TRAINING PROGRAM

This trip is physically demanding and we cannot over emphasize the importance of physical conditioning. We suggest you begin your training program at least two months prior to departure. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and stair climbing are both excellent ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take a long hike (4-6 hours) several times with a weighted pack (40-60 lbs.) up and down hills or on small mountains (weight your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimize knee stress). Supplement this activity with running, cycling, swimming, racquet sports, basketball, etc. for additional aerobic conditioning. If possible try to take at least two longer hikes of 6-10 hours with at least 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Several days before your departure you should rest and drink plenty of water.

FOOD

Ecuadorian Alpine Institute is renowned for providing gourmet mountain cuisine. All of the meals from the trailhead and back will be provided, including pastas, rice, soups, dehydrated, and fresh foods, A good diet whilst climbing at high altitude consists of a what your body needs and will process most easily during your climb. This is important because certain foods will tire you out more than supply you with positive physical energy and endurance. At E.A.I. we provide you with a lean, healthy and complete energy diet because we are aware and concerned of the benefits it has on the body and mentality of a climber. Of course you bring along your favorite snack foods, energy bars, and after dinner treats. Trip members will help prepare meals and clean up in order to become comfortable with expedition cooking

WEATHER

Like all big mountains, the peaks of the Andes generate and attract their own weather, making conditions impossible to predict. April through August typically have the best weather, but be prepared for a wide range of temperatures, from freezing nights and snowy, windy conditions, to bright sunshine intensified by high altitude. The wide fluctuation in temperatures makes it important to bring everything on the equipment list which we send when you have contac with us.

Day 4: After Breakfast taking care of last minute preparations we will drive 3 hours to Cebolla Pampa, the base camp for Pisco. This base camp elevation is about 12,000 feet (3658mt.) and located in the Quebrada Llanganuco above the turquoise waters of two beautiful lakes. From the base camp we will take a short afternoon hike.

Day 5: This day we continue our process of acclimatization with a hike to Portachuelo de Llanganuco valley, a 15,635 feet (4767mt.) we pass above Cebolla Pampas with incredible views around we’re, Chopakalki, Huascaran, Pisco, the Huandoy group and many other peaks of the incredible Cordillera Blanca, we hiking in between of nicer paramo. Don’t forget you the camera for taking a several pictures from all this massives.
Glacier School

Day 9: Early in the morning return to base camp. Where we rest and prepare for our ascent of Chopicalqui base Camp.

Day 10: Full rest day in our base Camp at 12,500 feet (3810mt.)

Day 11: After breakfast we move to the Moraine Camp 1) located about 16,075 feet (4900mt) This day we will be a porter-assisted for our mountain gear put up to Camp.

Day 12: After moving through the moraine above camp1 we rope and climb on the glacier to our high camp 2) about 17,056 feet (5200mt) Our guide mike this move, the climbers well be like to mike this is good or resting in the moraine camp 1).

DEPARTURE DATES FOR PISCO & CHOPICALUQUI, 18 Days.

    May.  31st  to June. 17th  - 2008
    Jun.   26th to July.  02nd  – 2008

ALPAMAYO EXTENTION TRIP, 12 Days.

    June. 16th  to June. 26th  - 2008
    July.  07th  to July. 18th  - 2008


If you would be like this departures dates or if you have some other special departure dates more convenient for you we organize that Itinerary.

Also for Alpamayo trip if you like to climbing just Alpamayo we do organize that departure dates just for this mountain to.


NOTE ON ITINERARY: Although we do our best to follow the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other factors beyond our control.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This trip is subject to the booking information on the Ecuadorian Alpine Institute trip application. We urge you to read this information carefully and to call us or write if you have any more questions.