ECUADOR TREK & OPTIONAL
COTOPAXI CLIMB
October 17th - 27th, 2026
MOUNTAIN MEDICINE CME
Oct. 17TH - 27TH, 2026
Join our Mountain Medicine CME course while trekking through beautiful Ecuador. If you like technical climbing then add-on our optional Cotopaxi Expedition Climb.
Enjoy a Full City Tour of Quito and then experience some beautiful and challenging non-technical trekking while climbing Ilalo (10,500ft), Pasochoa ( ft), and Ruminahue (ft). For those adventurous souls: you can add-on an expedition climb to the top of Cotopaxi or for those less adventurous - enjoy a day of rest and exploration. We will end our adventure at an amazing Cloud Forest for 2 nights of soaking and relaxing before departing home.
Cotopaxi: Cotopaxi is the world’s highest active volcano and the second highest point in Ecuador and is an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountain. With its peak reaching a height of 19,347 ft, Cotopaxi is among the highest active volcanoes in the world and has 87 known eruptions. Climbing Cotopaxi has become very popular and this is a great introduction to the overall mountaineering experience. The mountain was first climbed by a German geologist Wilhelm Reiss and his Colombian partner, Angel Escobar on November 28, 1872. In the late 20th century, summiting Cotopaxi became a major tourist draw and the Jose F Ribas Refuse was built in 1971 at an elevation of 15,960 ft. If Cotopaxi is still active during our trip, we will have alternative plans to climb another large mountain such as Cayambe. Cayambe is the third tallest mountain in Ecuador. Cayambe is a unique Holocene compound volcano, which last erupted in March 1786 with a permanent snow cap. The peak of Cayambe was first climbed by Edward Whymper and his two Italian guides and companions Jean Anotoine Carrel and Louis Carrel in 1880 and since then has been climbed by many well known climbers.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore the ancient city of Quito
Climb Several Non-Technical Peaks and Explore the Beautiful Country-side
Optional: 1-Night Technical Expedition climb to summit of Cotopaxi
2-nights to relax at beautiful forest lodging
Earn 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME TM credits
Meet Life-Long Friends
ITINERARY:
Day 1, Oct. 17th, 2026, Depart from home airport and Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. Pick-ups arranged at airport and transport to our Accomodation: Casa Illayaku (D)
Dinner & Welcome Introductions
Day 2, Oct. 18th, Full City Tour of Quito. Overnight Lodge: Casa Illayaku (B) (L) (D)
After Breakfast, we start our day in the city of Quito. We visit Quito’s old town with it’s most important sites like the Basilica del Voto Nacional, Palacio Arzobispal, Plaza Mayor, Panama Hats, Yumbo’s Chocolate Tasting, Virgin of the Panecillo and more. We have lunch together and return in the afternoon to our accommodation: Casa Illiayaka (8,000 ft)
Day 3, Oct. 19th: Climb Ilalo (3200M / 10,500 ft) Overnight Lodge: Casa Illayaku (B) (L) (D)
After Breakfast, we drive to the parking area at the view point in El Tingo. Then we hike up the sloopes of the extinct volcano through typical vegtation, with great views of the avenue of the volcanos and Quito, up to the summit of Ilalo (3200M/10,500ft) - time to summit about 2-3 hours. After a small rest on the summit, we descen to our vehicle and continue to our accommodation.
Evening Lectures
Day 4, Oct. 20th: Climb Pasochoa (4200M/13,790ft). Overnight at Mortinos Mountain Lodge. (B) (L) (D)
After Breakfast, we drive to the parking area and hike through the beautiful andean grassland to the summit of Pasochoa (4200M/13,780ft). Time to summit depending on the route about 3-5 hours. After a small rest on the summit, we descend to our vehicle and continue to our accommodation: Mortinos Mountain Lodge (12,205 ft.)
Evening Lectures
Day 5, Oct. 21st: Climb Ruminahui (4722M / 15,492 ft). Overnight at Mortinos Mountain Lodge. (B)(L)(D)
After breakfast, drive to parking area at Limpiopungo Lagoon in Cotopaxi National Park, where we start our climb. We hike towards the central summit of Ruminahui. The approximate time to summit is 4-5 hours. After enjoying wonderful views of neighboring Cotopaxi and eat lunch, we descend to our vehicle and return to lodge.
Evening Lectures
Day 6, Oct. 22nd: REST DAY. Mortinos Mountain Lodge (B)(L)(D)
Depending on our mood for this rest day, we go for easy activities in the Cotopaxi National Park or just a relaxing day in and around the Lodge. Amongst our options: visit Limipiopungo Lagoon and the Museum or for those climbing Cotopaxi get some practice for the upcoming summit with your guides.
Evening Lectures
Day 7 & 8 Oct. 23rd/24th: Optional Cotopaxi Climb. Overnight Refuge / Mortinos Mountain Lodge (B) (L) (D)
We enjoy a relaxing morning at Mortinos Mountain Lodge, before some of us drive to the parking lot and hike up to the Cotopaxi Refuge at (4865M / 15,960 ft). If required, there will be a small glacier training in the afternoon (walking techniques), early dinner and rest at the refuge. Wake up around midnight, small snack and start the summit hike of Cotopaxi (5897M / 19,347 ft) which takes about 7-9 hours. After ideally enjoying a breathtaking sunrise at the summit, we descend (approx. 3 hours to refuge / 30 minutes to parking lot) and return to accommodation.
Day 9, Oct. 25th: Drive to Mindo Cloud Forest: Overnight TerraBambu Lodge (B)(L)(D)
After a relaxing morning in Mortinos Mountain Lodge, we pack up and leave for the Mindo Cloud Forest for a well-earned and relaxing finish of our expedition to Ecuador.
Day 10, Oct. 26th. Relax and Enjoy. Overnight TerraBambu Lodge (B)(L)(D)
A full day of adventure & relaxation awaits us to finish our expedition. TerraBambu Lodges Cabins offer unique surroundings in the cloud forest with pools and beautiful gardens. Every cabin is equipped with a jacuzzi (shared by the rooms in the cabin). Bird watching, ATV riding, tubbing, zip lining and other optional activities can easily be arranged on site (Bring some Extra Cash) to guarantee tons of fun. Additionally, there are some SPA services available in the cabins (must reserve and limited availability) as well as other spa services nearby.
Day 11, Oct. 27th: Pack Up our Suitcases and say our Farewells.
Transfer to Airport (Book Flights for after 1pm to allow for travel time or you may need to arrange earlier transfer at additional cost)
*PLEASE NOTE: There may be slight itinerary changes and if so a comparable hotel or lodge will be booked. This is unlikely to happen but sometimes things can change last minute such as closures, land slides, and other natural disasters. We will do our best to stick with the original itinerary above.
THE TEAM / FACULTY:
The mountain logistics and leadership will be provided by extremely experienced international mountain guides from Ecuador.
The Wild Med Adventures Team are all mountaineers, well traveled and experienced, but are only responsible for the educational aspect of this trip. Instructors: Ben Mattingly, MD, FAWM / Jennifer Mattingly, PA-C / Myung Bae, DO, FAWM - Please see BIO's for instructor information.
Earn 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME TM credits
Please do your own research in regards to safety and experience. Mountaineering is dangerous and despite taking all necessary precautions, you may still be injured or killed due to unpredictable avalanches, slips, falls, equipment failure and/or trauma.
PRE-REQUISITES: (Anyone can attend but hiking experience and previous altitude exposure is recommended)
**NO TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO TREK ONLY AND NOT COTOPAXI
FOR COTOPAXI, you should have experience with high altitude trekking, use of crampons and ICE Ax
EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, PA, NP, RRT, PhD or Physician for the CME portion BUT . . . Non-Medicals are welcome to attend and will likely enjoy learning about safety in the mountains.
A keen interest in wilderness first aid / medicine
An excellent level of physical fitness (**This is a very demanding hike at altitude and with steep terrain)
Previous hiking / outdoor experience
Those with less experience/confidence must understand the physical demands of the environment and the risks of hiking at altitude. Prior experience is recommended. Please ask if you are unsure if you are cut out for this type of climb.
HEALTH / VACCINATIONS:
Delegates should be vaccinated appropriately - Please see CDC recommendations for visiting Ecuador.
Everyone must follow current travel restrictions and requirements. We recommend discussing with your physician or consulting a travel clinic.
Delegates should be aware this is intended to be a wilderness course in every sense of the word. The team in some parts of Ecuador will have limited access to medical care. This is not a packaged holiday and neither Wild Med Adventures nor our local guides can control mother nature. Should our plans be affected by floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, snow storms, earthquakes and the like, we will continue with alternate plans in true expedition spirit, affecting self rescues and problem solving along the way.
MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE / TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Delegates should have personal insurance / travel insurance to cover any in-country medical examinations, treatment or rescue/evacuation from a remote area. Rescue/Evacuation Insurance is Mandatory. We recommend Global Rescue and they offer trip specific and year long coverage. We have 2-3 people on almost every trip that has to cancel due to unforeseen illness or injury to themself or a family member - please buy Travel Insurance to protect you in case of an Emergency Cancellation. We try our best to reimburse and fill your spot but we can’t alway do this and it is no guarantee.
COSTS
Trip Cost with CME: $4250
Non-Medical Spouse/Partner/Friend (No CME): $3750
**Cotopaxi Add-On: $525 pp (Summit Attempt = 2:1 Client to Guide )
Deposit: $2000
INCLUDED
All accommodation in Ecuador as listed above / twin share (not extra days at beginning or end of trip)
All Meals
All pick up & drop-off transportation from Quito International Airport
An experienced Mountain Guide who knows the area, local people, mountains and local culture very well.
All Park Fees
Wilderness Medicine “Mountain Medicine CME” - 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME TM credits
Wild Med Gift
EXCLUDED
Cotopaxi Summit Attempt ($525) 2:1 Client to Guide Ration
International airfares, transfers en route & excess baggage.
Your personal insurances. Medical, Mountain rescue & repatriation cover is obligatory.
Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, WI-FI Internet.
Tipping to the guide & local staff (allow up to $400 - $450 per guest) will be collected by Lead Instructor
Extra nights accommodation if you wish to arrive early or stay extra days
Personal Trekking gear
Any expenses due to lost luggage, trip cancellation, or other illnesses or injuries that may occur during the expedition.
Extra Activities such as ATV excursion, Zip-lining or SPA services
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This course is ideal for those interested in providing medical care in the wild or those travel enthusiasts, group leaders, climbers, walkers, EMT’s, nurses, NP's, PA's or doctors with a desire to learn medical treatment in austere environments. While completing the core curriculum of this CME course we will be hiking various mountains and completing the core lectures and skills at various camps or in the wilderness settings along the route.
ATTENDING THIS COURSE YOU WILL:
Learn the latest wilderness medical skills for patient assessment, stabilization and evacuation.
Work with our expert faculty and local mountain guides to develop your mountain skills and visit Everest Base Camp
Earn 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME TM credits
Obtain Fellowship credits from the Wilderness Medicine Society (FAWM)
CERTIFICATION:
Approved for 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM and WMS FAWM Credits on our Mountain Medicine Adventure
“This course has been approved for Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) credits
through the Wilderness Medical Society. Actual credits awarded depend on personal credit needs and history.”
FACULTY DISCLOSURE / CME
It is the policy of the Wild Med Adventures, LLC to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor. All faculty members are required to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.
Accordingly, the Wilderness Medical Society has determined there are no conflicts to report associated with this conference.
ACCME Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Wilderness Medical Society and Wild Med Adventures, LLC. The Wilderness Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Wilderness Medical Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
All educational content presented in this activity has been reviewed and validated as appropriate in keeping with sound scientific principles.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Your deposit for the travel portion of the course is nonrefundable unless the course does not reach its minimal number of participants. If we do not reach the requirement of 8 participants and we have to cancel then a full refund will be given. The entire balance of your trip fee will be due 90 days prior to departure. No refunds will be given 90 days prior to start of trip. If you cancel more than 90 days prior to course, you will be reimbursed everything but deposit.
If you have not paid in full 90 days prior to start of course a $500 fee will be applied or we have the right to cancel your trip.
We have a minimum registration requirement of 8 participants and a maximum of 25. If the course is cancelled due to insufficient registration you will receive a full refund INCLUDING DEPOSIT.
Please contact us before purchasing plane tickets to confirm minimum number of registrants.
We recommend booking a refundable Flight in case of natural disasters, pandemics, or other necessarily and unseen cancellations.
PLEASE BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE TO PROTECT YOU IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE GETS SICK OR INJURED AND YOU CAN”T ATTEND THE TRIP.
(We are unable to reimburse flight costs for any reason)