Tag Archive for: Ecuador Volcanoes

Cumbre on Chimborazo!

Summit photo on Chimborazo!

And again! It comes with much excitement to report that the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes team has successfully reached the summit of Chimborazo and returned back to Quito, safe and sound. It was a near perfect day on Ecuador‘s highest peak. Standing at 6263m/20,549ft, the team basked in the sunshine and took in the 360 degree views before shouldering their packs once again and turning back towards camp. We’ll say our goodbyes this evening as another remarkable trip to Ecuador comes to a close. We’re back again this November! Reach out to our team to learn more. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from the summit of Chimborazo:

Hey, hello to everyone! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition, directly from the summit of Chimborazo (6263m/20,549ft), 6,268 meters, the farthest point from the center of the Earth!

So we got a glorious day, beautiful, beautiful day. We can see all the volcanoes around, no wind at all. The snow is pretty good.

Yeah, so… Stay tuned for the pictures later. Bye!

 

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:

/0 Comments/by

Back in Ecuador with summits on Cotopaxi!

Summit photo atop Cotopaxi!

We are psyched to be back in Ecuador! The Madison Mountaineering team has been hard at work acclimatizing on smaller peaks that surround Quito. And now, we are excited to share that the team successfully reached the summit of Cotopaxi with 100% summit success! The team had an excellent day on this iconic mountain; clear skies, no wind, and good route conditions made for smooth climbing to the summit. Now that they are off the mountain safely, it’s back down to lower elevations to rest up, recover, and get ready for their next big objective: Chimborazo! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from the summit of Cotopaxi:

Hello, World!

This is a Estalin calling for Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. We are at the summit of Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft), 5,897 meters!

So, it took us a little bit more than seven hours to reach the summit, but worth it! We got that really, really beautiful day, zero wind, clear sky. The snow, it was pretty pretty good.

So Travis and Rob, they’re feeling really great! Yeah, so stay tuned for the photos later.

Nearing the summit of Cotopaxi while above the clouds

Nearing the summit of Cotopaxi while above the clouds

Aerial shot above Cotopaxi

Aerial shot above Cotopaxi

Drone shot of climbers taking the final steps towards the summit of Cotopaxi.

Drone shot of climbers taking the final steps towards the summit of Cotopaxi.

Climbers, Rob and Travis on an acclimatization day on one of the many peaks surrounding Quito.

Climbers, Rob and Travis on an acclimatization day on one of the many peaks surrounding Quito.

Above the clouds on the Illinizas.

Above the clouds on the Illinizas.

Sunrise while climbing Illiniza Norte.

Sunrise while climbing Illiniza Norte.

Summit! Illiniza Norte

Summit! Illiniza Norte

Cumbre on El Corazon!

Cumbre on El Corazon!

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:

/0 Comments/by

Illiniza Summits!

On the summit!

The Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition team wrapped up their acclimatization hikes on Illiniza Norte, successfully topping out with awesome views above the clouds below. An early wake up call got the team going in the dark as they started to climb up the route, navigating the rocky slopes on the Illinizas. As the sun started to rise on the horizon, the team continued on, stopping for a few breaks to fuel up and take in the views around them. Upon reaching the summit, they slapped hands, snapped some photographs, and descended back the way they came. Next up is Cotopaxi! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling from Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

Yeah, we finished our acclimatization process with a summit of Illiniza Norte (5126m/16,818ft), which is about 16,800 feet. So, we had a great morning, clear skies. We could see Illiniza South (5245m/17,208 ft) just close to to us. And yeah, now we are getting ready for our first big climb, which is Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft).

So yeah, just stay in tune and yeah. See you soon!

Headlamps lighting the way after an alpine start on Illiniza Norte.

Headlamps lighting the way after an alpine start on Illiniza Norte.

The team climbing above the clouds on a beautiful morning in Ecuador!

The team climbing above the clouds on a beautiful morning in Ecuador!

Taking in the view during a short break.

Taking in the view during a short break.

All smiles!

All smiles!

Following a ridge on Illiniza Norte.

Following a ridge on Illiniza Norte.

Nearing the summit with Illiniza Sur behind.

Nearing the summit with Illiniza Sur behind.

Gazing back upon Illiniza Sur.

Gazing back upon Illiniza Sur.

The sun starting to rise while climbing above the clouds.

The sun starting to rise while climbing above the clouds.

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:

/0 Comments/by

El Corazon

The team atop Corazón!

Acclimatization hike #2 is done in Ecuador! The Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition team took to Corazón today, standing at 4784m / 15,696ft to continue their acclimatization efforts. It was a beautiful start to the day with excellent views of the surrounding volcanoes. The team is doing great so far and is enjoying the company and scenery shared in the Ecuadorian Highlands. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checked in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

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

Today, we finished with our second day acclimatization with a summit of Corazón Volcano (4784m/15,696ft), which is 15,700 feet. So, in the morning we got a really beautiful day and we could see all the volcanoes around the area! But after a couple hours, we got some fog. Anyways, we got the summit! We had a really good time with the guys. And yeah, so now we’re getting ready for the next one, which is going to be Illiniza Norte (5126m/16,818ft).

Yeah, so that’s all for for now! So, keep in tune, stay in tune.

Descending into the fog on Corazón

Descending into the fog on Corazón

Starting the hike into the hut on Illiniza.

Starting the hike into the hut on Illiniza.

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:

/0 Comments/by

Back in Ecuador!

The team on the summit of Pasochoa Volcano!

Madison Mountaineering is excited to be back in Ecuador once again! The team enjoyed some time in Quito before loading their bags and heading off with their sights sets on the many volcanoes surrounding the city. The team had a successful first acclimatization hike on Pasochoa Volcano, and then headed down to the lodge where they rested and refueled with a warm meal and time in the jacuzzi. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch after the teams first acclimatization hike:

Hello! This is Estalin from Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

So, today we just started with our acclimatization hikes with the summit of Pasochoa Volcano (4200m/13,779ft), which is 13,800 feet. So, we got a little bit rainy day. But, the people are feeling pretty good, we had good vibes. Yeah, at the moment we are in a nice lodge just using the jacuzzi, and then we’re going to have a nice dinner and see how it’s going tomorrow.

So, yeah, just stay tuned and yup, bye!

Guide, Estalin with climbers, Tim, Todd and Ian starting the first acclimatization hike.

Guide, Estalin with climbers, Tim, Todd and Ian starting the first 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:

/0 Comments/by

Success on Sincholagua!

On the approach towards Sincholagua under beautiful, clear blue skies! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Another summit for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition team! The acclimatization period continues to go smoothly with the team topping out at over 16,000 feet on Sincholagua today, which includes some technical rock climbing as you near the summit. Up next is Illiniza Sur! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Just to let you know that we had another great day hiking on the volcanoes in Ecuador. Today we summited Sincholagua (4899m/16,073ft), which is 16,000 feet. We had a really, really great day! We started very early in the morning to see the sunrise on the way up to the volcano.

Carter and Saskia are feeling pretty good! Now everybody’s resting and tomorrow, we’re going to our next climb which is going to be Illiniza South (5245m/17,208ft). I left you a couple of pictures. Stay tuned!

Climbing the final pitch towards the summit on Sincholagua! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Climbing the final pitch towards the summit on Sincholagua! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Cumbre! The team on the summit on Sincholagua. (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Cumbre! The team on the summit on Sincholagua. (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

On the approach with views all around (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

On the approach with views all around (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Hiking towards the days objective as the sun rises (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Hiking towards the days objective as the sun rises (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:

/0 Comments/by

Success on Rumiñahui Volcano!

Summit photo on Rumiñahui!

Another summit in Ecuador! Today the team reached the north summit of Rumiñahui Volcano as part of their acclimatization while they build up before Antisana and Chimborazo. During the climb, the team basked in the sunshine and took in the 360 degree views of surrounding peaks and beautiful Ecuadorian country. 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 January 28.

We did our second climb for the acclimatization. We did the Rumiñahui Volcano (4721m/15,489ft) north summit, which is 15,500 feet about. We had a really great day, sunny day, we could see all the volcanoes surrounding such as Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft), Antisana (5753m/18,875ft), Sincholagua (4899m/16,073ft). It was a really, really great day! It took us about eight hours up and down – a little bit of a long hike, but it was a really, really nice day. The guys are resting now because tomorrow, we’re going to start early for our next hike.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned!

Navigating the rocky slopes of Rumiñahui on the way towards the summit!

Navigating the rocky slopes of Rumiñahui on the way towards the summit!

Nearing the top!

Nearing the top!

A beautiful day in the Ecuadorian highlands!

A beautiful day in the Ecuadorian highlands!

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:

/0 Comments/by

Ecuador expedition starting off strong!

Summit photo on Cerro Puntas!

The Madison Mountaineering private expedition team is off to a great start in Ecuador with a successful summit on Cerro Puntas! The climb will serve as good acclimatization as the team prepares for bigger climbs to come. Back in their lodge, the team is in high spirits and ready to continue the expedition in the days 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 is January 27 and we just did our first acclimatization hike on Cerro Puntas (4348m/14,265ft), which is a  really nice hike. At the end of the route, just to reach the summit, you have some rock climbing. We had a really good day with nice views!

Carter and Saskia are feeling really great! Now we are at the lodge – a really nice lodge close to Cotopaxi National Park with a really nice view. Now we are resting and getting ready for tomorrow, we have another acclimatization hike. Stay tuned!

On the approach through the Ecuadorian highlands!

On the approach through the Ecuadorian highlands!

Climber, Saskia nearing the summit!

Climber, Saskia nearing the summit!

Carter on the final pitch leading to the summit!

Carter on the final pitch leading to the summit!

All smiles back at the car after a successful climb!

All smiles back at the car after a successful climb!

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:

/0 Comments/by

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)

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)

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:

/0 Comments/by

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)

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

Approaching towards 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:

/0 Comments/by