Cotopaxi

Couple of days ago we climbed Cotopaxi. It was the highest mountain we have ascended (Iitus first real mountain ever), and it felt great! Before the climb we spent quite a lot of time in high altitudes to get acclimatized. Then we rented crampons, axes and gaiters, and finally after a strong discussion we also hired a guide.

Cotopaxi 5897m, beautiful volcano in the central highlands of Ecuador. It is the world’s highest active volcano. Looks like a snowy nipple.

While we were getting ready, Iitu made me these nice and warm mittens. She’s a magic woman!

The first part of the climb we made with Karma. It is such a tough old van. It had no problems to climb a steep dirt road to 4500m altitude. On the way up we saw many new looking(Chinese?)4X4 cars engine hoods open and steam rising, but old Karma kept climbing solidly. The parking area at 4500m was our base camp. There was a refugio at 4800m, but we decided to save some money and not to go there.

Not a bad place to cook some pasta and get ready for the climb.

At midnight we were ready to start the ascend. One have to start the climb at midnight as then there is enough time to ascend and descend before the sun makes the snow conditions too dangerous. Sun is strong here at the equator!

Going up slowly on the moon light with our guide Francisco.

The atmosphere was magical with all the icy shapes and beautiful stars.

Some parts were a bit steeper, but most of the climb was technically fairly easy.

The sun started to light the horizon when we were almost on the top.

Nice soft snow everywhere, and there we were without skis and snowboards.

Finally on the top! After 6 hours of floundering on the glacier short of breath. While we were ascending and jumping over the cracks Iitu said that she will NEVER do stuff like this again, but on the top everything was good again!

The crater was huge and strange. There was a small cloud of smoke rising from the bottom. Apparently the volcano is quite peaceful at the moment.

Soon we had to start the descend. It was nice to be able to see the route we had climbed. Some poor fellows still tried slowly to get to the top. We were happy that our preparing had been careful and tried to encourage the guys. From their eyes you could see a message: shut up and f#*k off.

There were many beautiful big cracks on our way.

Ice formations

Some more ice art.

Back in the parking area after 8 hours of struggling, dead tired.