Yes, I did enjoy the trip. It was everything I hoped it would be. The quality of the experience was exceptional.

Definitely enjoyed the expedition and everyone involved. This was our first time climbing with Alpine Ascents. Everything was well organized and accommodations far exceeded expectations.

Yes. It was a great trip. Ecuador is a beautiful country and it was great to see more of it. The hotels and food were excellent. Scenery breathtaking and the lead guide, and support — Jose Luis, and Nico — top notch. Can’t get any better teaching in the mountains.

I really can name only strengths, specifically excellent lead guide and his team, impeccably planned acclimatisation and skills-fine-tuning program and superb accommodation and off-mountain itinerary, the latter also contributing to great cultural experience.

The entire expedition was really awesome very much because of the respect, trust and leadership of Jose Luis and his team management. He is one of the finest guides I have the pleasure to work with over my climbing adventures. Huge thank you!

Amazing. Truly luxury climbing. The lodges and haciendas were beautiful with great rooms and food. This made it a lot easier to recuperate after each big climb.

I have to say the program is expertly crafted and put together to maximize climber success in the mountains. Each day seems carefully chosen in terms of accommodations and altitude to help acclimatization. All of the accommodations are absolutely beautiful! Jose Luis is an extremely great guy and an excellent guide. He was conservative, as a good mountain guide should be, and very knowledgeable and I really learned a lot. This trip has met and exceeded the high expectations that I hold Alpine Ascents to and I thank you guys for doing what you’re doing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the expedition. Every member of the AAI team and all independent associates were professional, courteous, and friendly. All planned activities were entertaining and relevant toward expanding my knowledge of Ecuador. The acclimatization process was very effective. Photo opps. were abundant, lodging and meals were outstanding.

Jose Luis has outstanding leadership skills. From our initial acclimatization hike up Rucu Pichincha, He established a professional, conservative approach to mountaineering. For example, ordering gear changes, then backing off the summit attempt due to deteriorating weather. These actions provided a crucial foundation of trust as we negotiated the crevasse fields during our successful summit bid up Antisana. Jose Luis thoroughly reviewed all the fundamentals that were learned during the 3 day Muir climb. Jose Luis and all the Ecuador staff were very patient and easy going. In addition to mountain guide, Jose Luis has a encyclopedic knowledge of all things Ecuador.

All interaction that I’ve had with AAI staff has been personable and pleasant. Never had the impression that I was merely a customer, or received an impersonal response to any question. I normally do a lot of research and shopping before making a product or travel purchase, I haven’t found an alpine travel company that can compete with AAI. The quality of lodging was first rate. Beginning with our stay at the beautiful Hotel Quito, through our visits to historic and lovely haciendas, I simply couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding experience.

The camps where we pitched our tents were set in photogenic and remote areas. Manolo Vegas’ cooking made them home. All the equipment was of superior quality. The food was fresh and nutritious, presented in a clean manner.

My idea of a good time is being in a rough alpine environment, successfully, or very nearly, achieving ones objectives, then returning exhausted to be spoiled in a luxurious place. If you are faced with the choice of compromising this experience or raising prices, raise prices. I’d pay.

You know you are climbing with the right guide when other guides refer to your guide as “Sensei”. Sensei is referred to teachers or beings that have achieved a certain level of mastery in a skill or art. Being a mountain guide is a job, being a good guide is an art. Not only did Jose Luis become my true friend but he is a multifaceted person that is a pleasure to be around. Intelligent in the most subtle and elegant ways, not a in your face kind of snob.

Jose Luis is very thorough of the lessons and knowledge present. Not only was everything related to the alpine but he is a world of knowledge related to the person, the country, the soul, and the body. Not everyone can hang out for 10 days with the person and be completely able to continue the journey.

Volcanoes of Ecuador is luxury climbing. The ease of approaches gave me a new perspective on climbing. I would not change a thing about this trip. Had the adventure of a lifetime.

Every element of the expedition – climbing, logistics, leadership, accommodations – was excellent.  My sense is that the entire expedition revolved around the best interests the clients rather than the convenience and interests of the company. Of note, in particular the quality of accommodations and meals exceeded my expectations, as this is an area that other guiding companies seem to leverage as a way to control costs.

Although I have participated in many domestic and international expeditions with other guide companies, this was the first time I have climbed with Alpine Ascents.  Based on my experience, I would recommend Alpine Ascents without reservation.