed in November.

The team of the 7 Summits Club "Super Cuy" made its first ascent in Ecuador today. We climbed Mount Rucu Pichincha 4700 m, in bad weather. It was a great test for us. And today Sasha Brichkin had a great birthday, with a cake and a watermelon on the top.

A team of 12 people arrived in Ecuador. The goal:  first of all, have a good rest, then climb Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. The meeting of old friends took place at the airport…

Alexander Abramov, President of the 7 summits Club from Ecuador:

I spent two days in the Galapagos Islands. An interesting lost world of legendary Islands in the Pacific ocean. Great time before an expedition on the highest volcanoes of Ecuador. Just two days and  I have a million of impressions!

Our beloved friends Galya Rossova and Edgar Parra met me in Quito. And I'm going straight to the Galapagos for a turtle ride. I'll have one day to do it. On November 18, the program of climbing volcanoes in Ecuador begins. Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are waiting for us!

Next in our plans – Chimborazo!

Today Alexander Abramov and our Ecuadorian guide Edgar Parra climbed the highest peak of Ecuador Chimborazo 6310m (the highest mountain in the world, if measured from the center of the Earth). Since the ascent was made without acclimatization, before that there was only one night at 3500, it was very difficult. But, nevertheless, we ascended to the Main peak of the mountain, which is an hour from the Western.

In General, to the highest point, we missed 200 m.

So, we will have to come back to Ecuador! And not only on Cotopaxi!

You can congratulate our team with the first five-thousand meters summit. This year it is definitely the first for all:). On 2th January in bad weather, our group of the 7 Summits Club under the name of Brave Guinea Pigs, climbed on Iliniza Norte 5126ě. It was an incredible amount of snow, and on the descent even more -  the storm caught us. But in parting, Iliniza gave us an insanely beautiful sunset.

That is all. Now we are going to Baños and we will be there to relax.

News from Ecuador. On the last day of the year, our Ecuadorian team got its name - Stunning SuperCuy.

 And this day we celebrated by climbing of Rucu Pichincha 4700. To a height of 4000  was reached by 20 people, including children. On up went 16 pigs and even the eldest of the children Nizhankowski Ilya, 13 years old.

100 meters to the top we were overtaken by a severe thunderstorm, so we had to wear helmets and run down. New Year in Moscow we began to celebrate in the cabins of the cable-car and continued near our bus, gathered around a pile of curious Ecuadorians. The heavy rain poured Quito until midnight and later.

Nevertheless, the most persistent of our team went out at midnight to Ecuador to square Fodzh where arranged fireworks and burning scarecrows.

Today, January 1 we leave Quito and drive towards Cotopaxi to the village of Machachi. And tomorrow there is already in the plans ascent to our first fivethousander - Iliniza Norte 5126.

Happy New Year to all!

While driving to the airport to meet the group it opened Cotopaxi in all its glory. A lot of snow.

Wellcome drink for Our big Group

Yesterday December 28th, the first “two swallows” of the group Cristina and Andrey arrived in Quito. Today they visited the historic center and equator line. Tomorrow the 30th of December remaining 12 team members arrive. Grate! First on Rucu Pichincha, then Iliniza Norte. Well, and then we could think about Chimborazo;)

 We, having gone down, have had a rest in a resort of Banos, and then we have changed activity. We flew over the river on zipline, walked along the waterfalls ....

And then we flew into the jungle, almost to Amazonia. We were nearly to stay there for long. But, thank you to the pilot, he brought us back in a very dubious conditions for the flight. In the end, we strolled to another home volcano and admired the museum and historical treasures in Quito.

Best regards! We're flying home!

 The shelters are empty, there are no daredevils.

Ludmila Korobeshko: Hello from Ecuador!

The second expedition to the most distant point from the center of the Earth - the top of the volcano Chimborazo ended. Last night we made a summit bid. Unfortunately, because of the strong winds we had to turn from a height of 5600m. But the team fought to the end! A small consolation was the fact that all group this night, too, turned out of the weather. But it still hurt.

We decided to try again next year, but this time under the expanded program. First ascents in Peru and Bolivia, as well as a snack - Chimborazo :)))