The video documents the creator’s journey to summit Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s most iconic peak, at the end of 2023. Arriving in Quito with the goal of climbing a serious mountain using crampons and ice axes at high altitude, the plan was to ascend five volcanoes in total: Pasochoa, Guagua Pichincha, Illiniza Norte, Cotopaxi, and, if possible, Chimborazo. The video serves as a diary of this challenging mountaineering experience, emphasizing the need to acclimatize by gradually tackling higher peaks.
The journey began with Pasochoa, an extinct volcano standing at around 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). The weather was favorable, and the first summit was achieved without issue. The next target was Guagua Pichincha, a 4,780-meter (15,600-foot) volcano that last erupted in 2002. This climb was more demanding, involving a long day with significant altitude gain, serving as excellent preparation for the more challenging ascents ahead.
The climber was accompanied by guide Raphael Martinez, an exceptionally accomplished mountaineer with experience on Everest, Manaslu, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. Together, they tackled Illiniza Norte, a 5,100-meter (16,800-foot) peak. After spending the night at the Illiniza refuge, they began their ascent in darkness, only to be startled by a massive rockfall nearby. Deciding not to risk the final exposed scramble to the summit, they stopped below the top and watched the sunrise, with Cotopaxi visible in the distance.
The main challenge was Cotopaxi, a glaciated volcano rising above 5,900 meters (19,350 feet). The team, now joined by a second guide, Diego Hakami, began their summit push late at night, facing fierce winds and freezing temperatures. The climb was grueling, with icy conditions and a lost water bottle serving as stark reminders of the mountain’s dangers. After six hours of climbing, the group reached the summit at sunrise, witnessing breathtaking views of the Andes and the volcanoes surrounding them.
The descent was equally challenging, with strong winds and steep, exposed ridges. The climber reflected on the exhaustion and the beauty of the landscape, especially the iconic triangle shadow cast by Cotopaxi. Although the original plan included an attempt on Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador, the climber decided against it due to fatigue and the mountain’s dangers. The journey concluded with a sense of accomplishment and awe, having finally reached the summit of a major Andean peak after years of dreaming about it.