Ecuador — Cotopaxi: Itinerary
Day 1
Our journey begins in Quito, Ecuador. At over 9,000ft. We will already begin our acclimatization process here in town. Quito is a dazzling city complete with many of the European amenities you would find anywhere else in the world. This city is an excellent point of departure into the high and wild Andes Mountains.
Day 2
This is the day to truly stretch our legs after a late arrival the night before and tour the city. On this day we will explore the older colonial section of town, as well as the newer, more urban part of town as well. Crossing thru immense outdoor parks, sidewalk cafes, and outside markets. Trying out some Spanish and sampling local cuisine will be the order of the day, as we adjust to the new altitude. On this day, the highlight will be our opening keynote speech from bringing our focus on the challenges to come.
Day 3
On this day we all travel by bus to Otavalo, the central town and market for the indigenous tribes of the country. After a brisk hike around Lake Cuicocha, an extinct and filled volcano crater, we will return to our hotel to listen to live Andean music, complete with pan flutes and drums, all around a roaring fire. Around the fire in the afternoon, we discuss the challenges that Situational Leadership can bring us, and what the "nuts and bolts" of the upcoming climbs will be. This leaves time for us in the evening to stroll the market for gifts and treasures.
Day 4
On this day we will take our acclimatization process to the next level as we partially ascend Cotocachi (16,190ft.) This is not a true summit bid. But merely a chance to continue to go higher in our altitude adjustment. Along the way we will discuss the plus / delta model of feedback and just what it takes to be a functioning team in the mountains. We return to Otavalo again for another night, possibly to sample some local delicacies, like cuy, or guinea pig in English! The work however is not done. Assigned with tasks around logistics for our trip, all of our food buying and equipment sorting will be finalized this very night.
Day 5
This is the day that we will be getting up close and personal with our 1st glaciated peak of the trip, Cayambe, (18,930ft.) Ecuador has a hut system comparable to those in Europe and New Zealand, and we will drive to just below the hut itself, which itself is situated at about 15,000ft. Slowly we will walk up the final hill to stretch our legs, as our equipment will be driven all the way to the hut via jeep. In the afternoon we will have "hard skill" presentations. Crevasse rescue, ice climbing, and knots are the priority. We will spend the rest of the day focusing on our breathing and hydrations while preparing for the work ahead.
Day 6
The massive Cayambe glacier behind the hut will serve as our classroom for this day. We will practice roped team travel, crampon and ice axe technique, crevasse rescue, and if time and conditions permit, perhaps some ice climbing as well! We will return to the hut as the sunsets, just in time for a wonderful meal by candlelight. This evening we will introduce the Outward Bound Leadership Development Profile. A 360 degree feedback tool we will use for the rest of our time together.
Day 7
Termas De Papallacta is truly one of Ecuador's best-kept secrets. Healing waters from a natural spring flow into multi-tiered pools that are surrounded by lush green hills and private caba~nas. At night we dine on fresh trout from the stream directly adjacent to our hideaway.
As we rest from our time up high, we will put into use the plus/ delta model to discuss what worked well on Cayambe, and what we need to improve upon for Cotopaxi. There is also the opportunity for a short hike thru the cloud forest itself to see many of the local species of hummingbirds and llamas grazing in the fields. Truly an enjoyable day.
Day 8
Fully rested, we pack up yet again and travel to Cotopaxi national park. Home of one of the most photographed mountains in the world, the extinct volcano Cotopaxi (19,340ft.) Within the park boundaries at 12,000ft. is a hostel called Tambopaxi. With picture windows all around and a roaring fire in the corner, we plan and prepare for the grandest adventure, our summit attempt of Cotopaxi.
Day 9
This day we drive even further into the park watching out for packs of wild horses that roam the plains. We will stop at a base of a 300ft. hill, which at the top of lays our next hut. A short but strenuous hike with all our equipment brings us to the hut at 15,000ft. This day we will discuss what it takes to lead a rope team, everyone's roles and responsibilities, as well as developing contingency plans. We have the rest of the day to move in, get organized and head to bed early for a summit day departure of 2am the following morning.
Day 10
Summit day! Probably the most stand alone summit in all of Ecuador as the peak itself is in the heart of the Andean range. This day can last up to 12 hours. All the while you are applying lessons learned, defining your role within the team, and hopefully utilizing every resource at your fingertips. Upon returning to the hut, it is down, down, down! Back to Quito the very same day you could stand on the top!
Day 11
A day in Quito to celebrate! This is the day where we tie it all together. The best expeditions are the ones where you walk away with tangible skills and goals to take on "down your road". We will spend the day exploring these issues, the highs and the lows, and all that you will be taking away with you. After a great dinner out, the highlight of which is Luis Benitez sharing some of his Everest stories, some members may choose to fly home late this night, while others can wait for morning of the next day.
Day 12
Fly home.
