Ecuador Volcanoes Archives

Ecuador 2023.11.18

Summit Success on Illiniza Norte!

Climbing Illiniza Norte with Illiniza Sur seen behind (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

The Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition team has completed their acclimatization hikes and are primed and ready for their upcoming attempts on Cayambe and Chimborazo! Weather and climbing conditions have been outstanding so far, and will hopefully continue for the climbs ahead. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

Today, we summit the Illiniza Norte which is 16,800 feet with the summit. We finished our acclimatization process! The group is feeling pretty strong and motivated. We had a great day on the mountain and some really nice views of the other peaks around! Now everybody is resting at the lodge.

Tomorrow we are going to move to Cayambe volcano which is our first big mountain on this expedition. Stay tuned… Bye!

Summit photo on Illiniza Norte! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Ascending the ridge which leads the way towards the summit of Illiniza Norte with Cotopaxi behind (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

November 23, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.11.18

El Corazón Success!

Summit photo on El Corazón (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Two acclimatization hikes done and only one more to go before the Madison Mountaineering team positions themselves for summit attempts on Cayambe and Chimborazo! The team is feeling strong and becoming well acclimatized to the elevation of the Ecuadorian Andes. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Today we had another great hiking day in the Ecuadorian Andes! We summit our second peak here, El Corazón (4790m/15,720ft) which is 15,700 feet of height. This is part of our acclimatization process. The group is feeling pretty good and getting used to the altitude!

So, now we are at the lodge just resting and getting ready for our next step. Okay, so stay in tune… Bye!

Climbing among the clouds on El Corazón (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Approaching towards El Corazón (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

November 21, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.11.18

Ecuador Volcanoes expedition is underway!

Our team on the approach to Pasochoa volcano (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

We are thrilled to be back in the Ecuadorian Andes! Our team arrived in Quito, and with a good nights sleep after a long day of travel, our team has headed for the mountains and begun their climbs on the Ecuador Volcanoes. The team completed their first acclimatization hike, and with a few more days of acclimatization ahead, look forward to climbing some of Ecuador’s highest peaks, Cayambe and Chimborazo! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is November 19.

We just did our first acclimatization hike, it was the Pasochoa volcano (4200m/13,800ft). We got the summit, had some really nice views of all the volcanoes surrounding, and had a really great day! We got 13,700 feet and now we are in a really nice lodge resting and getting ready for tomorrow.

Our next hike is going to be the Corazón volcano (4790m/15,720ft). Stay tuned! Bye.

The team on the summit of Pasochoa Volcano! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

At the trailhead (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

November 20, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.16

On the Rumiñahui Massif!

With views of Cotopaxi behind them, our team ascended Rumiñahui Massif as the next step in their acclimatization process. The weather was good, the views were great, and the team looks forward to the days ahead! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with todays dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

Today we summited the central peak on the Rumiñahui Massif (4630m/15,190ft) which is 15,200 feet! We had a great day, just a little bit cloudy, but it was a nice day. We could see in the morning Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft) eruption – a big mushroom of ashes. Actually, we got some ash on the way up to Rumiñahui, but it was just a little bit.

Drew and Ross are very happy and they’re still motivated for the next upcoming mountains. That’s all for today! Stay tuned…

The team walking into the clouds on Rumiñahui.

Climber, Drew, leading the charge up Rumiñahui.

Climbers, Drew and Madison, taking a break on the summit ridge amongst the clouds!

Views of Cotopaxi in the distance!

Ascending the rocky slopes of Rumiñahui.

Descending back towards the valley after another successful acclimatization hike!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

January 18, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.16

Summit on Pasochoa Volcano!

Another Madison Mountaineering expedition is underway in Ecuador! The team is wasting no time starting the acclimatization process, reaching the summit of Pasochoa Volcano on the second day of the expedition. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello, hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is February 17.

We started a new expedition! Today we summited our first acclimatization peak which is Pasochoa (4200m/13,779ft) at 13,780 feet. The weather was really good! We got some sunshine and a little bit clouds, but mostly very good. At the moment we are in a really nice lodge called Los Martinoz just resting. In the afternoon we got a little bit of rain, but at the moment it is getting better!

Tomorrow we are going to the national park of Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft) just to do another hike for the acclimatization. Stay tuned!

Hiking along through the Ecuadorian Highlands!

On the trail towards the summit of Pasochoa!

Hands up if it’s been a good first hike in Ecuador!

Among the clouds while nearing the top of Pasochoa.

The view from the lodge at the end of a good first day!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

January 17, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

Rest Day in Baños!

The team had a wonderful day exploring the beautiful city of Baños! In an effort to recover after their successful summit of Cayambe, the team returned to lower elevation to rest their bodies, eat good food, and take in the sights and sounds of this must-visit place. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with this dispatch after a fun and restful day in Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is January 10.

We are at the city called Baños de Agua Santa (1820m/5,971ft) – a really nice place for rest! We came after Cayambe (5790m/18,996ft) just to recover here. It’s not as high as Quito (2850m/9,350ft) – we are at 1,800 meters about.

We spent the day doing the water pool tour. Now everybody is just resting getting ready for our main summit push, which is Chimborazo (6263m/20,549ft)!

Everything is going great with this expedition. Stay tuned!

Th team high above the river below!

Taking in the beautiful waterfalls around Baños!

Climber, Stephane Mayer, enjoying the increased oxygen at lower altitude!

The team taking a break from the alpine, and enjoying the jungle!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our guide’s daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions

– Instagram:

January 10, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

Success on Cayambe!

We are excited to announce that the entire Madison Mountaineering team reached the summit of Cayambe and is safely off the mountain! The team experienced perfect weather and relished in the moment while standing at nearly 19,000 feet, with views above the clouds. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with today’s dispatch from Quito:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

I’m very, very happy to announce that the whole team reached the summit of Cayambe Volcano (5790m/18,996ft) in the perfect weather! So, at the moment the whole team is in Quito (2850m/9,350ft) resting, and tomorrow we’re going to drive to Baños (1820m/5,971ft) to have a couple days for rest. Then we’ll push to our main goal which is Chimborazo (6263m/20,549ft)!

Stay tuned…

Ascending the final few steps towards the summit.

Aerial photo of the summit of Cayambe, sitting above the clouds.

The team descending Cayambe after a safe and successful summit!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

January 9, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

Illiniza Norte Summit!

The team on the summit of Illiniza Norte!

The summits keep coming in Ecuador! Today, the team summited Illiniza Norte, and is resting up as they prepare for their next climb on Cayambe. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with todays dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is January 6th.

We just summited Illiniza Norte (5126m/16,818ft) which is 16,800 feet. We had a great day on the mountain! Now we are resting at a really nice lodge – call it Chuquiragua!

Yesterday we went up to the Illiniza’s hut (4750m/15,580ft) and we spent the night there. We pushed to the summit very early in the morning!

So now everybody is resting and getting ready for the next mountain, which is going to be Cayambe (5790m/18996ft) .

Stay tuned and talk later!

The team beginning their hike towards Illiniza Hut.

En route to Illiniza Hut!

Snow on the ground after arriving at the refuge!

Alpine start for the summit push on Illiniza Norte!

Looking over at Illiniza Sur!

Ascending the ridge towards the summit

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

January 6, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

El Corazón Summit Success!

Today, our team pushed forward in their acclimatization efforts, successfully reaching the summit of El Corazón! This process of acclimatizing on smaller peaks will ultimately help our team adapt to the higher altitude they’ll experience on bigger peaks later in the expedition. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with todays dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is January 4th. Today we had a really, really great day! It was sunny, no wind, kind of perfect weather! Everybody reached the summit of Corazón Volcano (4784m/15,696ft), which is 15,700 feet. This was our second mountain for the acclimatization process. Everybody is feeling good, a little bit tired, but feeling good! (We’re) getting ready for tomorrow – we’re going to Illinizas hut tomorrow.

Stay tuned… (We’ll) talk in a couple of days!

The team hiking through the Ecuadorian highlands!

On the trail towards Corazón!

The team with Illiniza in the background.

Climber, Josh Garrison, climbing the ridge towards the summit of Corazón!

Aerial photo with the team on the summit!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

January 5, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition Kickoff!

The team during their acclimatization hike of Pasochoa Volcano!

The Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition is off to a great start after the entire team reached the summit of Pasochoa Volcano! This summit comes as part of the teams acclimatization efforts, as bigger mountains are on the horizon for later in the scheduled itinerary. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with todays dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This Estalin calling in for the Madison (Mountaineering) Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

Today we started our acclimatization process with a summit of Pasochoa Volcano (4200m/13,779ft), which is 13,700 feet. The weather was quite good – a little bit cloudy, but we could reach the summit! All the group did it – all the group reached the summit.

Everybody’s feeling good, motivated for the next mountains. We just got dinner here at the lodge, now everybody is going to have a rest and get ready for the next mountain!

Keep in touch and talk tomorrow!

Climbers on the summit!

Our climbers ascending the 13,000′ trail towards the summit of Pasochoa!

Traversing the ridge line on the way towards the summit!

Our team on the walk out from a successful first climb!

Cloudy skies did not stop the fun!

Ascending Pasochoa!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions. Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

January 4, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett