Climbing Ecuador's Volcanoes FAQ

Here's where you'll find answers to all (or at least most) of your questions about this expedition. We'll be adding to this section frequently, so be sure to check back often. Or contact us if you can't find what you need.

Choose the specific question to link to your answer

What should I expect on summit day?
How much mountaineering experience do I need for this expedition?
When should I book my flight?
Are there any required vaccinations for Ecuador?
When is the best time to climb Ecuador?
Will we be staying in tents during the trip?
What kind of currency is used in Ecuador?
What is the food like on the trip?
What kind of weather should I be expecting?
What kind of camera should I bring?
Can I recharge my camera and iPod while on this trip?
Do you have access to radio communications for any emergency needs?
Will my cell phone work in Ecuador?

1. What should I expect on summit day?: Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo all require “alpine starts”, beginning in the early morning darkness. Summit days can be quite long, 11 hours for Cayambe, 10 hours on Cotopaxi and 12 hours on Chimborazo are common times. Since we will be leaving from huts, getting dressed and ready for the climb is quite easy. These climbs are all excellent introductions to roped team glacier travel and climbing skills for alpine climbs of moderate difficulty. You will have short sections of steep ice and snow, some movement over alpine rock, especially on Chimborazo. You will be roped for safe glacier travel as well as belayed for the more difficult sections of each climb.
2. How much mountaineering experience do I need for this expedition?: All our climbs in Ecuador involve glacier climbing of easy to moderate difficulty. You need to have spent time walking with an ice axe, be familiar with self arrests and the proper technique for walking on snow slopes up to 45 degrees. You will wear crampons during the ascent. If you have not been at altitude before, it is important to understand that (20,701 feet / 6310m) is high enough that you will need to pay close attention to your body’s ability to acclimatize. Your guides will help you make good decisions. You will gain valuable experience about dressing properly and navigating glaciers.
3. When should I book my flight?: One of the advantages to climbing in Ecuador is that the International Airport in Quito is served by a number of Airlines. There should be good options for you based on your point of departure and airline preference. Flights through Houston on Continental and Miami on American Airlines are examples. Please call us if you would like suggestions or assistance with booking your flights.
4. Are there any required vaccinations for Ecuador?: Unless you enter Ecuador from a country where yellow fever is a risk, vaccinations are not required when entering Ecuador. However we do advise you to get the following vaccinations: Tetanus / Yellow Fever / Typhoid / Hepatitis A&B / Malaria prophylaxis if you plan to visit the Amazon. Please contact your doctor about vaccinations before visiting Ecuador.
5. When is the best time to climb Ecuador?: There are two climbing seasons in Ecuador, June to August and November to February. November to February are considered to be the best months for climbing. Cotopaxi can be climbed year round because it creates its own microclimate and has the most number of clear days of all the Ecuadorian mountains.
6. Will we be staying in tents during the trip?: We do not use tents during this expedition. We stay in hotels, beautiful haciendas and very comfortable mountain huts. You will need a moderately warm sleeping bag for the huts, but you will not need to bring a sleeping pad or Thermarest.
7. What kind of currency is used in Ecuador?: The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. Bring plenty of small US dollars as Ecuador is not an expensive place. US $1, 5 and 10 dollar bills are easy to spend. Bring US $20 or $50 dollar bills for backup, but do not expect to change them easily.
8. What is the food like on the trip?: We will enjoy first-rate meals in fine restaurants and hotels along the way. The Haciendas we stay in are especially known for great food. In the huts we will eat simple but nutritious food, lots of potatoes, great bread, soups, and pasta with small portions of meat, which will be prepared by Berg Adventures cook.
9. What kind of weather should I be expecting?: Quito can be hot at midday when the sun shines strong at this altitude, but evening temperatures are often cooler than most places in the U.S. We’ll experience classic variable mountain weather, warm in direct sunlight, cool on cloudy days and at night. You will be adjusting your layers all day as you climb and hike in Ecuador.
10. What kind of camera should I bring?: There will be fantastic opportunities for photography throughout your adventure in Ecuador. People and their colourful costumes, volcanoes and lush landscape as well as great climbing shots of your teammates are some examples.; Digital point-and-shoot cameras are always right because they are small and easy to keep handy. Be sure you bring one that is rugged however. Temperature extremes, dust and possibly rain and snow will be encountered.; It is also important to know how to use your camera. Get familiar with it before your trip or you might be disappointed with the results.; SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses are worth the extra weight and expense if you are into it. Do not hesitate to bring yours. Even if you do not climb with it, you will enjoy using it as we drive through Ecuador’s beautiful landscape.; Video cameras are also nice. In addition to capturing moving images they record the sounds, music and conversations of your adventure.
11. Can I recharge my camera and iPod while on this trip?: Yes! All of the hotels and Haciendas will have electrical outlets. The plug adapter allows up to 240 volts.
12. Do you have access to radio communications for any emergency needs?: We will have radios on the mountain and we will always have a satellite telephone with the group for emergency communication
13. Will my cell phone work in Ecuador?: Probably, but be sure to check about the rates with your service provider before you leave. It may be cheaper to use local phone services in Ecuador or to use the Internet.