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The team has summited Cotopaxi successfully

Summit (19,347′ / 5,897m) at 7:30 am on June 12
The view of Cotopaxi from the drive in

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.

In between climbs, the team spent some time in Quito. Here they are in full “school mode” working on their rock climbing skills.

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.