Expedition Ecuador 2027
Jan 15-25, 2027 | Ecuador
Overview
Expedition Ecuador (EE) 2027 is a 10-day high-altitude mountaineering and cultural adventure in the Andes Highlands.
Participants will trek through volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, historic villages, and UNESCO World Heritage sites while experiencing Ecuador's rich culture.
This expedition blends physical challenge, cultural immersion, and team connection in one of South America's most breathtaking environments.
Applications
Application Date Window: April 2 -Sept 2027
Fundraising Commitment: $3,000 ($200 non-refundable deposit)
Spots Available:12 participants
Applicants will be notified of their status starting April 20. Applicants who apply after April 20 will be notified on a rolling basis.
At a Glance
Elevation Range:
9,000 – 19,400 ft
Total Trekking Distance:
~45 miles
Team Size:
12 participants + 2 guides
Key Locations:
Quito (UIO), Cotopax summit, Crater Lake, Cloud Forest, Quilotoa Loop, and local Hot Springs
Activities beyond trekking:
Visit to Inca ruins, private cacao/chocolate factory tour, and wildlife viewing (alpacas and llamas)
Expedition Highlights
Summiting Cotopaxi (19,347 ft)
One of the world's highest active volcanoes and a true mountaineering achievement.
Midnight summit push across glacier slopes and snow bridges
35–40° snow climb to the crater rim
Panoramic views of Ecuador’s “Avenue of Volcanoes”
Trekking the Quilotoa Loop
One of South America's most iconic trekking routes.
Trek through lush green hills and steep canyon decents
Stay in local hosterias (guesthouses) in small communities like Isinliví and Chugchilán
Finish at the emerald-colored Quilotoa Crater Lake
Cultural Immersion in the Heart of the Andes
Ecuador is a vibrant blend of indigenous Kichwa traditions and Spanish colonial history.
Walking the historic cobblestone streets of Quito’s Old Town
Sampling traditional dishes
Learning local customs and hospitality traditions
If you couldn’t join us live, you can now watch the full session. Get an overview of the program, trip details, eligibility, and the application process.
Itinerary
● Day 0: Arrival in Quito.
● Day 1: Safety briefing and equipment fitting (10k–11k ft).
● Day 2: First volcano hike (7 miles; up to 14k ft).
● Days 3–6: Multi-day village-to-village trek (21 miles) including the second volcano and Crater Lake.
● Days 6–8: Mountaineering trek to the summit of the third volcano (Cotopaxi) at 19,347 ft.
● Days 8–10: Recovery in the Cloud Forest, celebration dinner, and relaxation at Hot Springs before departure.
Itinerary (January 2027, subject to change)
Prerequisites & Requirements
Physical Fitness
Participants must have:
Strong cardio endurance
Ability to sustain 45 minutes of Zone 2 cardio
Prior hiking experience at 9,000 ft elevation
Medical
Participants must not have:
Prior altitude sickness complications
Heart conditions or significant injuries
Documentation
Valid passport (must not expire before August 2027)
No visa required for U.S. citizens
Program Participation
Participants must:
Attend onboarding and planning calls (May–Nov 2026)
Participate fully in expedition preparation
Fundraising
Each participant must raise $3,000 for Team RWB, including:
$200 non-refundable deposit
Equipment & Logistics
Gear
Participants must bring:
Waterproof outer shells
Basic backpacking equipment
Sleeping gear for shelters
A detailed packing list will be provided.
Accommodations
Participants will stay in a mix of:
Mountain guesthouses
Hostels
Shared hotel rooms
Safety
Expedition team uses Garmin GPS communication systems
Connected with local support teams and the U.S. Embassy
Insurance
Travel insurance is required