• Are You Ecuador Volcanoes-Ready?

    The CTSS Expedition Readiness Test

  • The Ecuador Volcanoes program offers a serious step into high-altitude mountaineering during a relatively short expedition. Our standard program climbs Cayambe (18,996 feet) and Cotopaxi (19,347 feet), with the option to add Chimborazo (20,548 feet), giving climbers the chance to build altitude experience, glacier skills, and confidence across multiple major peaks.

    This is an advanced-beginner to intermediate expedition. You do not need an extensive climbing resume, but you do need solid fitness, a willingness to train, and enough familiarity with mountaineering systems to move safely and efficiently on glaciated terrain. If you are unsure whether your experience is a good match, we can help you assess where you stand and recommend the right preparation before departure.

    Our CTSS Ecuador Volcanoes Readiness Test will help you measure where you stand across the six areas that matter most: fitness and endurance, technical skills, expedition mindset, gear systems, your No D*ckheads factor, and big mountain experience.

    Instructions: For each statement, rate yourself from 1 (Not at all true) to 5 (Absolutely true). Add up your score at the end to see how ready you are.

  • Section 1: Fitness & Endurance

    Ecuador requires strong, mountain-specific fitness and the ability to repeat long physical efforts across multiple climbing days. The stronger you are when you arrive, the more energy you will have to enjoy the climbs rather than simply push through them.

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  • Section 2: Technical Skills

    The Ecuador Volcanoes involve glacier travel, cramponing, ice axe use, and rope-team movement. Advanced beginners are welcome, but arriving with prior exposure to these skills will make the climbing safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

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  • Section 2: Technical Skills

    Ecuador is a shorter expedition, but it still asks you to adapt quickly to altitude, unfamiliar environments, early starts, changing conditions, and multiple summit objectives. The climbers who thrive are flexible, communicative, and willing to trust their guides.

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  • Section 4: Gear Systems

    Your gear needs to work in cold, windy, high-altitude conditions, and you need to know how to use it before summit day. Boots, gloves, layers, crampons, and pack systems should all be familiar and tested before you arrive.

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  • Section 5: No D*ckheads Factor

    Multiple summit attempts, early starts, altitude, fatigue, and changing plans can test anyone’s patience. The best teams are made up of climbers who stay humble, communicate well, and support each other throughout the expedition.

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  • Section 6: Big Mountain Experience:

    Ecuador is an advanced-beginner to intermediate expedition. Previous hiking, backpacking, glacier, or high-altitude experience will help you arrive better prepared for consecutive climbing days and multiple summits. Check all that apply:

  • I have completed multi-day hiking or backpacking trips and have experience repeating long physical days on consecutive days.*
  • I have completed a Mount Baker Alpine Academy or a similar introductory mountaineering program that included rope team travel, cramponing, crevasse awareness, and movement on glaciated terrain.*
  • I have climbed Kilimanjaro or another non-technical high-altitude peak at or above approximately 16,000 ft / 4,900 m, giving me firsthand experience with how my body performs at altitude.*

  • Ready to see your score?

    Enter your email address below to unlock your Ecuador Volcanoes Readiness results, along with a personalized plan for your next steps.

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