Entries By walter hailes
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
We have broken free from the city and made our way into the highlands. Today we drove north through the rain to hike around Lake Cuicocha. Fortunately, the last drops of rain fell with our first few steps on the trail, and by the end of the hike we were rewarded with clear, sunny skies. Hopefully, that good weather luck follows us to the big peaks ahead.
We’re becoming fast friends—laughing almost constantly as we trade stories on the trail and around the dinner table.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar January 6 - 20, 2026
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,407'
Thursday, January 8, 2026 - 6:41 pm PT
Our second day in Quito started with a leisurely breakfast followed by a taxi ride to the Teleferico ( gondola ) that took us up to 13,000 feet and the first of our many volcanoes of the trip. We hiked to the top of Rucu Pichincha (15,407 ft.), one of the many peaks of the pichincha volcano that overlooks Quito. Most of the day was spent in the clouds until we reached the summit and they cleared for a view of the city below. This marked a new high point for some members of the group, being higher than any point in the continental United States. Our decent went smooth and most of us escaped with only minor sunburn.
On our way back to the hotel we worked on our Google Translate communication skills and after a brief rest we walked to a local Ecuadorian restaurant for dinner, managing to avoid the worst of the evening rain. Our biggest takeaway from the day was to trust the local taxi driver’s weather forecasts.
RMI Guide Nick Sinapius
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar January 6 - 20, 2026
Hello from Ecuador!
We had a beautiful first day on our Ecuador adventure. After introductions and a quick team meeting we set off on a tour of Quito.
Our first stop was at the equator, where it’s hard to walk in a straight line, easy (for some people) to balance an egg on the head of a nail, and water swirls this way and that. Our tour guide explained the physics being all these things correctly enough to meet the approval of Paul, our Astrophysicist. Most of us were just happy to see the water swirl in different directions.
We finished our sight seeing with a walking tour of the historic district and a panoramic view of the city from the base of the Virgin off the Panecillo.
Overall a really strong start with a great group of people.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar January 6 - 20, 2026
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Ecuador
A Final Day in Ecuador: Reflections and Goodbyes
After an incredible adventure, we made our way back to Quito, wrapping up our time in Ecuador. We squeezed in some last-minute souvenir shopping, picking up mementos to remember the trip by. As the evening approached, we gathered for a wonderful final team dinner, reminiscing about the amazing experiences we had shared. Conversations turned toward the future, with talk of returning to climb Chimborazo and Antisana. But for now, we had to say our final "see you laters," cherishing the memories made and the bonds formed.
Safe travels!
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 7:55 pm PT
A Change in Plans Due to Weather
This morning, we woke up to heavy rain at Chimborazo Lodge. Despite the downpour, we followed the plan and drove to the trailhead, hoping for a break in the weather. Unfortunately, the rain persisted, making conditions difficult. On top of that, avalanche danger on Chimborazo is high, and lightning was a real danger on the ridge trail to high camp.
Given these risks, we made the decision to abandon our 2-hour hike in the rain and our attempt to climb Chimborazo. Rather than pushing forward, we chose to head to Baños for a chance at a very different adventure and to explore a different side of Ecuador.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 19,348'
RMI Guides Walter Hailes & Nicole DePetris checked in from the summit of Cotopaxi this morning. It was a cold day with not many views but the route was good and the entire team reached the summit.
Nice work everyone!
RMI Guide Walt Hailes calls from the summit of Cotopaxi.
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
It has been a treat to rest, relax, and learn after a big day on our feet. The morning consisted of learning haul systems, rope ascension, and EARNEST anchors. As the downpour began, we taxied into the town of Cumbayá for lunch of taco flights and quesadillas. We spent a few hours of the afternoon exploring one of the wealthiest suburbs of Quito. The rain continued for most of the afternoon so we headed back to our hotel for dinner of more local Ecuadorian dishes. Everyone is feeling rested and ready for our Cotopaxi climb!
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 18,997'
RMI Guide Walter Hailes checked in the from the summit of Cayambe at 18,997' today. The entire group reached the summit in what sounds like great conditions.
Listen to Walter's voicemail below.
Nice work team! Congratuations!
The team has safely descended and will enjoy a bit of a rest day tomorrow along with some training.
RMI Guide Walt Hailes calls from the summit of Cayambe.
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,300'
Sunday, February 9, 2025 - 2:57 pm PT
We are excited for our first glaciers in Ecuador.
A fun, bumpy 4x4 ride delivered us to the climbers hut where we unpacked and settled into the penthouse suite. That is a nice way to say we had to haul all our gear up a bunch of stairs and everyone was breathing heavy.
After moving in, we refreshed our walking and cramponing techniques on the rocks and dirt just above the hut.
We also met the rest of our guide team, Carmelo, Jorge and Gustavo who joined us for dinner. They are warm and friendly and quickly becoming part of the team.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner of quinoa-potato soup, followed by chicken and rice. We are getting to bed early in preparation for our early start tomorrow.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
We woke up early to a taste breakfast at the hacienda. Quickly loaded the bus and headed out. Our first stop was the vibrant Otavalo Market. The colors of the woven textiles, the aroma of fresh flowers, and the lively chatter of local vendors filled the space. We wandered from stall to stall, picking out unique gift. Some crazier than others.
After a few hours of shopping, we drove south toward Cayambe, passing through rolling hills dotted with grazing cattle. The road twisted and turned, leading us to a spacious hut at the foot of the volcano.
Along the way, we grabbed some hearty sandwiches, some of which were bigger than expected.
Finally, we arrived at the lower hut on Cayambe. The clouds scrouded the mountains most of the day but we did get a quick peak at the snowy slopes we hope to climb.
Nicole taught a master class on climbing knots. Everyone diligently practiced tying while laughing at our mistakes but feeling accomplished as the knots became second nature.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
