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!

Cotopaxi is the second peak of Ecuador, one of the most popular and beautiful volcanoes in the world and already the fifth peak of Rustam in Ecuador this time.

Also, this is the first representative of the 7 Summits Club, who climbed the summit of Cotopaxi with the changed relief after its last eruption.

It was not easy and not without adventures. But now two of the three highest peaks of Ecuador are already in Rustam's piggy bank.

Chimborazo is still waiting!

Even yesterday we could hardly believe it - when we drove up to the national park of Ñotopaxi, a heavy downpour began and, accordingly, snowfall at the top. The bad weather continued until almost midnight. And in the previous days there were heavy snowfalls.

But our group was lucky - after midnight the snow stopped (all because in Quito we were given change with a few pieces of paper for $ 2). And by dawn, even the clouds parted and the stars appeared. There was still some avalanche danger after the snowfall, but our valiant Ecuadorian guides led us through safe paths. So at 7.30 we were standing at the top, tired but happy.

Now we have arrived in the town of Baňos - the gateway to the jungle. We listen to the murmur of waterfalls and relax in the spa. We are thinking what to do next…

Now we have come down and settled in one of the old Ecuadorian haciendas. We will prepare for the next ascent.

Tomorrow we say goodbye to Quito and leave for mount of Iliniza. We will have a high-altitude overnight at 4700 and in the morning we will storm Iliniza Norte.

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.

 Boris Manevich travels according to the program of the Gornyashka project of the 7 Summits Club - climbing with local guides.

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!

Today we climbed the volcano of Cotopaxi (5,897 m), which is considered one of the most beautiful in Ecuador. But, it was not up to the beauty! Again we were covered by icy rain. The thought slipped through several times to turn back. But there was enough strength to go to the end, to the top.

Tomorrow begins the ascent on the highest volcano of Ecuador and the most remote object of the earth's surface - Chimborazo (6 310 m). We hope that the weather will be more favorable! It’s good that the plan has a reserve day ...

Next in our plans – Chimborazo!

 We left the cozy lodge and Cotopaxi National Park  and moved to the National Park of Mount Iliniza. We drove to the parking in 3850ì with very scenic views on the way, we saw several herds of llamas. Then we loaded rucksacks  on horses and reached  a mountain hut at 4750ì. Here, we plan overnight, and tomorrow going to the top of Iliniza Norte! All memberss feel good, everyone is eager to fight!

 Hello, dears! This morning enjoyed a wonderful view of the Cotopaxi for breakfast.  We even watched a fly of a hummingbird, but did not have time to take a picture of it. After breakfast we went to the parking  at 4600m on the slope of volcano Cotopaxi, reached the glacier, held ice-snow classes for the guys and reached a height of 5200m. On road down was greeted Andian wolf and again local hares. The nature of Ecuador never ceases to amaze!

Hello!  Me and Edgar Parra climbed the highest active volcano in Ecuador (and the world) Cotopaxi 5870 m. the Weather was great. The views were stunning…

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

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

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

Guide 7 Summits Club Vladimir Kotlyar reports from Ecuador:

For 4 days we had to go two peaks: Ilinitsa North (5126m) and Cotopaxi (5897m)! On the first day of spring in 6 a.m. we left for the summit Ilinitsa North, whose height is 5126 meters above sea level. We started from a shelter Nueve Horizontes (4700 m). At nine in the morning we were at the top, climbed up in three hours.

Cotopaxi (5897 m) - this is the highest active volcano on earth. March 3rd we reached the summit of this snow-ice giant, sometimes slightly "smoked". Climbing started from a shelter at an altitude of 4800 meters above sea level in the morning. After half an hour of walking, we had to put on crampons.

But the most vivid impression were at the top, because it was not just the highest point with stunning views of the surrounding space. The top decorated by an unusual giant crater which is smoking little by! This crater is 800 meters in diameter and 300 m deep! It's really impressive, so take my word (and better check yourself).

We came down before lunch, plunged into the car and drove to Baños! We deserve a rest!

Now we proceed to the Galapagos ...

Cotopaxi

Now I am in Ecuador! Why am I here? Quite simply, the fact that I am madly loved South America and in my spare time, decided not to spend in vain, and to study other mountains of the region ...
As in Peru and Bolivia, now it rains, I am in Ecuador. So yesterday I went with a friend for the first volcano that rises just above the town.
Pichincha (4695) !!!
We were put on the top the flag of our Club !!!!

According to the schedule, we climbed on Pasachoa on Iliniza Norte. On Iliniza suddenly began thunderstorm, lightning struck the iron cross, which stands on top just when we were there, we hurried down.

We met the New Year in a beautiful hotel, and on January 1 went to a neighboring village to watch the rodeo. January 2 we climbed up Moun Cotopaxi, started the climb at midnight, at the top we were at 7am. And in 2 hours of the night suddenly started wind, with speed that guides rated as 70 km per hour, many climbers turned back. The ascent was not easy out - the wind, our team rose to the top at full strength - 3 members and 2 guides on the top of our group was one of the earliest.

In the afternoon we returned to Quito. January 3 we are going on a trip to Mindo, a walk through the rainforest, see waterfalls, butterflies and hummingbirds. We will gain strength before climbing Chimborazo.

Guiding of the expedition to Ecuador will provided by an experienced guide of 7 Summits Club Victor Bobok. The coordinator of corporate programs of our Club Tina Taova will help him. Under the plan, the group will make two acclimatization climb on Pasachoa and Ilinitsa and then go to Cotopaxi.

In the final part of the journey, the expedition will go to the equatorial forests of Amazon jungle.

Today, 20 February, our team of 8-00 local time, ascended to one of the most unique volcanic peak of Planet Earth Mount Cotopaxi 5897m. To be honest, it was a very good climb, snow and ice, very beautiful. Caldera, even in our presence, threw out the multiple side fumarole clouds of gas with a pungent smell of sulfur. Our ascent ended with a rapid descent into Jose Ribas refuge at 4810m. We do not really stayed here, because with 23 hours of the previous day's we saw nothing but snow and ice slopes of Cotopaxi. Hungry and in climbing clothes we arrived in a small Ecuadorian town of Banos a few hours later. Now we are after a shower, fresh and washed, drink locally bottled mineral water and discussing plans for the ascent of Chimborazo

Dear friends, sometimes the information received in advance may not be true. Today our Command climb one of the most significant peaks in Ecuador, the peak of Iliniza Norte 5126 m. We were sure that this summit is simple and accessible even to small children. However, we saw a different world ......

Our understanding of the route we have presented in photographs. Maybe it was even more complicated. The main thing we realized: we do not need to stop ...

Go ahead - to Cotopaxi )))))

Our proposed program will be quite intense. According to the plan, climbers have to conquer the 4 mountains in a fairly short period of time, just over 10 days. In this case, gradually gaining height and complexity. We start with the lowest and simplest summit Pasachoa height 4200, then Ilinitsa Norte (5126m), volcano Cotopaxi (5897m), and finally, the highest volcano Ecuador, Chimborazo (6310m), ascent of which is a real challenge.

 The expedition, aimed at covering over 70 000 kilometers at 5 continents, will have 7 stages, during which participants will permanently travel along the Pacific Ring of Fire – a territory, famous for hosting 75% of Earth’s volcanoes and 90% earthquakes.

 Before the start expedition members plant to climb Elbrus and Kazbek peaks, located in Caucasian mountains, to get better acclimatization.

 Pacific Ring of Fire

Konstantin Merzhoev – leader of the expedition

Source: Russian Geographic Society

A record number of 7 Summits Club's expeditions held in January. All of them were successful.

Here's a summary of them:
1. Expedition to the highest point of Africa - Kilimanjaro. Group as a whole has risen to the top.
2. In January There were three expeditions to the highest point of South America - Aconcagua. In two expeditions all participants reached the summit. In the third expedition 11 out of 12 people reached the.
3. New Year's expedition to the highest point of Australia - Kosciuszko. All people reached the top. Also as part of the expedition was an active motor race on New Zealand.
4. Expedition to the volcanoes of Ecuador. The whole team summited the volcanoes Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.
5. Closing of the traditional 7 Summits Club expedition to Antarctica. One group had reached the South Pole, passing more than 100 kilometers. A second group climbed to the highest point in Antarctica - Vinson Massif. And the third group to passed more than 300 km from Base Camp Vinson Massif to sea level.