I expected the focus to be only on the climb, but the experience turned out to be much more complete. From day one, there was a real concern for how we were adapting to the altitude, how we were resting and how we were progressing. Summit day on Cotopaxi was tough, but I reached it feeling prepared, not improvising.

What surprised me the most was how they managed the pace. In the mountains it’s easy to push too hard or lose rhythm, but here everything was very well measured. Even during the harder moments, especially near the final ascent, I always felt that someone was paying attention to every detail. That makes a huge difference.

Climbing Chimborazo was probably the most demanding thing I’ve ever done, but what made the difference was the preparation beforehand. Not only physically, but mentally. The guides were very clear from the beginning: when to push, when to stop, and when not to take unnecessary risks. That builds a lot of trust.

There are things you don’t fully appreciate until you’re in the mountains: timing, logistics, having gear ready when you need it. Here everything just flows. You don’t have to worry about anything other than moving and adapting to the altitude.

I had never used crampons or an ice axe before. The training day was key. It wasn’t just a quick explanation — they really took the time to make sure everyone understood how to move safely. That made summit day feel like a natural progression, not a leap into the unknown.

There’s a difference between following an itinerary and actually understanding the mountain. During the trip, there were several decisions — timing adjustments, route changes — where you could see real judgment behind them. That gives you a lot of confidence.

I saw shorter options for Cotopaxi, but this experience was different. You take the time to acclimatize, to understand the environment and to arrive better prepared. It’s not the fastest way, but definitely the smartest one.

I chose the shorter program because I didn’t have many days. It’s intense, no doubt, but they were very clear from the beginning about what it involved. It didn’t feel like they were selling something easy — it felt like a well-executed plan for a limited timeframe.

It’s not just about the climb. After long days, having a comfortable place to rest, good food and everything well organized makes a huge difference. Those details don’t always show in a description, but they completely shape the experience.