Stories: Cotopaxi Rapid Ascent
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.
2025: A Year in Review at Alpenglow Expeditions
As 2025 comes to a close, we have been taking a moment to look back. Not just where we went, but how we showed up, and who we shared it with.
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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.
Read the storyCotopaxi 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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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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Cotopaxi is OPEN!
Cotopaxi, the legendary stratovolcano in Ecuador, is now open for climbing once again, and Alpenglow Expeditions is ready to lead the way!
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Five Essential Questions for Climbing Cotopaxi
If you’re considering tackling Cotopaxi, you likely have some burning questions. Fear not! We’ve compiled the top five questions about climbing Cotopaxi from Google and provided comprehensive answers to ensure you’re well-prepared for your expedition.
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Ecuador Climbing School Season Is Here
Join Alpenglow to climb South America’s most formidable peaks!
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COVID-19 Protocols for Expeditions in Ecuador
Following the shut down of our entire international program in March of 2020, Ecuador will be the first country outside of the U.S. that Alpenglow Expeditions will venture back to….
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Sam Kieckhefer’s First Cotopaxi Rapid Ascent™
On November 26 Alpenglow Operations Manager Sam Kieckhefer departed for Quito, Ecuador to join his first Cotopaxi Rapid Ascent™ Expedition. After becoming a member of the Alpenglow staff last spring,…
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The highest active volcano in the world
Lead guide Jaime Avila and Scott Ullem standing on the summit of Cotopaxi (19,347′ / 5897m) shortly after the team topped out. All the hard work of training and pre-acclimatizing paid…
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