I don’t have all the required equipment. Do you rent gear?

Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge for our climbing schools. Helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, boots and carabiners/ cord. Please note- this equipment is available on a first come, first served basis, so please make your reservations early!

While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Are Covid vaccinations required?

Covid vaccinations are not required, but highly recommended.

Do I need to purchase Rescue Insurance and Travel Insurance?

We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We do recommend Global Rescue who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.

Can you accommodate for vegetarian or vegan diets?

Yes. Please reach out to our team with the details of your dietary restrictions and we’ll set you up for success.

What kind of food will you have?

Imported and local foods of the highest quality, combined with a Western-trained cook staff. Alpenglow has the best food on the mountain, ensuring your strength and health throughout the expedition.

Where do you get your weather forecasts?

We use a Swiss weather forecasting company. Having a quality forecast for our 8,000m peaks maximizes both our safety and our summit success.

Do you have an expedition doctor?

Expedition doctor, Monica Piris, has been on fourteen 8,000-meter peak expeditions. While Dr. Piris does not travel with our team on all expeditions, she is in 24 communication with our expedition leaders. Dr. Piris also works with each member on his or her pre-acclimatization program.

What is your international expedition cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our international cancellation policy.

What all is included and excluded?

THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES: All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts. Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain Group camping and climbing equipment All park/climbing permits Scheduled in-country transportation Airport transfers Certified guides Covid testing arrangements for re-entry into home country (does not include cost of test) THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE: Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins. Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary Airport taxes Visas In-town dinners Immunizations Tips for guides or local staff Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance Hospitalization or evacuation costs Single supplement charges Excess baggage charges Alcohol Other personal expenses Antigen/PCR Covid test cost The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.

What do I need to do to confirm my reservation?

When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.

Would you consider doing a custom expedition?

We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!

Women’s Ecuador Climbing School

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Women’s Ecuador Climbing School

Intermediate 16 days Ecuador

Learn high-altitude mountaineering in two weeks in Ecuador. Learn the foundations of high-altitude mountaineering on this all-female expedition led by Carla Perez, the first South American woman to summit Everest and K2 without oxygen. This is an excellent opportunity to learn to alpine climb Ecuador’s big, beautiful mountains as part of an all-female mountaineering team.

August 2 – August 17, 2025

Inquire

Female climber standing on the slope of an Ecuadorian volcano during Alpenglow Expeditions' Women's Ecuador Climbing School.

Female climber standing on the Summit of an Ecuadorian volcano during Alpenglow Expeditions' Women's Ecuador Climbing School.

Women’s Ecuador Climbing Expedition Overview

This Ecuador expedition is tailored for and led by women, with the intention of teaching women mountaineering principles in a supportive environment.

This Ecuador expedition will start off with learning alpine climbing techniques in

ECUADOR EXPEDITION LEADER

This expedition is led by Alpenglow Expeditions guide Carla Perez. Carla is an extremely experienced mountaineer and guide. She has made multiple successful summits of Everest, including an ascent without the use of supplemental oxygen. She was also the first woman from the Americas to summit K2 without supplemental oxygen, and was the first woman to summit Everest and K2 in the same year.

She was born and raised in Ecuador, and knows the mountains there like the back of her hand. She loves showing others the vibrant Ecuadorian culture and its beautiful mountains, and has a deep passion for empowering other women in mountain environments. Alpenglow Expeditions is incredibly lucky to have her as the lead guide and curator of this expedition.

ECUADOR CLIMBING EXPEDITION ITINERARY

This 16-day Itinerary is packed with climbing, starting with rock climbing and skills practice the day after we arrive in Quito. We’ll then spend a day acclimatizing and hiking Ruco Pichincha before heading to our base camp in Sangay National Park where we will make summit attempts of Pulpito, Monja Grande, and El Obispo. After our successful ascents of these three incredible peaks, we’ll make our way to Chimborazo. Chimborazo is the tallest mountain in Ecuador, and it will take us two days and all of the skill that we have dialed in as a team throughout the expedition to reach its summit. Upon a successful summit of Chimborazo we’ll make our way back to Quito and wrap up the expedition.

The Alpenglow Difference

Certified Guides In Ecuador

Our lead guides in Ecuador have traveled and climbed extensively throughout South America and possess intimate knowledge of the area. A thorough understanding of the culture combined with a passion for developing climbers into competent mountaineers guarantees an experience you won’t soon forget.

We combine our guides’ experience with the local expertise of our Ecuadorian guide team. This team, based in Quito, are some of Ecuador’s most respected guides and they have also guided in Nepal, Peru, Bolivia, and Pakistan. Their local knowledge (of the mountains, the markets, and the salsa clubs) is essential to the experience.

Flexible Itineraries

Due to our strong connection to Ecuador and the close relationship with our partners, we can have an incredibly flexible schedule to take advantage of weather windows, climbing conditions, and of course hot springs and local markets.

Preparation

Fitness

Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.

Technical

Prior roped climbing, cramponing, and ice axe skills are required.

Altitude

It is required that climbers have prior experience at altitudes up to 14,000′ and it is strongly recommended that climbers have prior experience at altitudes over 15,000′.

Female climbers standing on the slope of an Ecuadorian volcano during Alpenglow Expeditions' Women's Ecuador Climbing School.

Map and Itinerary

Women’s Ecuador Climbing Expedition Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Leave your home for Ecuador, arriving into Quito (9,500’/2,896m) in the evening. Our guides will pick you up and bring you to our hotel, a local family-run place close to excellent restaurants and the tourist center of the city.
Activity: Arrive in Quito, EC
Sleeping Elevation: 9,300’/2,835m
Lodging: San Jose de Puembo
Meals: None
Day 2: Rock Climb and Skills Day
We’ll spend the day climbing at one of the local crags near Quito and working on skills. This will give us a chance to dial in our rope skills for the climbs to come.
Activity: Arrive in Quito, EC
Sleeping Elevation: 9,300’/2,835m
Lodging: San Jose de Puembo
Meals: None
Day 3: Climb Rucu Pichincha
Today we’ll go on an acclimatization trek to the summit of Rucu Pichincha (15,696’/4,784m). This hike will help us acclimate and keep our fitness. Tomorrow we’ll leave Quito and make our way to mountains.
Activity: Acclimatization hike
Distance Covered: 6 miles
Moving Hours: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: +/- 2,400’/732m
Sleeping Elevation: 9,300’/2,835m
Lodging: San Jose de Puembo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Trek to Base Camp
Having spent the last few days preparing in Quito, it is time to head into the mountains. We’ll start the day with quick drive to Sangay National Park and “El Altar”, where will will then start trekking to the “Italian Base Camp” at around 15,000’/4,600m. This will serve as our base camp for the next four days as we make our summit bids on Pulpito, Monja Grande, and El Obispo.
Activity: Drive to El Altar, Hike
Distance Covered: 4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +4000’/1,219m
Sleeping Elevation: 15,000’/4,572m
Lodging: Italian Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Climb Pulpito
Today will be our first full day of climbing as we set off for the summit of Pulpito, a secondary summit to El Obispo. We’ll ascend slopes of ice and snow to the summit just below 16,404’/5,000m. This will be a great introduction to the climbing that we will be doing for the next several days, as the subsequent peaks are on the same ridgeline. We’ll return to camp and prepare to climb again the following day.
Activity: Climb Pulpito
Distance Covered: 2 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +/- 1000’
Sleeping Elevation”: 15,000’/4,572m
Lodging: Italian Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Climb Monja Grande
Having had a successful ascent of Pulpito yesterday, we will once again leave Base Camp for a summit bid. Today we will be climbing Monja Grande (16,929’/5,160m). Monja Grande is a technical peak with mixed rock, snow, and ice that shares a saddle with El Obispo.
The approach is long but fairly straightforward, moving through some crevasse fields to the El Obispo – Monja Grande Col. From here there are several steep pitches of soft ice and snow before reaching the summit. After summiting we’ll descend back down to base camp. We will climb +/-2,200’/700m today.
Activity: Climb Monja Grande
Distance Covered: 2 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +/-2,000’/610m
Sleeping Elevation: 15,000’/4,572m
Lodging: Italian Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Rest Day
After two hard days of climbing, we’ll take the day to rest our bodies and prepare to climb El Obispo tomorrow.
Activity: Rest Day
Sleeping Elevation: 15,000’/4,572m
Lodging: Italian Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Climb El Obispo
Today we’ll make our way to the summit of El Obispo. We’ll start by retracing our steps to the Obispo – Monja Grande Col. From here there are several pitches of steep snow and mixed rock to reach the top of the hanging glacier. From here two pitches of class V rock climbing protect the summit. After we finish the last two rock pitches, we’ll find ourselves standing at 17,450’/5,391m and the summit of El Obispo. We’ll descend back down to base camp and get ready for the trek out of El Altar.
Activity: Climb El Obispo
Distance Covered: 2 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,500’/762m
Sleeping Elevation: 15,000’/4,572m
Lodging: Italian Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Trek Out and Travel to Estrella de Chimborazo
Today we will hike out of El Altar and drive to Estrella del Chimborazo.
Activity: Travel to Estrella de Chimborazo
Distance Covered: 4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: -4,000’/1,219m (driving)
Sleeping Elevation: 12,950’/3,947m
Lodging: Estrella de Chimborazo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Rest Day
We’ll spend the day getting some much needed rest in Estrella before we start our climb of Chimborazo.
Activity: Rest Day
Sleeping Elevation: 12,950’/3,947m
Lodging: Estrella de Chimborazo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Hike to Base Camp of Nicolas Martinez
Today we’ll have a short drive to the base of Chimborazo and then we’ll begin our climb by trekking to the base of Nicolas Martinez, a secondary peak on Chimborazo topping out at 18,274’/5,570m.
Activity: Trek to Base Camp of Nicolas Martinez
Distance Covered: 3 miles
Moving Hours: 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: + 1500’/457m
Sleeping Elevation: 12,300’/3,749m
Lodging: Nicolas Martinez Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Climb Nicolas Martinez and Polictecnica
This will be the first day of our two-day ascent of the east ridge of Chimborazo. We’ll start by climbing to the summit of Nicolas Martinez at 18,274’/5,570m, before continuing on to the summit of Polictecnica at 19,094’/5,820m. We’ll continue to the far side of Polictenica and set up high camp on the Polictenica col.
Activity: Summit Nicolas Martinez and set up high camp
Distance Covered: 1.7 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +3,000/914m
Sleeping Elevation: 15,300’/4,663m
Lodging: Polictecnica High Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Summit Chimborazo
Today we’ll start up the east face and work our way to the summit of Chimborazo. The day will see us climb 2,600’/800m to the summit. We’ll have a quick celebration atop Ecuador’s tallest peak, and then start our descent down the “Normal” Route of Chimborazo. After our successful summit of Chimborazo we’ll load up the van and return to Quito.
Activity: Drive to Chimborazo
Distance Covered: 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,600’/792m, – 4,000’/1,219m
Sleeping Elevation: 9,300’/2,835m
Lodging: San Jose de Puembo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 14-15: Extra Days
We’ve built in two extra days in case there is poor weather or other factors that are holding us back throughout the expedition.
Day 16: Fly Home
Depart Quito for home. Flights are generally late the night before (after 11pm) or early in the morning.

Women’s Ecuador Climbing School Trip Packet

Alpenglow’s Ecuador Guides

Our Women’s Climbing Expedition Guides

Carla Perez is a highly-experienced climbing guide with multiple summits of big peaks all around the world, including Mt. Everest and K2.

Equipment

Women’s Ecuador Climbing Expedition Equipment List

All the gear you need for your trip to climb in Ecuador

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.
Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).
Recommended: Vuarnet Ice Rounds
Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.
Recommended: Alpenglow Hat
Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.
Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Goggles
These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.
Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles
Warm Socks
A wool synthetic blend. Pure rag wool socks are not nearly as effective in wicking moisture or retaining their shape and reducing blisters. Bring a few pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Mountaineering Sock
Hiking Socks
Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in-town. It’s good to bring several pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Hiking Sock
Liner Socks
A super-thin wicking sock that repels moisture. Liner socks help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. The socks should be thin wool, nylon, or Capilene®. NO COTTON
Recommended: Ice Breaker Merino Liner
Midweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.
Recommend: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
or Black Diamond Terminator Gloves
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Gloves
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.
Recommended: Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Liners
Mountaineering Boots (5,000 – 6,000m)
Should be warm single or double boots that have a stiff sole and accept a step-in crampon. The boots should be comfortable, have adequate wiggle room for your toes, and your heel should not lift more than 1/8th of an inch when walking. (If your feet run cold, we would recommend a double boot like the La Sportiva G2 Evo.) For our Introductory Climbing Schools, we have limited availability and sizes for free boot rentals. If you need rentals, please reach out to the office staff asap to ensure we have your size.
Recommended: La Sportiva G5 Evo
Hard Shell Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell
Soft Shell Jacket
More breathable than Gore-tex, these soft shell jackets block wind and light precipitation and are great as an outer layer and warm layer under your parka.
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket
A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Mid-Weight Warm Layer Top
This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Lightweight Baselayer Top
A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Sun Hoodie
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Climbing Harness
Rock climbing harness that has gear loops, adjustable leg loops and waist belts. We recommend a harness that does not require the belt loop to be “double backed”.
Recommended: Black Diamond Zone Harness
Technical Kit
While the technical equipment needed for a specific objective and season varies, this basic kit is a great baseline. Your guide will bring gear for you to use during your course, but participants are encouraged to bring some or all of this if you own it or are interested in purchasing it.
1 Cordalette (6mm x 5m/16.4′)
4 locking carabiners
2 non-locking carabiners
1 double-length Dyneema sling
Small prusik loop (6mm x 112cm/44″)
Auto-blocking belay device (eg. ATC guide)
Micro Traxion or similar
Belay Device
Light, easy to use + simple. Should have teeth/grooves for skinny ropes.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide Belay Device
Helmet
An easily adjustable lightweight helmet that fits with hat and Balaclava. Make sure this is a climbing-specific helmet. *Climbing helmets are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Vapor Helmet
Mountaineering Harness
Must have belay loop, gear loops and adjustable leg loops so that you can layer up underneath it. Easy to pack, lightweight + comfortable. *Harnesses are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Couloir
Mountaineering Crampons
Steel crampons with anti-balling plates are required (so that snow does not build-up in the base of your foot). Make sure that crampons have a heel bail and that they fit snugly on your ski or snowboard boots. Crampons are available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampons
General Mountaineering Axe
One non-technical climbing axe. The tool should be approx. 55cm- 65cm long and comfortable to hold. *Ice axes are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight locking carabiners are best.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteForge Screwgate
Non-locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight small carabiners are best, wire-gates are fine.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner
Climbing Pants
Recommended: Rocklock Pants
Trekking Pants
You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose a breathable and water resistant pant.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants
Insulated Pant
Full-length side zippers are recommended, for throwing on top of all of your layers.
Recommended: Black Diamond Stance Belay Pants
Hard Shell Climbing Pant
Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Fineline Stretch Full Zip Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full Zip Pants
Soft-Shell Alpine Pant
You will spend most of your days in these pants. They should be breathable + water-resistant.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Alpine Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Pants
Hiking Pant
Lightweight, durable, quick-drying hiking pant that will be your day-to-day pant during the expedition
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant
Quick Dry Shorts
Throw these on under other layers for when the sun begins to beat, or you want to stretch / relax in Basecamp. Lightweight, durable and comfortable. NO COTTON.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
Mid-Weight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted, mid-weight and quick drying, this baselayer (or midlayer) will be suitable for ski tours to alpine ascents.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Pants
Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Base Camp Boots
These snow boots are good for wearing around camp and should be comfortable when you slip into them after spending significant time in your mountain boots.
Recommended Men’s: Sorel Caribou Boot
Recommended Women’s: Sorel Caribou Boot
Hiking Boots
Light to mid- weight boots for everyday use. The ideal boot is comfortable enough to wear for days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined boot often stays drier when hiking in rain or snow.
Recommended: La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX

FAQ’s

Women’s Ecuador Climbing Expedition Questions

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions

: Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge for our climbing schools. Helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, boots and carabiners/ cord. Please note- this equipment is available on a first come, first served basis, so please make your reservations early!
: While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
: Covid vaccinations are not required, but highly recommended.
: We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We do recommend Global Rescue who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.
: Yes. Please reach out to our team with the details of your dietary restrictions and we’ll set you up for success.
: Imported and local foods of the highest quality, combined with a Western-trained cook staff. Alpenglow has the best food on the mountain, ensuring your strength and health throughout the expedition.
: Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high-altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.
: We use a Swiss weather forecasting company. Having a quality forecast for our 8,000m peaks maximizes both our safety and our summit success.
: Expedition doctor, Monica Piris, has been on fourteen 8,000-meter peak expeditions. While Dr. Piris does not travel with our team on all expeditions, she is in 24 communication with our expedition leaders. Dr. Piris also works with each member on his or her pre-acclimatization program.
: Please click here to review our international cancellation policy.
: THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES:
All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts.
Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain
Group camping and climbing equipment
All park/climbing permits
Scheduled in-country transportation
Airport transfers
Certified guides
Covid testing arrangements for re-entry into home country (does not include cost of test)
THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins.
Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary
Airport taxes
Visas
In-town dinners
Immunizations
Tips for guides or local staff
Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
Hospitalization or evacuation costs
Single supplement charges
Excess baggage charges
Alcohol
Other personal expenses
Antigen/PCR Covid test cost
The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.
: When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.
: We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!

Women’s Ecuador Climbing School Trip Packet

Testimonials

I had an absolute blast
“I had an absolute blast–everything ran super smoothly. The program was incredibly well-designed to maximize both acclimatization and rest, and both Nacho and Christian were rock stars. I’d climb with either of them again in a heartbeat, and would 100% recommend the program to anyone!”
Kate L

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