Easy Mountaineering ascents in Colombia and Ecuador

This two centre expedition which we ran for the firs time in 2000 will start in Colombia where we will spend one week making ascents of Nevado El Ruiz 5225m and Santa Isabel 5000m in the beautiful Los Nevados range as well as spending a short time in the cities of Manizales and Bogota. We will then travel on to Quito the capital of Ecuador from where we will make ascents of the three highest peaks in the country, Cayambe 5790m, Cotopaxi 5897m and Chimborazo 6310m.

We will start with a day in Bogota, the capital of Colombia and a very attractive city with a beautiful mountain setting at 2650m. We'll then travel to the spectacular city of Manizales set high on a mountain ridge, then make our way into the Los Nevados National Park, camping as high as 4500m on the slopes of the volcanoes. From here we will climb a couple of these peaks, including El Ruiz with its steaming volcanic crater - weather permitting of course.

The second phase of the expedition will be based in Quito, a pleasant city located at an altitude of 2800m with views to Cayambe and Cotopaxi. From Quito we will make short excursions to the mountains to climb Cotopaxi with its spectacular summit crater, Chimborazo the highest peak in Ecuador, and Cayambe. These peaks Ecuador were all first climbed by the famous alpinist Whymper at the end of the last century. All three are normally straightforward climbs but an ice-axe and crampons are needed.

Though all the ascents are easy, expedition members should be experienced winter or alpine walkers or be prepared to gain some alpine or winter walking experience before the expedition.

To view the full dossier for this expedition click here 

To view our booking conditions and form click here