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Ranked in National Geographic Adventure's as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth



South America
Argentina Bolivia Ecuador Peru


Antisana and Illiniza Sur; w/ Chimborazo option

18,891 ft; 17,267 ft; & 20,703 ft

Itinerary | Equipment List | General Info |

2010/2011 Dates:
November 20-29
January 1-10, 2011

With Chimborazo extension: November 20 - Dec. 3, 2010
January 1-14, 2011



Client to Guide ratio: 2:1 on Antisana

2010-2011 Land Cost*:
$2,575
$3,575 w/Chimborazo (minimum 2 climbers)
*2011 land cost subject to change





Climbing Grade: Intermediate




General Information on Antisana & Illiniza Sur

Cost includes:
•Six scheduled accommodations while in towns and on the mountain
•Food while on the mountain
•Park fees
•Group climbing and cooking gear
•Scheduled restaurant meals

Cost does not include:
•Airfare
•Personal equipment or items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.)
•Staff/Guide gratuities
•Trip and medical evacuation insurance
•Alcoholic beverages

QUALIFICATIONS: We suggest that you have previous mountaineering experience prior to joining us for this expedition. Previous high altitude expereince is suggested but not required. Call for more details.

WEATHER: Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures from freezing nights, to adverse snow and wind conditions, to bright sunshine intensified by the high altitude. This wide fluctuation in temperature makes it important to bring everything on the equipment list.

FOOD: Mountain Madness provides all of the food while climbing and at the huts, but bring along your favorite munchies.

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for: trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance. An insurance application is provided with all trip confirmations.

QUESTIONS?: Call our office anytime at 1-800-328-5925 or email us for more general information about Ecuador.


Itinerary for Antisana & Illiniza Sur

Included in the cost of your trip are scheduled group restaurant meals. Meals provided are listed as B,L, and D at the end of each day. You will be responsible for those meals not listed while in towns and cities. All meals in the mountains will be provided. Porters will be provided on those days listed in the itinerary.

Illiniza SurDay 1: Arrive in Ecuador, orientation in Quito, overnight in Hotel Reina Isabel.

Day 2: Equipment check and acclimatization hike. B,L,D

Day 3: Acclimatization hike. B,D

Day 4: Hike to hut at the base of Illiniza Sur.

Day 5: Ascend Illiniza Norte. B,L,D

Day 6: Summit Illiniza Sur and hike out. We spend the night at the beautiful Hacienda Carriona.

Day 7: After driving as high as possible we set up camp where we rest and prepare for our climb. B,L

Day 8: Summit Antisana. We will depart at 1 a.m. and hike up the scree slopes until we arrive at the glacier. From here we ascend snow and ice, arriving at a steep section just below the crater rim. Here we find the most difficult section of the climb - negotiating a large bergschrund that protects the summit from easy access.

Antisana Base CampDay 9: Optional summit day. D

Day 10: Fly home

 

For those on the Chimborazo extension;

Day 10: Drive to Urbina farmhouse and spend the night.

Day 11: Drive to the lower hut and hike to the upper hut (16,000+’)

Day 12:  Summit Chimborazo and return to hut.

Day 13: Optional summit day. Return to Quito.

Day 14: Fly home.

NOTE ON ITINERARY: Although we do our best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.


Equipment List for Antisana & Illiniza Sur


A variety of clothing will be necessary for your trip. You will need clothing for dining in Quito, trekking in the humidity and heat, and to protect you from the cooler temperatures in the mountains. This list is designed to help you choose the right gear for the demands of this trek and are the minimum required for this trip. You are expected to provide the following personal equipment. These items are mandatory for survival in the mountains, so make sure you have everything on the list.

The emphasis on equipment necessary for mountain travel follows two simple tenets: Lightweight and Functional.  The items you choose to take should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of extreme conditions. The quality of the equipment you choose has a lot to do with how warm, dry, and safe you will remain so be critical of quality and the proper fit of clothing. Comfort lends itself to a more enjoyable experience!

The layering system outlined is usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder, bring one extra medium layer such as a vest, which would be ideal for extra warmth around camp. When making the final decision as to what goes into your pack, remember that it's a fine science of taking just enough clothes and accessories to do the job, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably will not use.

Cotton clothing must be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that "wick" the sweat and moisture away from your skin to keep you much warmer.

Mountain Madness works closely with Second Ascent, a new and used gear store. If you are looking at trying to save some money, this is definitely the place to call. They are great at answering equipment questions and also ship anywhere in the US. They can be reached at (206) 545-8810.

We also work closely with Feathered Friends, a retailer in Seattle. They will offer a 10% discount on purchases if you are signed up for a Mountain Madness trip. Please feel free to call them at (206) 292-2210.




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