ECUADOR TREK & OPTIONAL

COTOPAXI CLIMB

October 16th - 26th, 2024

MOUNTAIN MEDICINE CME

Oct. 16TH - 26TH, 2024

  • Join our Mountain Medicine CME course while trekking through beautiful Ecuador. If you like technical climbing then add-on our optional Cotopaxi Expedition Climb.

  • Enjoy a Full City Tour of Quito and then experience some beautiful and challenging non-technical trekking while climbing Ilalo (10,500ft), Pasochoa ( ft), and Ruminahue (ft). For those adventurous souls: you can add-on an expedition climb to the top of Cotopaxi or for those less adventurous - enjoy a day of rest and exploration. We will end our adventure at an amazing Cloud Forest for 2 nights of soaking and relaxing before departing home.

  • Cotopaxi: Cotopaxi is the world’s highest active volcano and the second highest point in Ecuador and is an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountain. With its peak reaching a height of 19,347 ft, Cotopaxi is among the highest active volcanoes in the world and has 87 known eruptions. Climbing Cotopaxi has become very popular and this is a great introduction to the overall mountaineering experience. The mountain was first climbed by a German geologist Wilhelm Reiss and his Colombian partner, Angel Escobar on November 28, 1872. In the late 20th century, summiting Cotopaxi became a major tourist draw and the Jose F Ribas Refuse was built in 1971 at an elevation of 15,960 ft. If Cotopaxi is still active during our trip, we will have alternative plans to climb another large mountain such as Cayambe. Cayambe is the third tallest mountain in Ecuador. Cayambe is a unique Holocene compound volcano, which last erupted in March 1786 with a permanent snow cap. The peak of Cayambe was first climbed by Edward Whymper and his two Italian guides and companions Jean Anotoine Carrel and Louis Carrel in 1880 and since then has been climbed by many well known climbers.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Explore the ancient city of Quito

  • Climb Several Non-Technical Peaks and Explore the Beautiful Country-side

  • Optional: 1-Night Technical Expedition climb to summit of Cotopaxi

  • 2-nights to relax at beautiful forest lodging

  • Earn 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME TM credits

  • Meet Life-Long Friends

ITINERARY:

  • Day 1, Oct. 16th, 2024, Depart from home airport and Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. Pick-ups arranged at airport and transport to our Accomodation: Casa Illiyaka (D)

    • Dinner & Welcome Introductions

  • Day 2, Oct. 17th, Full City Tour of Quito. Overnight Lodge: Casa Illiyaka (B) (L) (D)

    • After Breakfast, we start our day in the city of Quito. We visit Quito’s old town with it’s most important sites like the Basilica del Voto Nacional, Palacio Arzobispal, Plaza Mayor, Panama Hats, Yumbo’s Chocolate Tasting, Virgin of the Panecillo and more. We have lunch together and return in the afternoon to our accommodation: Casa Illiayaka (8,000 ft)

  • Day 3, Oct. 18th: Climb Ilalo (3200M / 10,500 ft) Overnight Lodge: Casa Illiyaka(B) (L) (D)

    • After Breakfast, we drive to the parking area at the view point in El Tingo. Then we hike up the sloopes of the extinct volcano through typical vegtation, with great views of the avenue of the volcanos and Quito, up to the summit of Ilalo (3200M/10,500ft) - time to summit about 2-3 hours. After a small rest on the summit, we descen to our vehicle and continue to our accommodation.

    • Evening Lectures

  • Day 4, Oct. 19th: Climb Pasochoe (4200M/13,790ft). Overnight at Tambopaxi Lodge. (B) (L) (D)

    • After Breakfast, we drive to the parking area and hike through the beautiful andean grassland to the summit of Pasochoa (4200M/13,780ft). Time to summit depending on the route about 3-5 hours. After a small rest on the summit, we descend to our vehicle and continue to our accommodation: Tambopaxi Lodge (12,205 ft.)

    • Evening Lectures

  • Day 5, Oct. 20th: Climb Ruminahui (4722M / 15,492 ft). Overnight at Tambopaxi Lodge (B)(L)(D)

    • After breakfast, drive to parking area at Limpiopungo Lagoon in Cotopaxi National Park, where we start our climb. We hike towards the central summit of Ruminahui. The approximate time to summit is 4-5 hours. After enjoying wonderful views of neighboring Cotopaxi and eat lunch, we descend to our vehicle and return to lodge.

    • Evening Lectures

  • Day 6, Oct. 21st: REST DAY. Tambopaxi Lodge (B)(L)(D)

    • Depending on our mood for this rest day, we go for easy activities in the Cotopaxi National Park or just a relaxing day in and around the Lodge. Amongst our options: visit Limipiopungo Lagoon and the Museum or for those climbing Cotopaxi get some practice for the upcoming summit with your guides.

    • Evening Lectures

  • Day 7 & 8 Oct. 22nd/23rd: Optional Cotopaxi Climb. Overnight Refuge / Tambopaxi Lodge (B) (L) (D)

    • We enjoy a relaxing morning at Tambopaxi Lodge, before some of us drive to the parking lot and hike up to the Cotopaxi Refuge at (4865M / 15,960 ft). If required, there will be a small glacier training in the afternoon (walking techniques), early dinner and rest at the refuge. Wake up around midnight, small snack and start the summit hike of Cotopaxi (5897M / 19,347 ft) which takes about 7-9 hours. After ideally enjoying a breathtaking sunrise at the summit, we descend (approx. 3 hours to refuge / 30 minutes to parking lot) and return to accommodation.

  • Day 9, Oct. 24th: Drive to Mindo Cloud Forest: Overnight Hotel (B)(L)(D)

    • After a relaxing morning in Tambopaxi Lodge, we pack up and leave for the Mindo Cloud Forest for a well-earned and relaxing finish of our expedition to Ecuador.

  • Day 10, Oct. 25th. Relax and Enjoy. Overnight Hotel (B)(L)(D)

    • A full day of relaxation awaits us to finish our expedition. Private Lodging with swimming pool and spa services.

  • Day 11, Oct. 26th: Pack Up our Suitcases and say our Farewells.

    • Transfer to Airport (Book Flights for after 1pm to allow for travel time)

THE TEAM / FACULTY:

  • The mountain logistics and leadership will be provided by extremely experienced international mountain guides from Ecuador.

  • The Wild Med Adventures Team are all mountaineers, well traveled and experienced, but are only responsible for the educational aspect of this trip. Instructors: Ben Mattingly, MD, FAWM / Jennifer Mattingly, PA-C / Myung Bae, DO, FAWM - Please see BIO's for instructor information.

  • Earn 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME TM credits

  • Please do your own research in regards to safety and experience. Mountaineering is dangerous and despite taking all necessary precautions, you may still be injured or killed due to unpredictable avalanches, slips, falls, equipment failure and/or trauma.

PRE-REQUISITES: (Anyone can attend but hiking experience and previous altitude exposure is recommended)

  • **NO TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO TREK ONLY AND NOT COTOPAXI

  • EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, PA, NP, RRT, PhD or Physician for the CME portion

  • Non-Medicals are welcome to attend and will likely enjoy learning about safety in the mountains.

  • A keen interest in wilderness first aid / medicine

  • An excellent level of physical fitness (**This is a very demanding hike at altitude and with steep terrain)

  • Previous hiking / outdoor experience

  • Those with less experience/confidence must understand the physical demands of the environment and the risks of hiking at altitude. Prior experience is recommended. Please ask if you are unsure if you are cut out for this type of climb.

HEALTH / VACCINATIONS:

  • Delegates should be vaccinated appropriately - Please see CDC recommendations for visiting Ecuador.

  • Everyone must follow current travel restrictions and requirements.

  • Delegates should be aware this is intended to be a wilderness course in every sense of the word. The team in some parts of Ecuador will have limited access to medical care. This is not a packaged holiday and neither Wild Med Adventures nor our local guides can control mother nature. Should our plans be affected by floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, snow storms, earthquakes and the like, we will continue with alternate plans in true expedition spirit, affecting self rescues and problem solving along the way. 

MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE / TRAVEL INSURANCE:

  • Delegates should have personal insurance / travel insurance to cover any in-country medical examinations, treatment or rescue/evacuation from a remote area. Rescue/Evacuation Insurance is Mandatory. We recommend Global Rescue and they offer trip specific and year long coverage.

COSTS

  • Trip Cost with CME: $4000

  • Non-Medical Spouse/Partner/Friend (No CME): $3500

  • **Cotopaxi Add-On: $500 pp (Summit Attempt = 2:1 Client to Guide )

  • Deposit: $1500

A 3% Online CC fee is applied at checkout.

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INCLUDED

  • All accommodation in Ecuador as listed above / twin share (not extra days at beginning or end of trip)

  • All Meals

  • All pick up & drop-ff transportation from Quito International Airport

  • An experienced Mountain Guide who knows the area, local people, mountains and local culture very well.

  • All Park Fees

  • Wilderness Medicine “Mountain Medicine CME” - 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME TM credits

  • Wild Med Gift

    EXCLUDED

  • Cotopaxi Summit Attempt ($500) 2:1 Client to Guide Ration

  • International airfares, transfers en route & excess baggage.

  • Your personal insurances. Medical, Mountain rescue & repatriation cover is obligatory.

  • Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, WI-FI Internet.

  • Tipping to the guide & local staff (allow up to $400 - $450 per guest) will be collected by guide

  • Extra nights accommodation if you wish to arrive early or stay extra days

  • Personal Trekking gear

  • Any expenses due to lost luggage, trip cancellation, or other illnesses or injuries that may occur during the expedition.


WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

  • This course is ideal for those interested in providing medical care in the wild or those travel enthusiasts, group leaders, climbers, walkers, EMT’s, nurses, NP's, PA's or doctors with a desire to learn medical treatment in austere environments. While completing the core curriculum of this CME course we will be hiking various mountains and completing the core lectures and skills at various camps or in the wilderness settings along the route.

ATTENDING THIS COURSE YOU WILL:

  • Learn the latest wilderness medical skills for patient assessment, stabilization and evacuation.

  • Work with our expert faculty and local mountain guides to develop your mountain skills and visit Everest Base Camp

  • Earn 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME TM credits

  • Obtain Fellowship credits from the Wilderness Medicine Society (FAWM)

CERTIFICATION:

  • Approved for 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM and WMS FAWM Credits on our Mountain Medicine Adventure

  • “This course has been approved for Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) credits

through the Wilderness Medical Society. Actual credits awarded depend on personal credit needs and history.”

FACULTY DISCLOSURE / CME

  • It is the policy of the Wild Med Adventures, LLC to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor. All faculty members are required to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.

  • Accordingly, the Wilderness Medical Society has determined there are no conflicts to report associated with this conference.

  • ACCME Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Wilderness Medical Society and Wild Med Adventures, LLC. The Wilderness Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

  • The Wilderness Medical Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • All educational content presented in this activity has been reviewed and validated as appropriate in keeping with sound scientific principles. 

    CANCELLATION POLICY

    Your deposit for the travel portion of the course is nonrefundable unless the course does not reach its minimal number of participants. If we do not reach the requirement of 8 participants and we have to cancel then a full refund will be given. The entire balance of your trip fee will be due 90 days prior to departure. No refunds will be given 90 days prior to start of trip. If you cancel more than 90 days prior to course, you will be reimbursed everything but deposit.

    If you have not paid in full 90 days prior to start of course a $500 fee will be applied or we have the right to cancel your trip.

    We have a minimum registration requirement of 8 participants and a maximum of 25. If the course is cancelled due to insufficient registration you will receive a full refund INCLUDING DEPOSIT.

    Please contact us before purchasing plane tickets to confirm minimum number of registrants.

    • We recommend booking a refundable Flight in case of natural disasters, pandemics, or other necessarily and unseen cancellations.

      (We are unable to reimburse flight costs for any reason)

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Wild Med Adventures, LLC strives to add that personal touch to your learning experience. Many adventures are awaiting and we are interested in your ideas or customized trips for large groups.