Dreaming of the Top? Why Summit Rates Matter for Ecuador Climbs

Quito, being the highest capital city in the world, is where your journey into high altitude mountaineering starts. Without renouncing on the comfort of cities and nice accommodations you can get swift exposure to mountains as high as 6263 m – further being on the closest point to the sun on earth. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

When talking to our climbers, summit rates are often a topic, taken well into consideration when planning a trip to Ecuador. That’s when Elisabeth pulls out her statistics, and she advises climbers with all supporting data as well as vast personal experience. She has been tracking all ascents of Ecuador’s BIG 10 guided by an andean summit adventure mountain guide from the very beginning, back in 2014. Having also a look at failure rates allows her to better understand obstacles while going for high targets and to accompany our climbers with excellent strategies for acclimatization and preparation of their summits. At the end, it is about the journey, the experience, not just about the summit rate!

What Defines a "Successful Summit" at andean summit adventure?

The metrics matter, if you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it! A successful summit at andean summit adventure means, you have reached one of the main summits out of the BIG 10. An attempt counts as soon as you are on the way to the respective summit, or to its base camp or refuge. There are various variables that influence the chance to make it to the summit, among them, weather, conditions on the mountain, climber readiness or guide decisions. Therefore, we also track the failure reasons, split into the following: bad weather / conditions, climbers’ condition, altitude sickness, weak rope mate.

Nevertheless, exposed to the risks of altitude mountaineering, safety comes first, and a turnaround is sometimes necessary as a safety decision. Our guides evaluate the mountain, the climber and other conditions at any time and take responsible decisions according to their formation by ASEGUIM and IFMGA.

The andean summit adventure summit rate on Ecuador’s BIG 10

Now you might wonder, how our numbers look like, here we go. The following chart shows the summit rate of Ecuador’s BIG 10. All ascents accompanied by an andean summit adventure mountain guide are considered, from our very beginning, back in 2014 until July 2025:

Key Factors Influencing Your Summit Success in Ecuador

There are many things we can do to prepare for a successful summit push, nevertheless, there is never a guarantee, as out on the mountain, what happens is beyond our influence! The following key factors shall be well considered:

1 ) Acclimatization: Your Non-Negotiable Foundation for High Altitude

Our body is not made for altitude, that’s why we should prepare accordingly to make our experience an enjoyable one. There are many approaches to preparation and acclimatization, we apply a mix that best fits our climbers’ needs. During the acclimatization phase we try to go high during the day and then come down for sleeping low, while continuously increasing the sleeping altitude as we approach the big summits. This allows the body to get used to altitude and increases our acclimatization day by day and with that our summit chances.

An essential part of acclimatization is rest; therefore, we build in rest days into our itineraries that allow us to let our body come down and at the same time enjoy Ecuador’s diverse culture.

2) Ecuador's Dynamic Weather: Navigating the Andean Climate

Tropical microclimates – that’s what we are facing on Ecuador’s volcanos. Very summit has basically its own somehow often unpredictable mountain weather. The forecast (you might enjoy reading this POST), is an optional outcome, when we are talking about weather in Ecuador. It is important to monitor weather patterns over the days, having a look at different forecasting tools and still make sure that decisions are taken based on what is really happening out there. That’s why you want to go with a well-prepared mountain guide who is constantly out there and really into it.

The big advantage of climbing in Ecuador is, that most of our climbs can be done in 2 days and your itinerary most likely includes several summits, so, if one does not work out, there are still others on the list! Next to proper preparation you always need a bit of luck when climbing in Ecuador. A famous saying confirms that: “In Ecuador everything is possible but nothing sure!”

3) Physical & Mental Preparedness: Are You Ready for the Challenge?

Ecuador being a perfect destination for introduction into altitude mountaineering does not require an extraordinary amount of preparation, nevertheless, your summit chances will increase with better preparation. You should work out regularly, do cardio and have good endurance. Summit days include typically ascents of 6 – 8 hours after nights with little to no sleep in altitude and you must still save some energy for the descent! Steep slopes are part of many routes, where strong legs will be definitely an advantage. What is of big help as well is some previous glacier experience, that makes the ascents way better as you can rely on some basic knowledge.

Further you might face some FUN type 2 when climbing out on Ecuador’s volcanos and their dynamic tropical microclimates. Therefore, we recommend coming with a healthy portion of frustration tolerance! High winds, precipitation, cold, heat, you might have it all, maybe even on one summit. That said, your mental strength is as important as your physical preparation.

4) The Indispensable Role of Your ASEGUIM / IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide

At andean summit adventure, we rely heavily on our certified mountain guides. All our guides have been trained and certified by ASEGUIM or IFMGA standards. They apply state-of-the-art knowledge to assess conditions and make critical decisions, to ensure your safety.

Further, when it comes to conditions on the mountain, it is always a big advantage to count on the knowledge and experience of local mountain guides, who are constantly out there and know exactly what is going on, on our beautiful volcanoes.

5) Mountain Conditions in Ecuador: Ice, Snow & Route Variations

Our tropical microclimates in Ecuador bring a dynamic that we are facing constantly. Besides that, we have other “bigger” phenomenons that influence the conditions of snow and ice on our mountains and with that the difficulty of the routes. The summer months July & August are usually very windy, and the glaciers get try and hard. April is a month with a lot of precipitation and can trigger avalanche danger. Then “El Niño” years tend to come with more precipitation and in other years we face draughts. Volcanic eruptions do also have side effects on the conditions of the climbs, and yes, they do happen in Ecuador! So many factors that play crucial roles in whether you will be successful or not on your summit push.

Beyond the Summit Rate: The Unforgettable Journey

Regardless of summiting, Ecuador is worth a visit! People, culture, landscapes and diversity are unique in Ecuador. The comfort of vibrant Andean villages awaits you after cold and strenuous summit pushes. Epic experiences, important learnings and valuable contacts contribute to your personal growth during such a journey.

Ready to explore Ecuador's majestic peaks? Contact us for your tailormade expedition experience in Ecuador!

Cheers from Quito,
Elisabeth Gschösser
Co-Founder
andean summit adventure

Listen to Elisabeth and the insights about andean summit adventure's summit rate on Ecuador's BIG 10: