Cayambe 5,790m/18,996ft
Cotopaxi 5,897m/19,347ft
Chimborazo 6,310m/20,702ft
Ecuador is a country of exquisite scenery, friendly people and outstanding mountains. Those of you who are relatively new to mountaineering or experiencing altitude for the first time will thoroughly enjoy this programme.
Our qualified guides introduce you to international-standard climbing techniques through our glacier school, and you climb three splendid volcanic peaks including Ecuador’s highest, Mount Chimborazo. We begin by climbing the trekking peaks Ilaló, Pasochoa and Ruca Pichincha near Quito. These completed, we ascend Cayambe where we practice our climbing skills before moving onto Cotopaxi.
Chimborazo is the third summit that we climb on both névé and hard glacial ice. When travelling between our mountain destinations we stay in restored haciendas, some dating back to the early 1800s, which are now world-class resort hotels. On rest days we visit the majestic and wild ecological zone of the ‘cloud forest’ and revel in the region’s amazing biological diversity.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialized Expedition leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Our Ecuador High Altitude Expeditions are a joint Adventure Consultants/American Alpine Institute trip. We used AAI’s experienced and motivated staff for these trips, offering you the best possible price and high quality expedition.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Dates 2023
| Trip 5: May 6–20 | |
| Trip 6: May 20 to June 3 | |
| Trip 7: June 3–17 | |
| Trip 8: July 1–15 | |
| Trip 9: November 4–18 | |
| Trip 10: November 18 to December 2 | |
| Trip 11: December 2–16 | |
| Trip 12: December 17–31 |
Private departures are available upon request.
Dates 2024
| Trip 1: January 13–27 | |
| Trip 2: February 10–24 | |
| Trip 3: February 24 to March 9 | |
| Trip 4: May 4–18 | |
| Trip 5: May 18 to June 1 | |
| Trip 6: June 8–22 | |
| Trip 7: July 6–20 |
Private departures are available upon request.
Pricing Schedule 2023/2024
The cost of the expedition ex Quito, Ecuador is US$4,650.
The cost of private departures is available on application.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$500 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance Payment
The balance of payment is due 90 days prior to your expedition start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. A climber may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Ecuador Volcanoes Expeditions.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
The team will have a minimum size of 4 members and 2 guides.
Partnership with American Alpine Institute
This trip is offered as part of our partnership with American Alpine Institute (AAI) in Bellingham, Washington. When you sign on we will alert the AAI office about our discussions and your choice of a trip and have them contact you. AAI will know about your background, how your last trip went, your skill level, and your current plan for a next program. AAI and AC will work together to assure that you are well taken care of and that all your planning and preparation goes smoothly, and that everything is in place to help you achieve your goals.
For more on the partnership see our Partners page.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders have extensive experience at altitude and a proven record of safety, success, and compatibility.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
To climb these peaks you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days’ duration. Expedition members can expect to be exerting themselves for about six hours per day and be capable of carrying a 20 kg pack.
Climbing at altitude affects people differently; most climbers notice a lower performance rate than normal. Our climbing days are mostly short to accommodate this and vital rest days are usually welcomed! Our graduated acclimatisation program allows you to progressively consolidate your fitness. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
This expedition is suitable for those who are relatively new to mountaineering or have had some previous experience. Climbing skills and techniques will be instructed by your guides during the expedition.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
What You Carry
Ecuadorian mountaineering rarely requires us to carry heavy packs due to huts being located close to the road end. Occasionally we will have to carry loads for short periods and it is worth training for this. An example is when we must carry our equipment and food from the road end to the mountain huts, taking about 40-50 minutes. Typical summit day pack should be no more than 15 to 20 pounds, or 6 to 10kgs.
History
In the late 1800’s as Edward Whymper and associates made their annual forays into the high country, they had no idea that they were stepping into mountaineering history as some of the first climbers to find alpine terrain directly on the equator at over 15,000ft (5,900m).
Food
During the expedition you will enjoy high quality ‘western’ food as well as popular local dishes. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form.
Clothing & Equipment
Expedition members will be sent a list detailing all necessary individual clothing and personal equipment to be provided.
Communication & Messages
There is cell coverage throughout most of Ecuador and your guide is in contact cell phone coverage with our local agent. You will be able to contact friends and family back home from land line phones between climbs and you may have cell coverage also for your personal phones. Internet services should be available every few days.
| Day |
|
| 1 |
Arrive Quito, hotel night |
| 2 |
Gear check and acclimatisation hike of Ilaló, hotel night |
| 3 |
Acclimatisation hike Cerro Pasochoa, hotel night |
| 4 |
Acclimatisation hike Rucu Pichincha, hacienda night |
| 5 |
Travel to Cayambe, hut night |
| 6 |
Skills practice Cayambe / Hermoso Glacier, hut night |
| 7 |
Summit Cayambe, hacienda night |
| 8 |
Travel to Cotopaxi region, hacienda or lodge night |
| 9 |
Travel to Cotopaxi National Park and hike to José Ribas Hut. hut night |
| 10 |
Summit Cotopaxi, lodge night |
| 11 |
Travel to Chimborazo, lodge night |
| 12 |
Hike to Stübel Camp, camping night |
| 13 |
Chimborazo Summit, hotel night |
| 14 |
Contingency Day. Return to Quito, hotel night |
| 15 |
Depart from Quito |
Day 1: Arrive in Quito and meet your guide as well as other members of the expedition. For those who arrive early, we will provide you with a variety of sightseeing options around Quito.
Day 2: After breakfast your guide(s) will brief the group on the details of the expedition and conduct an equipment check before embarking on our first hike to Ilaló Volcano (2,572m/8,438ft). Ilaló is an inactive volcano located between the San Pedro River to the west and Chiche River to the east. It is located eight kilometers east of Quito, rising from a fertile green valley that enjoys a very mild climate and temperatures. Ilaló splits this valley in two; Valle de Los Chillos to the south and Valle de Tumbaco to the north. There is a small lava dome to the south called Milivaro which is extinct as well. This entire volcanic complex has been covered in its totality by cangahua which is a fertile ash deposited by the wind from other, younger volcanoes in the region. The hike to Ilalo is a pleasant three to four hour hike, and from the summit there are great views of the surrounding peaks including Pasochoa, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe.
Day 3: Acclimatisation hike on Cerro Pasochoa (4,200m/13,780ft): The Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge has been protected since 1982 and exists as it did in pre-Columbian times. In the forest below Cerro Pasochoa, we will hike among stands of pumamaqui, polyapis, podocarpus and sandalwood trees as we watch for some of the more than one hundred species of native birds.
Day 4: Acclimatisation hike on Rucu Pichincha (4,784m/15,696ft): We head to the east of Quito to the Pichincha Massif for our final acclimatisation hike on Rucu Pichincha. This hike involves first taking a cable car ride above the city, then hiking on trails through rolling hills with a few rock scrambles for good measure. The summit provides views of the central valley from high above Quito. In the afternoon, we travel to one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador, Hacienda Guachala (built in 1580), for the night. The hacienda is a beautiful property which maintains its rustic charm and was used by Edward Whymper before his first ascent of Cayambe in 1880.
Day 5: Travel to Cayambe Refuge (4,648m/15,249ft): We make our way through the small village of Cayambe to have a close look at the simple rural architecture, which typifies villages in the Andean foothills. The road changes as we gain more elevation, becoming more and more rigorous. Depending on road conditions, we may hike the last section of road and allow the jeeps to go on ahead with our equipment. When we reach the famous Cayambe Refuge, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the precipitous Glaciar Hermoso, the “beautiful glacier”. In the afternoon, we will take a short hike above camp as far as the entrance to the upper glacier. This trip may take up to two hours in total. In the evening, if the skies are clear, we will enjoy the alpenglow at sunset showing our route up the south and western flanks of Cayambe.
Day 6: Skills Practice Cayambe/Glaciar Hermoso: Much of this day will be spent discussing and practising alpine climbing skills to prepare for our summit attempt on Cayambe. The glacier above the hut provides an excellent classroom for learning and reviewing basic glacier travel skills, ice axe and crampon technique, plus self-arrest. After spending the day on the ice, we return to the comfort of the refuge and discuss our plan for summit day.
Day 7: Cayambe Summit Attempt (5,790m/18,996ft): We start our climb in the middle of the night, making use of the firm snow conditions caused by the cooler night time temperatures. The route takes us up varied terrain on rock until we reach the glacier, where we configure our teams for glacier travel. The snow and ice climbing on Cayambe is moderate and the steepness tops out at a comfortable 35 degrees. Our first major landmark is the Picos Jarrin (5,300m/17,390ft), a big rock outcrop where we have a good opportunity for a break. Above this point, the route becomes a bit steeper and more exposed to weather. As we near the summit, the final obstacle presents itself as a steep face passable through good route finding. We usually need to traverse around seracs and crevasses in order to gain the summit. The traverse creates an exciting finish to one of the great classics of equatorial climbs. We then descend and spend the night at Hacienda Guachala.
Day 8: Travel to Cotopaxi Region (Recovery Day): We leave Cayambe and travel to one of the excellent haciendas or lodges located on the north side of the Cotopaxi National Park (most commonly at Tambopaxi). We review the workings of our team on our climb of Cayambe and discuss the coming ascent of Cotopaxi. This will be a well-earned day of rest, but you’ll also enjoy stretching your legs on a walk and enjoying the great views.
Day 9: Travel to Cotopaxi National Park and Jose Ribas Hut: Today we drive down the “Valley of Volcanoes” and turn east to Cotopaxi, eventually finding ourselves on a small altiplano beneath Cotopaxi National Park's towering summits of Ruminahui (4,755m/15,602ft), Sincholagua (4,986m/16,360ft) and Quilindana (4,917m/16,134ft). We are fairly likely to get good sightings of wild horses, llamas and condors while driving up to around 4,600m/15,100ft. From here, a forty-five minute climb with full packs takes us to the José Ribas Hut on Cotopaxi's flank at 4,794m/15,729ft.
Day 10: Climb Cotopaxi (5,897m/19,347ft): On summit day, we will leave the hut well before dawn in order to have firm snow conditions. We first climb non-glaciated slopes and then ascend a series of uniform snow and ice ramps of 30 and 35 degrees to reach a glacial platform at around 5,200m/17,000ft. As dawn arrives, we enjoy views of the massive glacial slopes of 5,704m/18,714ft Antisana, which rises to our north. We belay across occasional snow bridges, skirt large crevasses and ascend moderate terrain towards the huge summit cone. We reach the base of the 120m/400ft rock wall Yanasacha (which means "Black Wild Place" in Quechua) and to its side, encounter a gaping bergschrund at the base of the final glacial slopes that we must climb to reach the summit. We move onto a steeper ice face, up to about 55 degrees. From there, we belay up some of the most enjoyable snow and ice climbing pitches in Ecuador. The gradient eases off as we reach the crater rim and continue along easier slopes to Ecuador’s second highest summit. From the top, we enjoy views of nine major equatorial peaks, the seemingly limitless Amazon Basin to our east and Cotopaxi’s spectacular 300m/1,000ft deep summit crater directly below us. We drive back down to our hacienda in the central valley where we enjoy a celebratory meal together.
Day 11: Travel to the flank of Chimborazo: We drive south, down the "Valley of Volcanoes" along the Pan-American Highway through the towns of Latacunga and Ambato. We will stop along the way for lunch. In the afternoon, we move up onto the eastern flanks of Chimborazo where we spend an evening in a lodge at 3,499m/11,480ft. It sits picturesquely in grassy plains below Chimborazo and allows us to rest and enjoy views of the Ecuadorian Altiplano surrounding Chimborazo and Carihuairazo (also known as “Chimborazo’s Wife”).
Day 12: Travel to Chimborazo Basecamp: From the lodge on the eastern side of Chimborazo, we drive to the western side of the volcano passing through the town of Riobamba. Chimborazo Province is very hilly and is populated by a very high percentage of indigenous people. Great views of the Chimborazo massif, the surrounding rolling terrain and wild vicuñas and llamas will be had during our drive. Around noon, we will reach the Carrel Hut (4,800m/15,700ft) for lunch. The afternoon will be used to complete a two-hour hike to the Stübel Camp (4,900m/16,100ft). Climbers carry their own personal gear to camp while porters carry water, tents and food. In preparation for our alpine start at around midnight, we will have an early dinner. Despite the building excitement for the next day’s summit climb, we will go to bed early in anticipation of a safe and rewarding climb in the morning. If conditions on the mountain are different and a direct route is more favourable, the team may stay in the Whymper or Carrel huts and make the summit attempt from there.
Day 13: Chimborazo Summit (6,310m/20,702ft): From Stübel Camp, we follow the Stübel Glacier until it joins the Castle Saddle (5,499m/18,044ft). It takes an average of eight hours to get to the Whymper summit from Stübel Camp. By the time we reach the 5,640m/18,500ft foot level, we will have surmounted most of the technical challenges on the mountain and on the remainder of our route we will ascend compact and moderately angled snow. The summit crater area is a vast one that is normally covered in its entirety either in soft snow or nieve penitentes. Although this is our longest day, we will be well acclimatised from the conditioning we have achieved on our previous climbs. Round trip we will spend 10 to 12 hours on route, which includes some ice ramps, snow bridges and sections of icefall. It is a very interesting route on an impressively large mountain. We will descend to the Carrel Hut and then continue in our vehicle to the lower altitude and oxygen-rich town of Baños at the edge of the Amazon Basin.
Day 14: Contingency Day. Should Day 13 be needed to wait out inclement weather, we will make our summit climb on this day. If we climb on Day 14, we will hike out after our ascent and drive to Quito where we will spend the night.
Day 15: Depart Quito.
From the teeming rivers of the Amazon to the spectacular Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, your South American expedition needn't finish at the bottom of the mountain.
Check out our dedicated South America Add Ons page for a whole host of ways to maximize your experience on the continent.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our South American expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Please note you will be emailed a set of Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips.
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Once on the ground in South America, you can expect to be well looked after by our guides to that you can relax and enjoy trekking through this amazing region.
What showers and washing (clothes) will be available on the expedition?
Showers will be available in the city hotels that are utilised prior to and after your climb. After your departure from town, please do not expect a shower each day but these will be offered where possible. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for impromptu washes in between available showers.
What food will be available?
You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks but if you have any special treats you like, we encourage you to bring some along. When staying in the cities, expect a wide variety of options. Once on the climbing programme, our well-trained cooks prepare high-quality Western food as well as popular local dishes. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form as we are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.
What are the hotels/lodges like?
We use centrally located mid-range hotels for city nights and for lodge-based expeditions, we book tidy, clean, modern lodges through our local agents. Our standard trip inclusions are based on shared rooms, usually twin share. Once on your climbing programme, you will be staying in tents which will be part of a larger camp.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore your arrival city if you have the time.
My travel agent says I can just get an e-ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
E-tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows you to change your return flight plans if need be.
When should I book my ticket?
Generally, we ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights early then please ensure you can make changes to your tickets and we highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance. If the circumstance arises that we have to cancel the trip for any reason, we are usually able to help you book on to an alternate departure, either with us or another operator.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel, as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run, they save you money!
Will I be picked up from the airport?
Where possible, an Adventure Consultants representative will be there to meet you off your flight on the scheduled arrival date. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often make arrangements for a pick-up, although taking a taxi is generally the easiest form of transport before your trip starts.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions that you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans as we love to pass on sightseeing tips.
Do I need to get a visa to travel to Peru, Chile or Argentina?
Most visitors who stay for less than three months do not require a visitor’s visa, but you must check this with your local embassy or travel agent for updates.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will get be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration and deposit.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared so that you have clothing/equipment for all eventualities. Please bring everything on the list!
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear extra clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before or during the climb?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits. You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
How much weight do we carry on the climb?
When on the trekking portion of your itinerary, you will carry your daypack with warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day. Generally, it will be light, 5-10kg/10-20lb. On Alpamayo, your pack will be much heavier, so do make sure that you are 'pack fit' prior to arriving onto the expedition.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. From those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure, we provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Manaslu and Kanchenjunga, all Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for a climb?
We cannot recommend enough being fit prior to the expedition as this will make all the difference to your acclimatisation, and ultimately, your enjoyment. For our South American expeditions, you should be comfortable walking for 6-8 hours with an appropriately weighted pack. Walking a few hours each day, then 6-8 hours on the weekends is generally a good realistic training programme.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these, generally at US$3 per minute depending on the region. Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the AC website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Many of our climbs send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the climb? What are the voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our computers, satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. There is usually enough power to then charge your personal electrical equipment. If your equipment has a cigarette lighter car charger, bring that and you can plug it in to charge. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost - please enquire with our office.
What insurance do I need to get?
On all of our international expeditions we require you to have travel insurance covering medical evacuation and repatriation. This should cover you in the event that any mishap occurs and an expensive evacuation is initiated. We also highly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive policy to cover trip cancellation, delayed flights, lost luggage, etc..
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our trips. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international flights.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
There is an extensive section in our reference notes, which are sent out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
Dispatches - Ecuador 2005
