The massive mountains in the Andes range of South America are some of the highest peaks outside of the Himalayas. Here are some climbing photos from my trip to Ecuador in December 2000 and January 2001. Aside from mountaineering, I also did some jungle trekking, white water rafting, and general sightseeing while on this trip. You can find those photos in the travel section of the website.

There were two peaks I sought to climb while in Ecuador. The first was Cotopaxi. At 5897 metres (19,347 feet) in height, Cotopaxi is considered by some to be the highest active volcano in the world. You can smell the sulphur emanating from the summit crater when you near the top. Proximity to the Pan-American Highway and the city of Quito (the capital) makes this one of the most accessible high mountains in the Andes and the most popular climb in Ecuador. It is a beautiful volcano whose massive symmetrical cone rises 10,000 feet above the surrounding plateau. Although it is located fewer than fifty miles from the sunny equator, the high altitude and precipitation maintain a perpetual snow cap on the summit.

Above: Standing on Cotopaxi's summit crater rim. Click photo to enlarge.

Chimborazo was the next climbing goal on this trip. An extinct volcano, it is the highest peak in Ecuador (6,267 metres / 20,561 feet) and was long believed to be the highest in the world. Due to the planet's equatorial bulge, the summit of Chimborazo is actually 2km further from the centre of the earth than the peak of Mount Everest. It's as close as you can get to outer space while still keeping your feet on the ground. Below you'll find a photo of me doing my best to keep my feet on the ground while negotiating an icy bergschrund section.

Above: Ice climbing on Chimborazo. Click photo to enlarge.

Refugio Jose F. Ribas	The avalanche zone.
The way to the top.	Snow and ice formations.
On the trail.	Rest break.
Equipment problems.	Looking back.
Clouds over the summit.	Moving on up.
Enjoying the view.	On top!

Base monument.	In honour of the fallen.
Chimborazo by day.	Chimborazo at night.
Another night shot.	Star trails.
Rising sun.	Early light.
Deep crevasse.	Ice climbing.