Between 4th and 7th July, 2013, we will be taking on Volcanos Fuya Fuya, Imbabura and Cotocachi (4850m).
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Day 1 - Laguna Cuicocha
This is a warm-up day, heading up to Laguna Cuicocha (Guinea Pig Lake) at the foot of Cotacahi and circumnavigating the great crater at approximately 3300m, getting a chance to view all 3 volcanoes that we will be summiting in the following 3 days.
Day 2 - Fuya Fuya
The team will set out early and head up to Laguna Mojando where they will begin the ascent of Fuya Fuya. At 2,400m Fuya Fuya overlooks Lago Mojando ( as series of 3 crater lakes). Often covered in cloud (its Kichwa name is Cloud, Cloud) this extinct volcano, with its steep climb, will provide the perfect acclimatization and warm up for the team.
Day 3 – Taita Imbabura
Heading out at dawn the team will make their way up to national park entrance where they will begin the 5 hour ascent of Imbabura.
The team will be climbing up the east face of the exploded crater and will be up among high grass páramo and in the last 100m face some rocky outcrops to reach the summit at 4,557m. If the clouds are high the team will be rewarded with a fantastic view of Ibarra, Otavalo and of their objective for the 3rd and final day – Cotacachi!
Day 4 – Cotacachi
The final and most challenging of climbs (especially after the previous days) is that of Cotacachi – the 11th highest peak in Ecuador (4,944m). The majestic volcano has been sculpted and eroded by centuries of glacial action resulting in almost vertical slopes – an icon of this area and one the team see on a daily basis when up at school – is an estimated 8hr return climb. The team will once again set out at dawn and get ahead of the sunshine in the 5 hours ascent.
The last 100 or so metres will require a rock climb and ropes and harnesses will be provided for those that wish to attempt the summit. At the summit the team once again will be rewarded with views of the snow-capped peaks of Cayambe, Cotopaxi and the Imbabura cratered peak from the day before!
