Wharton Leadership Ventures Mt' Cotopaxi Expedition, Ecuador

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Wharton Leadership VenturesMt. Cotopaxi
Expedition, Ecuador   
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Mt. Cotopaxi

• Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the
  world at 19,348 feet (more than 50 eruptions
  since 1738). From the summit you have an amazing
  view into the heart of the volcano.
• On average, 60 of climbers reach the summit of
  Cotopaxi (reasons differ weather, physical
  conditioning, etc.). Whartons summit rate is
  slightly below the average.
• This trip is guided by Chris Warner and Adrian
  Ballinger from Earth Treks.  Chris has
  successfully led several expeditions up Mt.
  Everest. Adrian has been guiding in Ecuador for
  eight years and is currently guiding in Nepal.
• We will spend several days in Quito (the capital
  of Ecuador, 10,000 feet above sea level),
  acclimatizing and training and will summit a
  15,000 ft. peak prior to the attempt on Cotopaxi.

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Details

• 2004 dates January 3-11 and March 6-14
• The expeditions are supported by Earth Treks, a
  mountaineering guide service founded by Chris
  Warner.
• The cost is 1,700 per person plus airfare
  (lt1,000 from PHL to Quito) and is open to all
  Wharton MBA students
• A 500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit
  is due November 13th.
• The remainder is due November 26.
• Capacity for 24 climbers in January and 24
  climbers in March. Positions will be allocated
  via the Venture Auction System.
• For more information
• Email climb_at_wharton.upenn.edu
• or visit the following website
  http//leadership.wharton.upenn.edu/l_change/trips
  /Ecuador.shtml

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Sample itinerary for January trip

• Saturday, January 3 Depart Philadelphia and
  arrive in Quito (9,350 feet) in the evening.
  Transfer to hotel.
• Sunday, January 4 Explore Quito, visiting the
  cathedrals and historic sites of "Old Quito."
• Monday, January 5 Climb Pichincha, a 15,700-foot
  volcano above Quito
• Tuesday, January 6 Skills session on the
  climbing wall. Pack for the climb

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Sample itinerary for January trip (contd.)

• Wednesday, January 7 Travel (by car and foot) to
  the climber's hut on Cotopaxi (15,000 ft.)
• Thursday, January 8 Skill development on the
  glaciers of Cotopaxi.
• Friday, January 9 Climb to the summit of
  Cotopaxi (19,348 ft.)
• Saturday, January 10 Visit the Otavalo market
  and return to Quito
• Sunday, January 11 Depart Quito for Philadelphia.

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Leadership Ventures

• The Wharton Leadership Expedition to Ecuador
  offers a mountaineering and leadership
  development program designed to provide MBA
  students with a unique learning experience as
  well as the opportunity to ascend one of the
  highest peaks in the Western Hemisphere.
• Continuous learning is emphasized through daily
  pre-planned seminars and many unanticipated
  events. We devote time to considering leadership
  and team dynamics on the historic climbs of
  Ecuadors central highlands and other peaks,
  across organizations and cultures, and within our
  own climbing party.

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Push Your Mental and Physical Limits

• This is a skill development program, and prior
  mountaineering experience is not a prerequisite
  for participation. The climb is strenuous and
  difficult, and proper physical conditioning is
  crucial to success, but people of average
  athletic ability can accomplish this climb.
• High altitude mountaineering demands great
  physical endurance and emotional strength.  The
  itinerary places great emphasis on acclimatizing,
  the process by which your body adapts to the
  unique stresses placed upon it at altitude.  A
  high degree of aerobic conditioning is required.
  Rigorous preparation is imperative, with emphasis
  on the cardiovascular system and leg and back
  strength. The climb involves technical
  mountaineering, and instruction in the use of
  ropes, crampons. Other climbing equipment is
  provided. 

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2004 Ecuador Leadership Venture Fellows