Ratings used internationally today include several systems depending on the location and specific activity such as rock climbing, alpine climbing, ice climbing or aid climbing.

Our difficulty rate system aims to resume these systems and helps you to choose an adventure that is challenging and within your FITNESS and SKILLS.

Read the following guidelines to understand the difficulty of our climbs and take the best option for you and your group!

Remember we LOVE TO CUSTOMIZE UNIQUE ADVENTURES, so we can create the perfect climbing tour based in your experience and expectations.

If you have any doubt or inquire, please contact us! We are happy to help you

CLIMBING SKILL LEVELS
Most of our climbs do not required previous experience, however we recommend you have some basic mountaineering experience prior to join to an adventure over 5.000 m that requires glacier travel techniques. If not, do not worry! As there will be one day of skills preparation for the ascent.

BEGINNER
• You have no prior climbing experience at all
• You do not know how to use climbing gear
• You do not any snow, rock or ice climbing techniques
• You are in good physical condition
• Hiking is not a habitual activity
• Highly recommended that you have some previous hiking experience

NOVICE
• You have hiking and backpacking experience
• You have basic snow, rock and ice climbing experience
• You know how to use basic climbing gear
• You know basic glacier travel techniques: moving in a rope team and self-arrest
• You are in pretty good physical condition

INTERMEDIATE
• You have previous snow, rock and ice climbing experience
• You are confident on 45 degree slopes, rock and ice climbing on ridges
• You know how to use climbing gear
• You know glacier travel techniques: roping up, moving in a rope team, self arrest and basic crevasse rescue
• You are in excellent physical condition

ADVANCED
• You have excellent snow and mixed climbing experience
• You are confident on 45-60 degree slopes, exposed ridges and steep rock and ice climbing passages
• You know how to use climbing gear properly
• You know mountaineering techniques: roping up, leading in a rope team, rappelling, self arrest and crevasse rescue
• You are in excellent physical condition
• Climbing resume required

EXPERT
• You have vast snow and mixed climbing experience
• You are confident and competent on all mountain climbing terrain and conditions, 45-60 degree slopes, exposed ridges and steep and vertical rock and ice climbing passages
• You know how to use climbing gear efficiently
• You know all mountaineering techniques: roping up, leading in a rope team, belaying, rappelling, self arrest and crevasse rescue
• You are in excellent physical condition
• Climbing resume required

CLIMBING FITNESS LEVELS
Climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes above 4.000 m /13,120 ft is physically demanding, not only because of the fitness required, but also because of the altitude.

Our climbing programs consider a progressive physical training and acclimatization process, but it is very important and also required to have certain fitness level to enjoy and succeed!

Your trip will be more rewarding for yourself and others if you prepare for it by conditioning properly.

EASY
• Exercising is not really part of your life
• You have an almost sedentary life with little physical activity besides walking
• You hike occasionally
• You are able to hike 3 or 4 hours at a relaxed pace, as long as there are several breaks.
• Hiking small and short hills are tough but you can take it as a challenge
• You will never consider hiking more than a day in a row
• You exercise on average 1 hour per week

MODERATE
• You like exercising and physical activity
• You hike or run often, at least twice a month!
• You are able to hike 4 to 6 hours at a relaxed pace, as long as there are several breaks.
• Hiking on a hilly terrain is tough but you can take it as a challenge
• Hiking for multiple days in a row sounds daunting, but you could handle 2 or 3 days for an average of 3 to 5 hours of hiking
• You exercise on average 2 or 3 hours per week

INTERMEDIATE
• Exercising is part of your life!
• You love hiking or running, at least once a week!
• You can handle 6 to 8 hours hiking on terrain with climbs at a moderate pace taking breaks
• Hiking steep or long climbs is tough but you can take it as a challenge
• You are able to hike multiple day in a row at a moderate pace for an average of 5 to 6 hours of hiking
• You exercise on average 4 to 5 hours per week

DIFFICULT
• You cannot live without exercising!
• You must hike or run, at least two or three times a week!
• You can handle 8 to 10 hours hiking on a hilly terrain at a good pace taking breaks
• Hiking steep or long climbs is not an issue as long as you keep a moderate pace
• You are able to hike multiple day in a row at a good pace for an average of 5 to 6 hours of hiking
• You exercise every day, at least one hour per day

CHALLENGING
• Hiking or running is your life!
• You exercise every day
• You can handle easily 10 hours or more hiking on hilly terrain at a good pace almost with no breaks
• Actually, you enjoy hiking steep or long climbs at a good pace!
• You are able to hike multiple day in a row at a good pace for an average of 6 to 8 hours of hiking
• You exercise every day, at least two hour per day