![Title image - BAI takes you to: Ecuador](/v3_assets/images/trip_images/south-america/SAEC00_title.jpg)
Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition Dispatch
March 24, 2017 – Success Illiniza Climb
Kristine and Michael last goal was Illiniza Norte, alt.16,818ft.( 5,126m). This morning they reached the summit after some challenging conditions when they had to wait at the Refugio for the weather to improve. Finally they were able to climb and they all reached the summit.
We talked to Kristine this afternoon; the team was on the way back to Quito and looking forward to a well-deserved shower at the Marriot Hotel. They were feeling great about their successful summit and a great week in Ecuador.
![Kristine and Michael at Illiniza Trailhead, alt. 12,959ft (3,950m)](assets/05-1-illiniza-trailhead.jpg)
Kristine and Michael at Illiniza Trailhead, alt. 12,959ft (3,950m)
![The hike to the refugio](assets/05-2-hiking-illiniza.jpg)
The hike to the refugio
![Arriving at the Illiniza Refugio](assets/05-3-approaching-illiniza-refugio.jpg)
Arriving at the Illiniza Refugio
![Kristine and Michael at the Refugio](assets/05-4-illiniza-norte.jpg)
Kristine and Michael at the Refugio
![Refugio Nuevos Horizontes alt.15,416 ft (4,700 m)](assets/05-5-illiniza-refugio.jpg)
Refugio Nuevos Horizontes alt.15,416 ft (4,700 m)
![Kristine](assets/05-6-illiniza-at-refugio.jpg)
Kristine
![Joaquin and Kristine cooking at the refugio](assets/05-7-kristine-joaquin-refugio-illiniza.jpg)
Joaquin and Kristine cooking at the refugio
![Illiniza summit day](assets/05-8-9-10-illiniza-kristine-michael.jpg)
Illiniza summit day