The team has summited Cotopaxi successfully
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Cumbre!
At 7:30 am on June 12, in near perfect conditions, 4 out of 5 of our Ecuador Climbing School team reached the top of Cotopaxi at 19,347′ / 5,897m. Guide Topo Mena reported, “Great weather, awesome views- the conditions were just perfect.”
Behind the team, you can see the spectacular sight of the volcano’s caldera. Thanks to a window of crystal clear weather, the team enjoyed stellar panoramic views- which was a treat considering how common poor visibility is to most high alpine environments. Just a few days earlier, bad weather on Cayambe had thwarted their summit attempt.
Cotopaxi is one of the tallest volcanoes on the planet- and it’s active! It is part of the chain of volcanoes around the Pacific plate known as the Pacific Ring Of Fire. After a year-long closure in 2015 due to the increasing volcanic activity, Cotopaxi settled and reopened in 2016 for climbing.
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Jane, a student in the Ecuador Climbing School recounts, “Yesterday I completed the toughest task I’ve ever undertaken. Reaching the summit was a complete rollercoaster of emotions, and it will take me a while to digest the whole experience.”
Congratulations you guys! Great effort with a stunning reward. The team heads to Chimborazo Base Camp next. They may do some rock climbing in the area and enjoy a few days of R&R before heading back to Quito and flying home.