Eric Frank

Ecuador sits at the intersection of the Andes, the Amazon, and the equator, and the result is one of the most extraordinary mountain environments on earth. The Avenue of the Volcanoes runs through the heart of the country, a chain of glaciated peaks rising above highland valleys and tropical forest that has drawn climbers and explorers for centuries. This eleven-day expedition climbs two of the finest: Cayambe at 18,997 feet, the only snow-capped point on earth that sits directly on the equator, and Cotopaxi at 19,348 feet, one of the world's highest active volcanoes and one of its most iconic.

The program is designed for intermediate climbers ready to step into serious high-altitude mountaineering without committing to a full expedition-scale objective. Cayambe comes first, providing the acclimatization and technical review that sets the team up for Cotopaxi. A skilled Ecuadorian guide joins the program alongside RMI's lead guide, bringing local knowledge of the peaks, the conditions, and the culture that shapes every aspect of how the expedition unfolds.

The expedition begins in Quito, one of the best-preserved colonial cities in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. At 9,350 feet, Quito itself begins the acclimatization process while the city's markets, architecture, and neighborhoods offer a genuine introduction to Ecuadorian culture before the climbing begins. This is a program where the mountains are the objective and the country is the experience.

Climb three moderately challenging peaks in Mongolia's remote Altai Tavan Bogd (Five Saints) National Park, and experience the endless steppes, crystal-clear rivers, and distinctive nomadic culture that make Mongolia a destination unlike anywhere else. With accessible altitudes and Himalayan-style terrain, the Tavan Bogd massif is a superb introduction to expedition climbing.

Our journey begins in UlaanBaatar — where glass skyscrapers stand beside traditional ger camps. We then fly west to Olgii and drive six hours to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. From Potaniin Base Camp we climb Malchin Peak (13,287'), then move to High Camp for summit attempts on Mt. Khuiten (14,350'), the highest peak in Mongolia, and Nairamdal Peak (13,714'), near the meeting point of Mongolia, Russia, and China.

First-class support — camp cooks, porters, Bactrian camels, horses, and jeep service — keeps packs light and the climbing enjoyable, and we run a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio. The trek out, following the White River through the Tsagaan Gol Valley, is as memorable as the trek in.

• Climb three peaks, including Mt. Khuiten (14,350'), the highest in Mongolia
• Himalayan-style climbing at accessible altitudes in the Altai Range
• Experience the culture of UlaanBaatar and the Kazakh heritage of the west
• Full camp, camel, horse, and jeep support with a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio
• Venture into one of the least-explored corners of the world