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Ecuador Volcanoes: Walter and Team Hike Fuya Fuya

Posted by: | June 24, 2011
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Ecuador
Elevation: 13,986'

This morning we packed up our bags, checked out of our hotel, and headed north. The first stop was at La Laguna Mojanda, a high alpine where the trailhead for our second acclimatization hike is located. We drove through clouds and rain to get there, but when we arrived we where above the clouds and could see the day’s hiking objective, Fuya Fuya. Fuya Fuya is a peak that is situated on an ecological reserve, north of the town of Otovalo. The clouds moved in and out throughout the day, and we climbed up through the high-altitude grassland with periods of rain, hail, and wind. The most challenging part of the climb was staying on your feet, as the volcanic soil became quite slippery in the rain. The final 200’ of the climb included a fun rock scramble to the summit. Everyone did great, and rose to the challenges that the weather presented.

Now we’re warm, dry, and comfortable at the beautiful hacienda San Luis. A big dinner and a good night’s rest is on tap for tonight. Tomorrow morning, we’ll head to the Indigenous town of Otovalo, and spend a large part of the day enjoying the world famous Otovalo Market. After a leisurely day at the market, we’ll head to the climbers’ hut on Cayambe for the night. We’ll spend two nights there during our summit attempt.

Ciao for now,
RMI Guide Mike Walter

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