Exclusively curated itinerary by Adventurous Ewe

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on local communities and livelihoods across the planet, we’re keen to promote adventures in countries that are actively working towards sustainable tourism and conservation projects. ecuador has built a fine network of national parks and reserves that provide a magnificent resource for responsible tourism.

We’re particularly keen and passionate to help support the local tourism industry here whilst also giving you the chance to get out and explore the diverse landscapes of this country in a safe and fun manner.

This exclusive adventure has been designed to deliver an amazing experience and showcase the some of the most stunning landscapes across the Ecuadorian Andes whilst also giving you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of the mountains, glacier, ice-fields, environment, wildlife, culture and local communities. 

On joining us for the Cotopaxi and the Avenue of Volcanos Trek, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our mobile travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead. A’ppy days.

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on this trek of Patagonia and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.

Jim has been very fortunate to have completed this trek numerous times, so we are best placed to answer all your questions or queries no matter how big or small.

On signing up for the trip, we will provide you with the recommended flights to book or alternately, we can book the flights for you through our ATOL & ABTA protected Flight Agent at an additional cost. 

Flights are not included in your to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport, use your frequent flyer points or extend your stay in Ecuador if you wish. 

There are direct flights from London and non-direct flights for all major airports across the UK. Return flights from the UK to Buenos Aires and on to El Calafate are operated by British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Swiss and Iberia.

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay in Ecuador. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity.

British nationals do not require a visa to enter Ecuador for the purpose of tourism. On presentation of a valid British passport you will normally be given an entry stamp permitting you to stay in the country for a period of up to 90 days. For the latest entry requirements, click here.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, activities undertaken, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and COVID-19 travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.

You must send your Travel Insurance Policy to Adventurous Ewe no less than one month prior to departure.

Global Rescue Membership

For peace of mind whilst trekking in the mountains, Global Rescue provides short term membership giving access to travel, security, medical advisory and evacuation services up to $US500,000.  They’re a specialised field rescue company, and assist from the point of illness or injury by getting you to the closest and most appropriate medical facilities to get stabilised. Once fit to fly if you require additional inpatient treatment Global Rescue will further evacuate and repatriate to your home hospital on record. These services are all covered through their upfront membership fee with no claims process.  For more info, please click here. 

Vaccinations

There are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements for Ecuador.

For the most up to date details on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 8 weeks in advance of travel. For up to date vaccination info please check the latest health advice for Argentina from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website.

Dengue fever is also a known risk in Ecuador. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites such as wearing long clothing, using repellent and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. If you have a fever or feel unwell, please let your Leader know right away.

Apart from the recent COVID-19 pandemic there are no other health risks in Argentina. We are monitoring and activating the guidelines and recommendations put in place by the respective governments and World Health Organisation as a result of COVID-19. You will receive our operational guidelines for this expedition when you join the trip and hand sanitiser and face masks will be provided for travel. Rest assured your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times.

Severe allergies

If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority. The Cotopaxi and Avenue of Volcanos Trek is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something incredible. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.

You will be accompanied by local qualified Mountain Guide/s and a UK Mountain Leader for groups over 8 people. All our Guides are Remote First Aid trained and have extensive experience in leading teams in this region. They will be ultimately responsible for your safety on this trip.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel advice website for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

We also ask that you please ensure you use your alcohol-based hand sanitiser at all times to minimise the spread of any germs throughout your fellow flock of trekkers!

You will be accompanied by your IFMGA certified Mountain Guide/s during high altitude sections on this mountain trek, such as during Cotoppaxi, Cayambe and North Iliniza. An IFMGA-certified mountain guide is a professional whose competence has been certified worldwide by an official institution that is accredited by the IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guiding Associations). He/she may lead, instruct, advise and coach members of the public in the four disciplines of mountaineering, ski touring, rock climbing and ice climbing. Our Guides are First Aid trained and have extensive experience in leading groups in the Julian Alps. They will be ultimately responsible for your safety on this trip. Our Guides have been carefully selected to ensure you have the best experience with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure.

Your Guide is a key part to this trip. They are all expertly trained (IFMGA) and experienced in every field of mountain trek, bilingual (English and Spanish) and have a huge passion for what they do and have plenty of knowledge ready to share with you. They are responsible for ensuring the complete safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of the team whilst also retaining a flexible and fun attitude. The Guide/s have radio and mobile phone contact with base, the local office and Adventurous Ewe’s HQ.

You will be accompanied by certified Adventurous Ewe Local Guide for the trip together with a support crew who will accompany you throughout your trip. They’re a friendly bunch with a huge level of care and a great sense of humour. Rest assured they are fully experienced and remote first aid qualified. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic.

The minimum group size for the Cotopaxi and Avenue of Volcanos Trek to run is 3 people and the maximum group size is 12 people.

You are most welcome to join this trek as a group of friends, family, colleagues, a private group or as a solo traveller. You are also welcome to use this trip as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.

If you have a group of over 3 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company. For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk 

This expedition is graded as ‘Extreme’ as it involves multiple and consecutive days of trekking at high altitude. You will need a good level of fitness as you will be trekking a fair distance each day and climbing many peaks over 4000mt and summiting Cotopaxi or Cayambe over 5500m.

Please also be prepared for varied conditions and temperatures especially as you ascend higher. You are likely to be cold, washing facilities are minimal and the loos are different from the luxuries at home. On a day to day level remember that you will be hunkered down in lodges or basic mountain huts at altitude. You’re likely to be cold, washing and toilet facilities will be limited and basic, along with your accommodation. Your appetite may be affected by the altitude and as you get higher on the trek you are likely to suffer shortness of breath and many people experience difficulty sleeping. Remember that everyone on the trek is likely to be experiencing exactly the same symptoms, physical and mental, however this trek is undertaken as a team pursuit, we encourage strong teamwork and support.

To complete Cotopaxi comfortably, it is preferable that you have previous trekking experience in varied and irregular terrain carrying a 35-litre day-pack. Whilst climbing Cotopaxi is not considered difficult, it is considered a technical climb due to the use of technical climbing gear for the ascent, such as: crampons, ice axe and crevasse rescue gear. Previous experience of using crampons, ice-axes, harnesses and ropes is not required. Full instruction, support and practice sessions will be provided by your guides.

During the trek you will be required to carry your own kit and equipment including crampons, ice-axes, harness, packed lunches & snacks, drinking water, wet weather gear, additional warm layers and personal items such medication.

When you ascend above 3000 metres your body has to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow your body to adjust we have structured this trek so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms – headaches, tiredness, disturbed sleep, shortness of breath, cough, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitations and swelling of the hands and face.

Individuals acclimatise at different rates and we would expect the majority of the team to notice the effects of being at high altitude, and while most will only feel discomfort and headaches, it is not uncommon for a small number of people to need extra care which will be provided by our leaders and crew.

During your pre-trek briefing, altitude sickness will be discussed in more detail and advice on how to best cope with it. The most important thing is not to fear it, but to respect it. Know the signs & symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), be aware of how it affects the body and report any illness to your leader straight away. Our leaders and crew are there to help and are fully experienced with high altitude conditions and all the scenarios that trekking at these altitudes bring. You’re in good hands.

In most cases, AMS can be avoided following these guidelines:

• Drink around 3-5 litres each day to achieve suitable hydration levels. Try and avoid tea & coffee and definitely no alcohol
• Walk slowly, even when in the teahouses
• Keep warm, especially at night
• Eat well, even when you don’t feel like eating

All our trips that spend time at altitude follow our standard altitude safety measures. A number of medical conditions or medications can also reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. 

Please note that while we endeavour to assist you with achieving your personal goals, however there may be times when your leader makes the decision to either delay or stop your ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms. Please respect this decision for it is for your own safety and welfare.

A Trek Training Programme will be provided when you join this trip to help you with your preparations. We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength & Movement Coast, Peter Lant. For more info, please visit our Training & Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

A full kit list will be provided when you register for this winter trek. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one. Well worn in waterproof hiking boots are essential together with a good quality waterproof jacket AND trousers. An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will be provided for the independent outdoor retailers Crib Goch OutdoorShop on registering for this mountain adventure. 

Ice axe and crampon hire is not included in this trip. Rest assured any equipment that we supply will be hygienically cleaned and sanitised.

In common with other tropical countries, Ecuador does not experience the four seasons known in other parts of the world. Instead there are wet and dry seasons. The best months for climbing are from October through to April. During summer (June, July & August), the winds tend to be very strong which impacts on climbing and your expedition experience. However, conditions can change very quickly in the mountains. What can start out as a good day can soon become very poor.  It is very important to be well equipped and prepared for all conditions.

Trekking in the mountains can be precarious and although we take important steps to manage and minimise this risk, we can never eradicate it altogether. Your Mountain Guide reserves the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

You will be staying in a mixture of hotels, lodges and mountain huts during your expedition. Whilst on the trek you will be staying in comfortable mountain huts in dormitory style rooms of which you will need to provide your own sleeping bags. The huts have basic toilet facilities and running water however shower facilities are not provided. These huts range in size but are all staffed and catered.

Extra accommodation

If you would like to extend your stay, we can book extra nights before or after the tour for you in Quito – please enquire at the time of booking or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk 

Single Supplements

If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the hotel nights in Quito only (subject to availability). While in the mountian huts only shared dorm rooms are available. 

Quito has a wide variety of restaurants providing excellent cuisine from around the world. In the smaller towns where you stay in small hotels or hosteria, there will usually be a set meal. Ecuadorian cuisine is varied across different regions and includes excellent seafood (amazing Ceviche!), potatoes, toasted corn, and pastries stuffed with spiced meats or vegetables. For those wishing to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, you can try roasted cuy (guinea pig) – but this is strictly optional!

Breakfasts usually consist of muesli, porridge, fruit, yogurt, eggs and toast. Depending on the day’s itinerary lunches may be taken in a restaurant or café, or they may be provided as a packed lunch of sandwiches, fruit and biscuits. During the evenings, meals usually consist of a two-course dinner using locally sourced ingredients cooked for us by our cooks. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let us know prior to the expedition so we can make the necessary arrangements for you. All drinking water will be provided on the trek.

If you have a gluten free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten free breakfast options will be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast / with an extra egg) will be served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you are lactose intolerant as opposed to vegan then the same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day.

If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.

We recommend bringing your own snacks or you can support local communities by buying snacks in Ecuador. If you bring any snacks from home, we recommend removing as much packaging as possible and minimise any potential rubbish you bring with you.

WATER

Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

Adventurous Ewe has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological contaminants from any non-salt water source – for more info please click here. Adventurous Ewe trekkers will receive a free Water-to-Go on departure, and better still, 15% of the purchase value for replacement filters will be donated to our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth. Please note that if the water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. Please help us reduce the volume of single use plastic in this pristine environment.

Deposit: £295 per person on booking.
Balance: £1795 per person is due no later than 4 weeks prior to the trip start date.
Total cost: £2090 per person

Monthly payment plan
A monthly payment plan can be arranged for this trip. Please contact us for more information or to set up your plan. Simply email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Book & Travel with Confidence
As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible. 

For the latest info regarding booking and travelling with Adventurous Ewe, please visit our website.

Fundraising
You’re welcome to fundraise for a charity of your choice if you wish to do so. All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to your chosen charity.

All your trip info will be sent to you through a mobile travel app which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app.

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