Ecuador Volcano: Cotopaxi Express

Cotopaxi Express Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S.A. Most flights arrive in Quito (UIO) in the late evening. Your guides will meet you at the airport and transfer with you to our hotel. Overnight at Hotel Mercure Alameda in Quito.

Day 2: We meet in the hotel lobby for an orientation meeting and our first team breakfast. The day is spent exploring Colonial Quito with a local tour guide. We visit Independence Square, church of La Compania (1605) and the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). We will also travel 15 minutes north of Quito to the Equatorial Line where we can jump from the northern to the southern hemisphere. There is also time in the afternoon to relax and recover from our flights. Overnight at Hotel Mercure Alameda in Quito. (B)

Day 3:  After breakfast we take a short drive from Quito to the teleférico (gondola) which will carry us to approximately 13,500’. From there we stretch our legs and lungs with an acclimatization hike on Rucu Pichincha (13,451’).  The hike is beautiful, with views of most of the snow covered volcanoes in Ecuador, including Cotopaxi and Cayambe, as well as a great view of Quito.  We return to the hotel and the afternoon is free to explore the city and organize our gear for our departure from Quito the following morning. (B)

Day 4: Leaving the city of Quito we travel to Illiniza Norte, a jagged peak just west of Cotopaxi National Park. This is our second acclimatization hike; this time to 15,000'. We spend the night in a traditional Ecuadorian farmhouse, located near the base of Cotopaxi. Overnight at Chilcabamba Eco Lodge. (B, D)

Day 5: After breakfast, a short drive takes us to the end of the road at the base of Cotopaxi. A short 45 minute hike leads to the Jose Ribas Refugio at 16,000'. Overnight at Jose Ribas Refugio. (B, D)

Day 6: In the morning we hike out to the toe of the glacier to focus on reviewing basic mountaineering techniques that will prepare us for our summit attempt. We settle in early in anticipation of our alpine start. Overnight at Jose Ribas Refugio (16,000'). (B, D)

Day 7: Summit day on Cotopaxi (19,348')! With an early alpine start, we use the first hour to approach the glacier. A long, initial pitch gains access to an interesting maze of crevasses on the lower slopes of this beautiful volcano. The ascent then weaves through impressive crevasse fields for several hours before ascending the final steep slopes to the summit. The deep, sheer-walled volcanic crater is an incredibly impressive sight. After our summit celebration and photo session, we descend safely to the hut. Upon reaching the vehicles, we head out of the park to one of Ecuador's most beautiful colonial haciendas, the 300-year old La Cienega. Climbing time is approximately 10 - 12 hours. Overnight at Hosteria La Cienega. (B)

Day 8: After a leisurely breakfast, we return to Quito for shopping and sightseeing. Prior to spending our last night in Ecuador, we enjoy an evening celebration dinner and overnight in Quito. (B)

Day 9: Early morning transfer to the airport for our outbound flights.

Key: B, L, D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
 

Pack & Bag Guides' Pick

2 DUFFEL BAG(S): 120+ liter bag(s) made of tough material with rugged zippers.

 

First Ascent Maximus Duffel - 150 L

BACKPACK: A 60+ liter pack is the recommended size for this climb.  A separate summit pack is not needed.

 

Black Diamond Quantum 65 Liter Pack

PACK COVER (OPTIONAL): Protects your pack from rain while on the trail.

 

 

DAY PACK: A 25+ liter day pack to use as carry-on, while traveling or sightseeing.

 

First Ascent Little Tahoma Pack

SLEEPING BAG: A bag rated 0° to 15° F. Either goose down or synthetic.

 

Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0°

 

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15°

COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG

 

Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack

Technical Gear Guides' Pick

ICE AXE: The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm. axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm. axe; and taller, use a 75 cm. axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.

 

Grivel Mt. Rainier Ice Axe

 

Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe

CLIMBING HARNESS: A comfortable, adjustable climbing harness.

 

Black Diamond Vario Speed Adjustable

 

Black Diamond Momentum AL

1 NON-LOCKING CARABINER(S)

 

Black Diamond Hotwire

1 LOCKING CARABINER(S)

 

Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate

HELMET: A lightweight climbing helmet.

 

Petzl Elios Helmet

 

Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet

CRAMPONS: The 10 to 12 point adjustable crampons designed for general mountaineering are ideal. Rigid frame crampons designed for technical ice climbing are not recommended. Carry any repair kit/replacement parts and adjusting tools which are specific to your crampons.

 

Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampon

 

Grivel G10 Crampon

TREKKING POLES: Lightweight and collapsible.

Men:

• Black Diamond Contour Elliptic
• Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

Women:

• Black Diamond Contour Elliptic Compact

Head

WARM HAT: Wool or synthetic. It should be warm, but thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.

BALACLAVA / NECK GAITER

 

Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Balaclava

 

SmartWool Balaclava

BALL CAP OR SUN HAT: A lightweight ball cap or sun hat.

 

Kavu RMI Synthetic Strapcap

GLACIER GLASSES: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses.

 

Julbo Dolgan

 

Julbo Explorer

GOGGLES: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy nights.

 

Smith Scope Pro

 

Julbo Revolution

HEADLAMP

 

Petzl Myo XP

 

Mammut Lucido TX1

BATTERIES FOR HEADLAMP: We strongly recommend Lithium batteries as they perform well in a cold environment. 

 

 

Hands Guides' Pick

LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVE: Fleece or wool gloves.

 

Marmot Windstopper Glove

 

First Ascent Lightweight Softshell Glove

MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVE: Wind/water resistant insulated ski gloves.

 

Marmot Randonnee Glove

 

First Ascent Guide Glove

HEAVY WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE OR MITTEN: Wind/water resistant, insulated gloves or mittens for protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove.

 

Marmot Expedition Mitt

Men:

• Black Diamond Men's Mercury Mitt

Women:

• Black Diamond Women's Mercury Mitt

Upper Body Guides' Pick

LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top will be used as your base layer. Zip-neck styles will allow for better temperature regulation.

Men:

• First Ascent Paradise Crew
• Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip Neck

Women:

• First Ascent Paradise Crew
• Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip Neck

LIGHT INSULATING LAYER: A fleece or other insulation layer.

Men:

• First Ascent Hangfire Hoodie

Women:

• First Ascent Hangfire Hoodie

SOFT SHELL LAYER: A windproof, water-resistant and highly breathable layer.

Men:

• First Ascent Mountain Guide Jacket

Women:

• First Ascent Mountain Guide Jacket

HARD SHELL JACKET: A jacket made of rain/wind-proof material with an attached hood.

Men:

• First Ascent Rainier Storm Shell Jacket
• Mountain Hardwear Optimo Jacket

Women:

• First Ascent Rainier Storm Shell Jacket
• First Ascent BC-200 Shell Jacket

INSULATED PARKA with HOOD: This item becomes of highest importance when we are faced with poor weather. This should be an expeditionary-type heavy parka that extends well below the waist and above the knees. Goose down is recommended versus synthetic fill. It does not have to be waterproof, but that is a nice feature. The parka is worn primarily in camp, at rest breaks, and on summit day (when it is of crucial importance). When sizing a parka, allow for several layers to be worn underneath; buy it large. The parka must have an insulated hood.

Men:

• First Ascent Peak XV Down Jacket
• Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Parka

Women:

• First Ascent Peak XV Down Jacket
• Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Parka

Lower Body Guides' Pick

1 - 3 UNDERWEAR: Non-cotton briefs or boxers are a must on the mountain.

Men:

• Patagonia Boxers
• Patagonia Active Boxer Brief

Women:

• Smartwool Microweight Boy Brief

LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Light to medium weight wool or synthetic bottoms.

Men:

• First Ascent Paradise Pant
• Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms

Women:

• First Ascent Paradise Pant
• Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms

CLIMBING PANT: Synthetic climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them alone on hot days, or in combination with the base layer on cold days. The thickness (insulation quality) should be based on how well you do in the cold.

Men:

• First Ascent Mountain Guide Lite Pant (lighter pant)
• First Ascent Mountain Guide Pant (heavier pant)

Women:

• First Ascent Mountain Guide Lite Pant (lighter pant)
• First Ascent Mountain Guide Pant (heavier pant)

HARD SHELL PANT: A pant made of breathable rain and wind-proof material will be needed. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons in cold, inclement weather.

Men:

• First Ascent Rainier Storm Shell Pant
• Mountain Hardwear Argon Ice Pant

Women:

• First Ascent Rainier Storm Shell Pant

HIKING SHORTS

Feet Guides' Pick

MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: Insulated plastic boots are the preferred choice. They provide the best insulation as well as a more rigid sole for kicking steps and holding crampons. Leather mountaineering boots that have completely rigid soles are also adequate, but they will need to be insulated and may still result in cold feet on summit days.

Men:

• Plastic: Scarpa Inverno with High Altitude Liner
• Leather/Hybrid: La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX

Women:

• Plastic: Scarpa Inverno with High Altitude Liner
• Leather/Hybrid: La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX

HIKING BOOTS: A pair of lightweight boots for approaches and hiking on rugged terrain.

Men:

• Asolo Fugitive GTX

Women:

• Asolo Stynger GTX

LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SHOES: Great for travel, day hikes, and camp.

Men:

• La Sportiva Exum Ridge

Women:

• La Sportiva Exum Ridge

GAITERS: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampons on loose clothing.

 

Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles

3 PAIR SOCKS: Either wool or synthetic. Some people find liner socks useful for reducing friction.

 

Smartwool Liner Sock

Men:

• First Ascent Heavyweight Mountain Sock
• Smartwool Mountaineering Sock

Women:

• First Ascent Heavyweight Mountain Sock

Miscellaneous Items Guides' Pick

SUNSCREEN

 

Coppertone Sport SPF 30

LIP PROTECTION

MEALS: See Food Recommendations for suggestions and quantities.

6 - 8 CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS

2 WATER BOTTLES: One-quart water bottles are required. Wide mouth bottles are ideal since their opening is less likely to freeze.

 

Nalgene

2 - 3 GARBAGE BAGS (Large): We recommend lining your backpack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry.

TOILET PAPER

EAR PLUGS: For sleeping.

2 AA BATTERIES: For avalanche transceiver. Avalanche transceivers are supplied by RMI.

LUGGAGE LOCKS: For your duffel bags. Must be TSA approved.

STUFF SACKS

CAMERA

Travel Clothes

2 CASUAL PANTS

4 SHIRTS

Toilet Articles

TOOTHBRUSH

TOOTHPASTE

BABY WIPES

HAND SANITIZER: Personal size.

Personal First Aid Kit

BAND-AIDS

ASPRIN / IBUPROFEN

MOLESKIN

ANTACIDS

IMMODIUM (ANTI-DIARRHEA)

PEPTO-BISMOL (STOMACH RELIEF)

SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE

Personal Medications

ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics for Traveler's Diarrhea

TYLENOL #3: Tylenol 3 for pain

DIAMOX: Acetazolamide for Altitiude Illness (250 mg. tabs)

MALARIA MEDICATIONS

Utensils Guides' Pick

BOWL

 

GSI Fairshare Mug

INSULATED MUG

 

Whittaker Mountaineering Insulated Mug

SPOON or SPORK

POCKETKNIFE

 

First Ascent Belay Knife

Travel Documents

PASSPORT: Valid for six months beyond your return date.

COPY OF PASSPORT: The first two pages of your passport.

COPY OF FLIGHT ITINERARY

2 EXTRA PASSPORT PHOTOS

Optional Items

BABY POWDER

READING MATERIAL / JOURNAL

iPOD or MP3 PLAYER

PEE BOTTLE (PEE FUNNEL FOR WOMEN)

Provided Equipment

Pre-Trip Checklist

Purchase travel insurance.

Return the Participant Information Form to the RMI Office.

Purchase airplane tickets.

Reserve rental equipment.

Be in the Best Shape of Your Life!

Meals

Breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain are included as indicated in our Trip Itinerary. With the exception of hotel breakfasts, most restaurant meals are on your own. Your trip fee does not included bottled water and drinks.

Please list any special dietary needs on the Participant Information Form. The form must be returned to the RMI Office 60 days prior to the program departure date.

Mountain Lunches

You are responsible for your own mountain lunches for 5 days. Lunch items should weigh about 2 - 3 lbs. We may have a chance to purchase additional food in Ecuador, but we recommend you take what you need and only supplement with local food if necessary.

Take lunch foods that you genuinely enjoy. Eating well is the key to maintaining your strength while in the mountains. And in order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude, it is best to have a variety of foods from which to choose, from sweet to sour to salty.

Lunch snacks are eaten during short breaks throughout the day while in the mountains. Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water.

Recommended mountain lunch items: dry salami, smoked salmon, jerky (turkey, beef, fish), small cans of tuna fish, individually wrapped cheeses such as Laughing Cow or Baby Bell, crackers, bagels, candy bars, hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, Toffees, Life Savers), Gummy Bears, sour candies (Sweet Tarts), cookies, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, GORP mixes, and drink mixes (Gatorade/Kool-Aid).

Mountain Breakfasts and Dinners

The breakfast menu includes items such as instant oatmeal, cold cereals (granola), breakfast bars (Kashi, Kudos), hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, cider) and local fresh fruit.

Dinner usually begins with soup and ends with dessert, followed by a round of hot drinks. Healthy one-pot meals, incorporating fresh local food whenever practical, are served as the main course. One typical main course dinner might be spaghetti with sausage and fresh vegetables. Another meal might be chicken fajitas with cheese, tortillas, onions, and peppers. There are limitations, but the menu is planned to offer good variety and ample portions.

Qualifications

This is a great first trip to altitudes above 15,000'.

All participants should be in excellent physical condition and have prior knowledge of rope travel, the use of crampons, and ice axe arrest. Simply put, climbers will usually perform better, be more prepared, and are able to enjoy the experience more if they have those skills before attempting these volcanoes. The altitude (up to 19,300') and crevassed nature of the peaks contribute to make this a very worthwhile challenge.

Good experiences to consider prior to attempting these volcanoes include a RMI Expedition Skills Seminar on Mt. Rainier or in Alaska. These programs allow climbers to learn the technical skills required on the larger peaks.

Fitness for Mountaineering

Mountaineering is a tough endurance sport, and the importance of good conditioning cannot be overstated. In training, we want to mirror, as best we can, the physical activities that we will be performing in the mountains. Your primary focus should be gaining the necessary strength and stamina needed to go up and down steep slopes with a backpack.

It is imperative that you undertake a rigorous conditioning program prior to your trip and arrive in top physical shape. Here are some proven suggestions to get you ready for the physical challenge.

Start training immediately. The more time you have to get in shape, the better.

Cardiovascular training (such as running and cycling) and strength and endurance training (such as weight training and stair climbing) should both be included in your program.

Start cardiovascular training by running, biking, hill climbing, or using step machines. Try exercising for an hour or more per session, and keep your heart rate and respirations at a reasonably high level, without over doing it. Three to four long training sessions per week are going to be more beneficial than short daily workouts. The intensity of your workout should reflect the level of effort we anticipate needing to climb the last 1,000' to the summit.

Begin your strength training by working on muscle groups used in mountaineering. Specifically, you want to target your quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, back and shoulder muscles.

There is no better training for mountaineering than up and downhill hiking. Get outside and go on extended hikes with a weighted backpack 2 - 3 times per week. Try hiking for 60 to 90 minutes at a time with a 10 - 15 minute break after each segment. Begin your training program with a 20 - 25 pound pack and work up gradually to the approximate weight expected to be carried on the climb. If there are no hills nearby, stairs work fine for training, especially if you can find a taller multiple storied buildings or stadium steps. When working out in a gym, use stair stepping machines and treadmills with a weighted pack. Additionally, treadmills raised up to the full 15 degrees will be more beneficial than running on relatively flat terrain.

Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life!

This sounds like a lot of work... and it is. With our daily schedules busy with family, work, and other important commitments, it can be difficult to set aside time for training. But being physically prepared for your climb is the single most important thing you can do to increase your chances of standing on the summit. It's also more enjoyable.

For more detailed information regarding conditioning, please see the Fitness for Mountaineering document.

Acclimatization

Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize.

The key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. The adage climb high and sleep low is the way we climb, and for very good reason. Our program follows a calculated ascent profile which allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude. In addition to a proper rate of ascent, your performance is often related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Proper hydration, nutrition, and warmth must be maintained on a daily basis throughout the expedition.

Travel Consultant

RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide our clients with comprehensive travel support. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe. We have been working with Erin for the last 8 years, and she is very knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or email at etravel@cox.net.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program.

For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your local travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Personal Medical Insurance

We recommend that you purchase medical insurance for your expedition as most standard insurance does not cover mountaineering. International Health Insurance (IHI) provides coverage for annual travel or a single trip. For additional information including coverage, benefits and premiums or to book online visit International Health Insurance.

Getting There

Several U.S. airlines offer daily flights to Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Flights generally arrive late in the evening on Day 1 of the itinerary. Departing flights may be booked for any time on the final day of the program.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin requiring airlines to collect additional passenger information. This effort is part of the Secure Flight pre-screening program. TSA will require you to provide your full name, date of birth and gender as it is shown on the identification document that you plan to present at airport security check-points. You must begin making your reservations using your full name, matching exactly the ID you plan to present at the airport. Collection of your date of birth and gender will be mandatory beginning August 15th, 2009. If you submit that information at time of booking your reservation you can avoid delays at check-in. Finally, verify your name on your frequent traveler profiles. If you signed up using a name other than your name as shown on your identification, you should contact each frequent traveler program to update your name to match Secure Flight's full name requirement.

Entry Information

A valid passport is required when traveling to Ecuador. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date. U.S. passport holders may stay up to 90 days without visa.

We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a backup. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.

Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the U.S. Department of State.

Airport Arrival

Upon arrival at the Quito airport (UIO), follow the signs to the Arrivals Building. Proceed to the Immigrations desk for foreign travelers. They will provide you with an entrance permit adequate for your stay. Please check the date to ensure it covers your complete stay in Ecuador.

Once you receive your bags from Baggage Claim, you will proceed to Customs. There will be a random selection of bags for inspection. Be sure to keep all your bags together.

A private shuttle will take you to our hotel.

Departure Tax

An airport departure tax of approximately $40 per person is due at the airport in Quito prior to leaving the country.

CDC recommended vaccinations:

As needed, booster doses for:

• Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

This information is accurate at the time of writing, but may change with little or no notice.

For the most updated information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Transportation

The provided transportation in Ecuador as stated in the itinerary is via private vans or buses.

Ecuador Country Facts

Ecuador is named for the Equator, which crosses through the northern reaches of the country. While it is the smallest Andean country, it has four remarkably distinct and diverse regions: the coastal plains, the Andean highlands, the jungles of the upper Amazon basin, and the Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador grows enough bananas to make the country the world's largest exporter of the fruit. The Andean highlands contain beautiful and productive farmland, often seen in a classic patchwork pattern. Oil from the rich eastern jungles enriches the economy. The volcanic Galapagos Islands bring tourism revenue with its unique reptiles, birds, and plants.

The country is divided ethnically as well as regionally. About 10 percent of the population is of European descent, about a quarter belong to indigenous cultures, and the rest are of mostly mixed ethnicity.

The capital, Quito, is the second highest capital in South America. Quito is set beautifully in a highland valley at 9,000'.

By the beginning of the 16th century Quito was ruled by the Incas and was the northern capital of their empire. When the Spanish arrived, the area was razed by a general of Atahualpa to make certain it did not fall into Spanish hands. Thus the colonial city was built on the Inca ruins in 1534 by a lieutenant of Pizarro. The current layout of the old city dates back to the 18th century, complete with cobble-stone streets, parks, plazas and colonial architecture.

Weather

The weather in Quito and while traveling to and from the mountains can be very warm. We recommend bringing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. For current weather conditions, check Weather Underground.

The western mountains, which include Cotopaxi and Pasachoa, experience two dry seasons. The first is from July through August, and the second is in December and January.

The eastern mountains, which include Cayambe, are best climbed from October through January. The wettest months of the year for this peak are June, July and August.

While these mountains are climbed throughout the entire year, the best mountain snowpack on both Cotopaxi and Cayambe is often found between October and June.

While there can be no guarantees of perfect weather in the mountains, our expeditions take full advantage of both the weather and snowpack conditions for both these peaks, and utilize those months for optimal climbing experiences.

Money

The current currency of Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar.

You should find that $200-$300 for spending money is adequate for restaurant meals, drinks and pocket money. You may choose to bring more depending on your shopping plans and length of stay.

Cash machines are readily available in Quito, but become increasingly difficult to find outside of the main urban areas.

Credit cards are accepted in most, but not all, areas.

Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area which caters to tourists.

Tipping

Local waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Ten to fifteen percent is standard.

Our guides work hard to ensure your well being and success on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Amounts are at your discretion and should be based on your level of enjoyment. Tips for excellent service normally average 10 – 15% of the cost of the program.

Health

Travelers often suffer from upset stomachs when in foreign countries. There are some basic rules, however, that can help keep you healthy.

Hygiene - It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before meals and after using any bathroom. If water is not available for washing, we recommend using a hand sanitizer.

Water - The number one rule is: don't drink the water, and that includes shower water and ice! Brush your teeth with purified water rather than tap water. You should check bottled water for a good seal and use a napkin to wipe dry excess moisture in drinking glasses. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if it has been diluted with water. Carefully clean the tops of bottled beverages before opening.

Food - If you can cook it, boil it, or peel it; you can usually eat it. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Be wary of ice cream and shellfish. Always avoid any undercooked meat

Electricity

Electricity in Ecuador is the same as in the United States: the ungrounded two-prong plug is used for 110 volt, 60 hertz appliances. Appliances with three prongs or an enlarged prong will require an adaptor.

Medical Emergencies

Excellent care for minor illnesses and injuries is readily available. In the event of more serious illnesses or injuries, we recommend transport to any of the Level 1 care centers in Quito.

Travel Advisories / Warnings

Please confirm any current travel advisories / warnings as well as entry requirements with the U.S. Department of State.

Resources

Rob Rachowiecki and Mark Thurber, Ecuador: The Bradt Climbing and Hiking Guide. Bradt Travel Guides, fifth ed., 2004
The authors have combined many years of Ecuador experience into a useful, readable and comprehensive guide.

Ecuador Explorer and The Best of Ecuador are thorough websites describing Ecuador travel and facts.

Payments

A deposit of $1,500 per person secures your reservation. Deposit payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, or check. Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start of your program, and we will send you a payment reminder approximately three weeks before your payment is due. Balance payments may be made via check or wire transfer only. If your final payment is not received within 90 days of the program your reservation will be cancelled and all fees forfeited. Trips departing within 90 days from the reservation date must be paid in full at the time of reservation.

Cancellations

Once we receive written notification (mail, e-mail, or fax) that you are canceling an individual participant or your entire reservation the following fees will apply. A fee of $750 per person will be charged for cancellations made more than 90 days before departure. There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 90 days before your program. Unfortunately, due to the time-sensitive nature of our business, and the difficulty in re-booking a trip close to departure, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program. For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Land Cost

The current fee includes:

• RMI Leadership
• Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
• All park entrance fees
• Sight seeing arrangements as indicated in the itinerary
• All group transportation in country as indicated in the itinerary
• All group cooking, climbing and camping equipment

The fee does not include:

• International airfare
• Travel insurance and personal medical insurance
• Excess baggage fees and departure taxes
• Meals not included in the itinerary
• Bottled water and personal drinks
• Customary guide gratuities
• Additional room charges including laundry service and other personal expenses
• Hotel accommodations not indicated in the itinerary
• Transfer from Quito Hotel to Airport for outbound flight
• Medical, hospitalization and evacuation costs (by any means)