"Safe for the Night on Ilinizas" Chaupi by richiecdisc

Chaupi Travel Guide: 6 reviews and 7 photos

paradise found depends on circumstances - Chaupi

The twin peaks of Ilinizas are one Ecuador’s most beautiful sights. Visible from the Pan American highway in clear conditions, they also offer great opportunity for acclimatization and climbing in their own right from the straightforward Norte to the more complex and demanding Sur. Both peaks stand at over 5000 meters so certainly not to be taken lightly and one must acclimatize to even attempt them. With a refugio located between the two one can spend a few days exploring the area while getting used to breathing air a bit thinner than most are accustomed to. Beware extremely changeable weather, the area is prone to ice storms any time of year and fog that makes the peaks invisible from afar can make for tough navigation when in the thick of it. Ilinizas, enjoy but respect.

Last visit to Chaupi: Sep 2007
Intro Updated Dec 12, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (6)

a life saver Hotels (1)

This very basic refugio offers simple bunks and a stove with fuel. Though Spartan it is gives the hiker/climber a place... more travel advice

Hosteria Papagayo is working farm too - Chaupi

local buses Transportation (1)

Chaupi is a very small village off the Pan American Highway. To get there from Quito, catch a local bus to Machachi and... more travel advice

a mere speck Favorites (4)

The next day couldn’t come soon enough and unfortunately when it did come it was only marginally better than the day... more travel advice

a bit spooky but Favorites (4)

We unpacked our sleeping bags and grabbed a bunk even though all were obviously available. I set off to find some... more travel advice

Comments (9)

Reply
- Report abuse
MalenaN Jun 12, 2009 at 10:58 PM

Sounds like a great cold adventure! The soup and hot chocolate must have tasted wonderful!
Reply
- Report abuse
acemj Feb 19, 2008 at 5:07 PM

small specks freeze. you were big enough to stay unfrozen.
Reply
- Report abuse
Gili_S Jan 7, 2008 at 7:23 AM

Huh, I will know to bring my Lapland winter gear when going to Ecuador ;-)
Reply
- Report abuse
Bwana_Brown Dec 28, 2007 at 4:08 AM

Richie, this sounds like another of your many great adventures bashing around in the mountains of the world! Happy hiking to you and D in 2008!
Reply
- Report abuse
sandysmith Dec 22, 2007 at 1:45 AM

Respect, respe3ct and respect...and hot chocolate, good motto
Reply
- Report abuse
Trekki Dec 13, 2007 at 11:21 AM

Oh my, what an adventure !! I once had zero visibility while hiking, but luckily never a white out. I fully understand how good hot chocolate tastes in such a cold night :-))
Reply
- Report abuse
toonsarah Dec 13, 2007 at 7:48 AM

"Happy when they let us see them and happy when they let us leave" - excellent point Richie, and I'm glad this worked out OK for you two :)
Reply
- Report abuse
DoreenDe Dec 12, 2007 at 6:54 PM

I guess we learned our lesson: ALWAYS carry hot chocolate ;op
Reply
- Report abuse
b1bob Dec 12, 2007 at 6:37 PM

Not the kind of place I would stay (sort of reminds me of Orakei Korako, New Zealand). However, great commentary.