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Stories: Ecuador

Mountain adventures create the best stories, and we want to share some of ours with you. Dive into Alpenglow Stories to stay up to date on expeditions in the field, read blogs, and get tips and tricks from guides.

The summit of Cotopaxi volcano shrouded in clouds and mist during a guided Cotopaxi Expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions.

When Everything Feels Crazy, Go Climb a Volcano

It feels like the volume of life keeps turning up. News headlines, work demands, social media, and the constant ping of notifications all compete for attention. The result? A mind that feels full but rarely fulfilled.
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The summit of Cotopaxi volcano shrouded in clouds and mist during a guided Cotopaxi Expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions.

Cotopaxi Rapid Ascent™ – High Altitude in Just Five Days

Thanks to our Rapid Ascent™ system, climbers can attempt Cotopaxi in just five days—making it possible to step into big-mountain terrain without taking weeks away from home.
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Skiers ascend a glacier through crevassed terrain under dark, cloudy skies.

One Itinerary, Two Styles: Climb or Ski Ecuador’s Big Volcanoes

With Alpenglow Expeditions, you can do either—on the same 16-day itinerary. The Ecuador Climbing School and the Ring of Fire Ski Expedition both summit Cayambe (18,996’ / 5,790m), Chimborazo (20,564’ / 6,268m), and either Cotopaxi or Antisana, depending on mountain conditions.
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Skiing Through Prehistory: Why the Ring of Fire Feels Primordial

There’s something surreal about skiing on an active volcano. Steam rising from vents, snow underfoot, and dense jungle at the trailhead. It feels otherworldly. But there’s a reason these places feel so ancient: they are.
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Two ski mountaineers on a snowy slope of a volcano in Ecuador with Alpenglow Expeditions' professionally guided ski mountaineering trip to Ecuador's Ring Of Fire.

Ski the Ring of Fire!

Ever wondered what skiing a volcano is like? Come put your backcountry skills to the test on some of the tallest volcanoes in the world!
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Comparing Acclimatization Approaches in the Andes, Himalaya, and Pamirs: How Alpenglow Expeditions Tailors Its Programs for Success

When it comes to climbing high-altitude peaks around the world, how you acclimatize can make or break an expedition. The Andes, Himalaya, and Pamir ranges each present unique challenges based on altitude, terrain, and logistics — and acclimatizing properly to these environments requires an approach that fits the mountain, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
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February 2024 Ecuador Climbing School Expedition Recap

Lead Guide Chad Peele Recaps the Feb 2024 ECS
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Beyond the Summits: Immersive Andean Culture on the Ecuador Climbing School

Climbing Ecuador’s towering volcanoes isn’t just about the summits. The Ecuador Climbing School  offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the physical challenge of ascending peaks like Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. From visiting vibrant indigenous markets to tasting traditional highland cuisine, the expedition introduces climbers to the rich culture of the Andean highlands.
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Episode 11: The Adventure Addicts – The Importance of Authenticity

Sam and Adrian sit down with Zoe and Kelby of The Adventure Addicts. These two have built a career as influencers, and they share a bit about their path, their jobs and their passions. The episode dives into the significant role influencers play in the outdoor industry, and the importance of remaining authentic. Their channel, @the_adventureaddicts on Instagram, has amassed nearly 500,000 followers, including a loyal 10 who just joined Zoe and Kelby on an Alpenglow Expeditions trip to Ecuador.
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A selfie of a mountain guide on a peak at sunrise.

Interview with Christian Llivicura, IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide

Christian Llivicura, 24, is originally from Cuenca, Ecuador and now lives in Quito. He began guiding in 2018 and joined Alpenglow Expeditions in 2019. Christian received his IFMGA/ASEGUIM certification in June 2024. Alpenglow Staff Robert Kyte connected with Christian to talk about his journey toward certification.
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