Las Golondrinas Hot Springs
30 August 2023
Why and how is High Altitude Acclimatization Important?
14 January 2024Here, you can see the program of our Acclimatization Week in Ecuador. It's the perfect preparation to train to summit the highest summits in Ecuador. You can also participate in only some days of the program, or we can create a tailor-made one.
If you want to learn more about "Why Acclimatization is important?" read our article, by clicking this link.
Day 1 - Cusin Summit
Altitude: 4000m
Km: 9
Positive elevation gain: 530m
Time: 3h
Physical level: medium
Technical level: easy
Price
1 person 30$ *
2 people and more 20$ *
* Includes guide, transportation
Day 2 - Imbabura Summit
Altitude: 4557 m.
Km: 8,2
Positive elevation gain: 1197 m.
Time: 6h
Physical level: medium
Technical level: medium (with exposed vertigo steps)
Price:
1 person $80 *
2 people $40 *
3 people and more $35 *
* Includes guide, transportation
Day 3 - Angureal Summit
Altitude: 4832 m.
Km: 18-20
Positive elevation gain: 1230 m.
Time: 8h
Physical level: medium/high
Technical level: easy/medium
Price:
1 person $80 *
2 people $40 *
3 people and more $35 *
* Includes guide, transportation
Day 4 - Relaxation and Thermal Baths
Days 5 to 7 - High altitude hikes
Day 5
Departure around 11 a.m. Hike of 4 hours. 900 m elevation gain. Camping night 4500m.
Day 6
6 hours trekking. Difference in altitude 1200m. Highest point 5000m. Camping night at 4500m
Day 7
2 hours trekking back to the hostel
Price per day (for the guide):
1 person $50 *
2 people $45 *
3 people and more $40 *
If needed, Tent $10 - Sleeping bag $10 - Stove + kitchen $5 - Insulated mattress $5.
* Food is not included (We will gladly give you all our culinary advice).
Acclimatization Week in Ecuador
With over a dozen stunning volcanic peaks soaring over 5700 m in Ecuador, climbing these giants can be the adventure of a lifetime. However, extreme elevations also pose significant risks from altitude sickness if you don't acclimatize properly before attempting a summit. Here's why taking the time to adjust to the heights first is so crucial when volcano climbing in Ecuador.
At altitudes over 3000 m, the decrease in oxygen begins impairing your body's functions. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can set in, bringing symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. As you climb higher over 4500 m on Ecuador's iconic volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, the impacts get exponentially worse.
Without acclimatization, you are at high risk of developing High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) during your climb. HACE is a potentially fatal buildup of fluid in the brain, while HAPE is a dangerous accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Either condition can rapidly hinder you on the mountain.
By spending time ascending gradually, your body adapts to the lack of oxygen. Your breathing and heart rate increase to compensate. More red blood cells carry oxygen. Capillary beds expand in your muscles. These changes prepare you to handle the extreme elevations of Ecuador's volcanic climbs.
Most professional guides recommend spending at least 3–5 days acclimatizing before climbing over 5000 m in Ecuador. Strategies include staying in altitude towns like here in Punanti at 3500 m, following our Acclimatization Week in Ecuador before attempting the bigger volcanoes. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, and monitor for AMS symptoms.
Best place to do acclimatization in Ecuador
Doing our Acclimatization Week in Ecuador allows you to enjoy better rather than just survive your volcano climb. You’ll have more strength and stamina to appreciate the incredible views, instead of struggling just to place one foot in front of the other. Reaching an epic summit after proper preparation is deeply rewarding.
Taking the time to acclimatize first provides your body the gift of being able to function capably at extreme elevations. Ensure your safety and enjoyment by adjusting to altitude gradually before a major climb.
Ecuador’s towering volcanoes provide once-in-a-lifetime adventures. While their heights are exhilarating, they also come with risks that must be addressed. Follow proper acclimatization protocols when volcano climbing here, so you can thrive at altitude and create amazing memories summiting these giants.
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