Why should I climb with Ecuador Eco Adventure?
Short Answer
Ecuador Eco Adventure has been leading professional mountain expeditions in Ecuador since 2006. Our climbs are led by ASEGUIM-certified Ecuadorian mountain guides, follow carefully planned acclimatization itineraries, include high-quality technical equipment, and prioritize safety above everything else.
Detailed Answer
Choosing the right mountain guide is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning a climb in Ecuador. While many companies advertise similar itineraries, the experience, qualifications, and safety standards behind each operation can vary significantly.
Since 2006, Ecuador Eco Adventure has specialized in mountain climbing, trekking, and high-altitude expeditions throughout the Ecuadorian Andes. Our team has successfully guided thousands of climbers from around the world on Ecuador’s highest volcanoes, including Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana, Iliniza Norte, Iliniza Sur, Carihuairazo, and many other peaks.
Unlike many operators, we work exclusively with certified Ecuadorian mountain guides who are trained and accredited by ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides). These professionals possess extensive knowledge of glacier travel, rescue procedures, weather interpretation, route conditions, and high-altitude safety.
Our itineraries are designed around proper acclimatization rather than rushing clients to the summit. We understand that successful mountain climbing depends not only on physical fitness but also on allowing the body enough time to adapt to altitude.
In addition to certified guides, our climbing programs include quality technical equipment, reliable transportation, carefully selected accommodations, and ongoing support before and throughout your expedition.
Our objective has always remained the same: provide safe, professional, and unforgettable mountain experiences in Ecuador.
How many years has Ecuador Eco Adventure been operating?
Short Answer
Ecuador Eco Adventure has been operating continuously since 2006, making us one of Ecuador’s longest-established adventure tour operators specializing in mountain climbing.
Detailed Answer
Founded in 2006, Ecuador Eco Adventure has nearly two decades of experience organizing mountain expeditions throughout Ecuador.
Over the years we have welcomed climbers, trekkers, photographers, outdoor clubs, universities, military teams, and expedition groups from more than 70 countries.
Our experience extends far beyond simply organizing climbs. Throughout the years we have witnessed changes in glacier conditions, volcanic activity, weather patterns, national park regulations, access roads, and climbing routes. This long-term knowledge allows us to continually adapt our itineraries and provide realistic advice to every client.
Today we remain proudly Ecuadorian-owned and operated, working closely with local communities, mountain refuges, transportation providers, and certified guides to deliver professional adventures across the country.
Nearly twenty years of continuous operation has allowed us to build a reputation based on safety, reliability, and local expertise.
Are all your mountain guides ASEGUIM-certified?
Short Answer
Yes. All technical mountain climbs are led exclusively by ASEGUIM-certified Ecuadorian mountain guides.
Detailed Answer
Safety is the foundation of every mountain expedition we organize.
For this reason, Ecuador Eco Adventure only works with certified mountain guides who have completed professional training through ASEGUIM, Ecuador’s official Association of Mountain Guides.
ASEGUIM certification requires years of technical training in glacier travel, rope management, crevasse rescue, avalanche awareness, navigation, first aid, mountain meteorology, and risk management.
Our guides possess extensive experience climbing Ecuador’s highest volcanoes throughout every season of the year. Because they regularly work on these mountains, they remain familiar with changing glacier conditions, crevasse formations, snow quality, and route variations.
By choosing a certified guide, clients receive professional instruction, safer decision-making, and greater confidence throughout the expedition.
What is your standard guide-to-client ratio?
Short Answer
Our standard guide ratio on technical climbs is one certified mountain guide for every two climbers (1:2).
Detailed Answer
Maintaining a low guide-to-client ratio is one of the most important safety measures during glacier climbing.
For most technical mountains, including Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana, we operate with a maximum ratio of one certified guide for every two climbers.
This allows guides to closely monitor each participant’s pace, physical condition, hydration, and overall well-being throughout the climb.
A smaller ratio also improves communication, allows for better rope management on glaciers, and enables guides to react quickly should weather or mountain conditions change unexpectedly.
Private climbs are also available for climbers seeking individual instruction or greater flexibility during the expedition.
Do you offer private climbs, group climbs, or both?
Short Answer
Yes. We offer both private departures and small group expeditions throughout the year.
Detailed Answer
Every climber has different objectives, experience levels, and travel schedules.
For this reason, Ecuador Eco Adventure offers both private climbs and shared group departures.
Private climbs provide complete flexibility. Clients can choose their preferred dates, move at their own pace, receive personalized instruction, and enjoy an itinerary designed specifically around their goals.
Group departures are an excellent option for solo travelers or climbers looking to reduce costs while sharing the experience with other mountaineers.
Regardless of the type of departure, every climb follows the same professional safety standards and is led by certified mountain guides.
Can solo travelers join an existing group?
Short Answer
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome and can often join existing departures when schedules and climbing objectives match.
Detailed Answer
Many of our clients travel to Ecuador alone.
Whenever possible, we help solo climbers join compatible groups heading to the same mountain on similar dates. Sharing a guide can significantly reduce costs while creating an enjoyable team atmosphere.
Before confirming a shared departure, we carefully consider each participant’s climbing experience, fitness level, and objectives to ensure that all members of the group are compatible.
If no suitable group is available, we can also organize a private climb with a dedicated certified guide.
How far in advance should I book?
Short Answer
We recommend booking at least one to three months in advance, particularly during the busiest climbing seasons.
Detailed Answer
Although mountain climbing is available throughout much of the year, availability of certified guides, accommodations, and transportation can become limited during peak climbing months.
Booking several weeks or months in advance provides greater flexibility when selecting travel dates and allows us to organize every aspect of your expedition carefully.
Early reservations are particularly recommended for private climbs, large groups, holiday periods, and custom expeditions involving multiple mountains.
Planning ahead also gives climbers sufficient time to prepare physically and gather any personal equipment required for the trip.
What deposit is required to confirm a booking?
Short Answer
A 30% deposit is required to secure your reservation.
Detailed Answer
To confirm a climbing expedition, Ecuador Eco Adventure requires a 30% non-refundable deposit.
The deposit allows us to reserve certified mountain guides, accommodations, transportation, permits, and logistical services necessary for your expedition.
The remaining balance is normally paid before the beginning of the climbing program.
Clients may pay using major international credit cards or other approved payment methods provided during the booking process.
Are deposits refundable?
Short Answer
Deposits are generally non-refundable because they are used to reserve guides and operational services in advance.
Detailed Answer
Mountain expeditions require extensive planning long before clients arrive in Ecuador.
Once a reservation is confirmed, guides, accommodations, transportation providers, and other logistical services are booked specifically for your expedition.
For this reason, deposits are normally non-refundable.
However, whenever possible, we are happy to work with clients who experience unforeseen circumstances by discussing alternative dates or future departures, subject to operational availability and our booking policies.
We always encourage clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage.
Can I change my climbing dates after booking?
Short Answer
Yes, date changes are often possible depending on guide availability and operational logistics.
Detailed Answer
We understand that international travel plans sometimes change.
Whenever possible, Ecuador Eco Adventure will work with clients to reschedule climbing dates. Changes depend on the availability of certified guides, accommodations, national park access, and transportation,a s well time of the request to change.
We recommend notifying us as early as possible if changes become necessary, as this greatly increases the likelihood of accommodating new dates.
Some modifications may involve additional operational costs depending on the services that have already been confirmed.
What payment methods do you accept?
Short Answer
We accept all major international credit cards, bank transfers, and several secure electronic payment methods.
Detailed Answer
To make booking convenient for clients from around the world, Ecuador Eco Adventure accepts a variety of payment options.
These include major international credit cards, bank transfers, and other secure payment systems available during the booking process. For clients from Brazil, we also accept PIX payments.
Our secure payment process allows travelers to reserve their climbing expedition from virtually anywhere in the world while providing flexibility and peace of mind.
Once payment has been received, clients receive booking confirmation along with detailed preparation information, equipment lists, and itinerary documents to help them prepare for their adventure in Ecuador.
Is insurance included in your climbing programs?
Short Answer
Yes. All of our mountain climbing programs include adventure rescue insurance that covers emergency assistance during the expedition. We strongly recommend that all travelers also purchase comprehensive personal travel insurance to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage, and international flights.
Detailed Answer
Your safety is our highest priority, which is why all technical mountain climbing programs organized by Ecuador Eco Adventure include adventure rescue insurance as part of the expedition.
This insurance is designed to provide assistance in the event of a mountain emergency requiring rescue or evacuation during one of our guided climbs. While emergencies are rare, we believe every climber should have the confidence of knowing that an emergency response plan is already in place.
It is important to understand that our adventure rescue insurance is not a replacement for comprehensive personal travel insurance. We strongly recommend that every participant purchase their own travel insurance before arriving in Ecuador. A personal policy should include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage protection, flight delays, and international medical evacuation when applicable.
Our certified ASEGUIM mountain guides are trained to recognize altitude-related illnesses, changing mountain conditions, and other potential hazards. Should an emergency occur, they will coordinate the appropriate rescue procedures and work with local emergency services when necessary.
Mountain climbing is an inherently adventurous activity, but proper planning, experienced guides, quality equipment, and appropriate insurance all contribute to making your expedition as safe and enjoyable as possible.
What Happens If Bad Weather Prevents the Summit?
Mountain climbing always involves accepting that nature has the final decision, is very important to understand we do not control weather, and that we canot be held responsible for bad conditions on the date client choose to climb.
If weather conditions become unsafe due to high winds, electrical storms, poor visibility, unstable snow, or volcanic activity, our certified guides may decide to postpone or abandon the summit attempt.
Although reaching the summit is always our objective, no mountain is worth compromising the safety of our clients or guides.
.
General Manager and Founder. National guide and wildlife expert, photographer of wildlife, and Ecuador Birdwatcher. Wlady is a proud Ecuadorian who went to highschool in New Zealand and started of Ecuador Eco Adventure after meeting his Aussie mate Jake while studying ecotourism at uni. Ask us about how to climb Cotopaxi and Climbing Chimborazo as well as Trekking in Ecuador and Yasuni Amazon Tours.