​Cayambe Climb/Cultural Humanitarian Experience

January 14-January 22
Cost:$3200
Special: $2400 For the Cayambe Climb
Additional $300 for the Cultural Humanitarian Experience

Cayambe-Cultural Experience-Volunteer Clinic
Description:

Ecuador is full of rich cultural traditions and incredible wilderness landscapes providing a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Amongst those landscapes are majestic volcanoes like Cayambe, reaching an elevation of 18,996ft and provides the opportunity to reach the highest point on the equator while enjoying the breathtaking views along the way. In preparation for Cayambe's summit we not only get to experience the the culture in the city of Quito, but we experience it from 15,413ft as we will climb Ruku Pichincha which overlooks the vast capitol city of Ecuador. 
Along with the opportunity to climb these mountains and experience the physical and mental accomplishments associated therewith, those that remain for the full stay will find an additional personal growth that can only come from giving of yourself. In Ibarra we will experience the culture in an intimate environment as we work with a local prosthetics clinic and provide a new way of life and dignity for less fortunate individuals who for one reason or another can't afford a prosthesis. 
​
ITINERARY 
  • Day 01: Arrive in Quito. Depart the U.S. today on an international flight to Quito, Ecuador. A 12 Finger representative will be there at the airport to welcome you and escort you to your hotel 
  • Day 02: Acclimatization Hike up Rucu Pichincha. After breakfast you’ll get acquainted will our trip leaders and fellow adventurers. Following that, we will be driven to the base of a mountain called Rucu Pichincha (4698m/15,413ft) where we will do our acclimatization hike. There is a teleferico, a sky tram that is visible from most of Quito. This will take us up to around 3800m/12467ft where we will begin our hike. Total time spent on the mountain will be around 3-6 hours round trip. Upon returning to the hotel the rest of the evening will be yours.
  • Day 03: Center of the Earth and City Tour. After breakfast there will be a vehicle to take us on a tour of the city and to the Center of the Earth monument and shops where you will be able to stand in both hemispheres at once or balance an egg on a nail amongst other fascinating anomalies. This day will be mostly restful in preparation for our big climb.
  • Day 04: Cayambe basecamp. After breakfast we will pack up and leave in our private transportation for Cayambe, we will arrive at 4,600m/15092 ft to Cayambe's parking lot. We will then walk up to the refuge, located at 4,650 m, where we will have a short rest and we'll also have a chance to eat lunch. From the refuge, we will have an hour-long hike up to the glaciers where we will be able to see the beautiful Green Lagoon in the middle of the ice. We will also practice safety/emergency procedures including crevasse rescues and self-arresting to name a couple. Then we will return to the refuge and rest for the night.
  • Day 05: The Summit. Wake up is at midnight; we will eat breakfast and get ready for our climb. We will begin climbing around 1:00am. It should take us approximately 5 to 6 hours (weather conditions dependent) to summit; where we can enjoy amazingly beautiful views from the highest point on the equator. Then we will return to the refuge, and immediately pack up our equipment, go back to our car and begin our drive south to Quito for the night and where we will separate ways with those that joined us just for the summit. (We have built in a weather contingency day. We will be monitoring the weather on the mountain. If the weather for one of the days is predicted to be unfavorable, we may head up Cayambe to the refuge on day 3 and summit on day 4. We would then stay the night in Quito on day 4. Day 5 we would drop off at the airport, those that joined us only for the summit. The rest of us will continue with the itinerary as planned)
  • Day 06: Humanitarian service . We’ll pack up and spend part of the day in Quito for some adventures near the city. After our adventures we'll begin the drive up north to Ibarra. 12 Finger Outdoor Adventure has partnered with nonprofit organizations called 2ft Prosthetics and Prosthetics for Life. 2ft Prosthetics helps restore dignity and self-reliance to amputees in developing countries through the production and distribution of a quality and affordable below-the-knee prosthesis. Inadequate employment for amputees in many countries can often be traced to discrimination against the disabled. The disabled are sometimes viewed as objects of charity or pity. Inadequate care for amputees results in an increase in homelessness and begging, an increase in the number of people requiring government assistance, and an increase in the number of children of these amputees who have to drop out of school in order to help support their family. We will be working with a local clinic; Prosthetics for Life Foundation’s mission is to provide Ecuadoran patients with quality and timely prosthetics, orthotics and adaptive equipment. We will be providing some extra hands for the forming and fitting process of the prostheses to their newfound owners and sharing in their joy.
  • Day 07: Humanitarian service and cultural experiences in and around Ibarra
  • Day 08: Humanitarian service and cultural experiences in and around Ibarra
  • Day 09: Saying Goodbye. Sadly, our time in Ecuador must come to an end and this is the day we pack up, say our goodbyes, and make our way back to Quito to the airport. This is where we part our ways until our next adventure together.
COST INCLUDES: 

  • 3 meals a day while in Ecuador 

  • All hotels while in Ecuador
  • Guide's adventure stories & guiding experience
  • Necessary equipment for treks
  • Local guide, porters and their accommodation, foods, insurance & salary.

  • Trekking Registration fee & national park permit fees. Gondola ride (Teleferico)
  • Ground transport as per the itinerary.
  • Sightseeing and activities in Quito, Ibarra, Cayambe and major places with tour guides. (Center of the Earth Monument/Museum, specific activities mentioned in itinerary)
    

 
COST EXCLUDES: 

  • Int'l airfare & excess baggage charge above the 25kg. in domestic flight

  • Any additional meals or drinks aside from the 3 per day. 

  • Hard & soft drinks 

  • First aid kit, personal insurance, rescue flights (if needed), airport tax, 

  • Any personal expenses (telephone calls, souvenirs, laundry, extra snacks, etc.)
  • Porter & guide tips

  • Personal trekking gear.