Skiing on the Equator - Antisana

Type: Interesting

Description:
We started our trip to South America with a hike up Rucu Pichincha a peak that towers over Quito, the Capital of Ecuador. This peak, considered a day hike, has an elevation of 3,942m (15,696ft) nearly higher than any peak we’ve climbed in the past. However, it’s just a warm up and acclimatization for some taller peaks in our future. First on the list is Antisana an 18,875ft (5,753 m) volcano with a 4.7 star rating on google. Unfortunately, it did get a number of 1 star ratings with one reviewer saying “Nothing at all. Bad.” But we didn’t let these poor reviews dissuade us. With the help of our guide Andrés we found ourselves at the foot of the 4th highest volcano in Ecuador the day after hiking Rucu Pichincha. Getting there was not easy. Navigating the confusing streets of Quito and its suburbs is no small task. The paper work, permit process and guarded park gates made us happy to have Andrés around. Hiring a guide is a new thing for us. Turns out they can make things much easier. Also, we weren’t sure if climbing some of these mountains was even possible without a guide. It seems the rules on this matter are constantly changing. Just last year skiers were turned away on Cotopaxi by park rangers, but you can find videos online of people skiing Antisana without local assistance. Even people at our ski shop here told us they had been turned around from skiing Ecuadorian volcanoes for not having a Guide. Do some research but if you’re looking for a guide and you’re a fan of the Suzuki Samurai contact Andrés one of only 3 or 4 ski guides in Ecuador +593 99 77 53 831 grandes.paredes@gmail.com

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Video length: 17:47