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GUIDE

In 2005 Marshall completed his quest for the Seven Summits. In less than three years, he was able to reach the highest point on each continent, including Mount Everest, all on first attempts!

He has applied the knowledge he gained on these mountains, which was built upon 20 years of ultrarunning and 10 years of adventure racing (this guy knows how to take care of himself—and others!), to guide clients on mountains around the world. He truly enjoys helping other people put their Dreams in Action in the mountains.

Discover what you’re made of ... it’s more than you think!

Marshall and his wife, Heather, who often travels with Dreams in Action as base camp manager and communications coordinator, are both certified Wilderness First Responders, trained through First Lead.

Upcoming Expeditions

Details for the DNA trip to Ecuador in February 2012 are provided below. Be sure scroll all the way down to learn about Kilimanjaro and the Mexican Volcanoes too!

Stay up to date: Want to know the latest? Marsh regularly writes about his expeditions on his blog and announces events on Facebook and Twitter.

Ecuador February 2012

Volcanoes Climb or Andean Trekking
and / or Galapagos Islands Cruise

We hope you will join Dreams in Action (DNA) in Ecuador in February 2012 for a land option – either climbing the stunning volcanoes or trekking in the Andes – followed by a cruise of the unbelievable Galapagos Islands. You can do just a land option, just the cruise (or have your spouse join you for the cruise, after you climb or trek), or combine them for a once-in-a-lifetime, customized trip.

DNA will be taking a maximum of 12 clients to climb the volcanoes or trek, and a maximum of 16 clients for the 5-day Galapagos cruise

These are some of the only “all inclusive” in-country packages out there, so be cautious in comparing pricing with other companies!

The Dreams in Action (DNA) packages include:

climbing or trekking fees
lodging during climbing or trekking
pre-and post-climbing or trekking lodging
internal airfare to/from Quinto to the islands
Galapagos park fee
lodging during the cruise
pre-and post-cruise lodging
most meals
transfers

Additional costs are limited to airfare to/from Quinto, Ecuador; guide and hotel tips; a few meals; drinks; and your personal expenses and shopping/gifts.

LAND OPTIONS

From February 10-22, you can join DNA Climbing the Ecuadorian Volcanoes, or Trekking in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Volcanoes Climb Itinerary

This itinerary is for the DNA Volcanoes Climb (Feb 10-22), showing options for linking with the Galapagos Cruise if you so choose.

Feb 10
Arrive Quito, transfer and overnight Casa Aliso or similar.

Feb 11
City tour and equator, overnight Casa Aliso or similar. (B)

Feb 12
Drive (2 hours) to Otavalo. Hike 3-4 hours up Fuya-Fuya (14,088 feet) with +1,520 / -1,520 feet elevation gain/loss. Optional visit to local market, overnight hotel in Otavalo. (BL)

Feb 13
Ice training on Cayambe (foot of glacier is at approximately 15,100 feet). Overnight at refuge on Cayambe. (BLD)

Feb 14
Ice training on Cayamben (15,100 feet). Drive (2 hours) back to Quito with tours en route, overnight hotel in Quito. (BL)

Feb 15
Morning trip up TeleferiQo gondola. Hike 4 hours to 15,000 feet (+2,120 / -2,120 feet). Afternoon drive to El Chaupi and overnight hostel. (BLD)

Feb 16
Hike 6-7 hours up Illinizas Norte (16,784 feet) with +3,820 / -3,820 feet elevation gain/loss. Drive (1 hour) to El Chasqui, overnight local hostel. (BLD)

Feb 17
Drive to Cotopaxi. Climb to Cotopaxi refuge at 17,744 feet. Overnight Cotopaxi refuge. (BLD)

Feb 18
Climb to the 19,427-foot summit Cotopaxi. Gain +1,682 feet. Afternoon drive to Banos, overnight Banos hotel. (BLD)

Feb 19
Rest day in Banos, overnight Banos hotel. (BLD)

Feb 20
Drive to Chimborazo. Climb to Chimborazo refuge at 16,400 feet. Overnight Chimborazo refuge. (BLD)

Feb 21
Climb to the 20,697-foot summit Chimborazo. Gain +4,297 feet. Drive to Quito.

Farewell dinner, overnight Casa Aliso or similar if doing the climb only. (BLD)

– Or –

Meet your cruise companions at dinner, overnight Casa Aliso or similar if doing the climb and the cruise. (BLD)

Feb 22
Transfer to the airport if doing the climb only, (B)

– Or –

Fly to Galapagos, 5-day cruise on the Coral I/II if doing the climb and the cruise

island paradise. (BLD)

Trekking Itinerary

This itinerary is for the DNA Andean Trekking (Feb 10-22). Note that the trekking group will travel with the climbing group from Feb 10 through Feb 16. On Feb 17the trekking group will have their own car and driver/guide, and will travel and lodge separately, meeting again with the climbing group in Quito the evening of Feb 21. At the end of the trek, the itinerary shows options for linking with the Galapagos Cruise if you so choose.

Feb 14
Cayambe area (15,100 feet). Approximately 2 hour trek around a small lake that is on the way to the summit route and still in the rocky part. Elevation gain/loss +1,600 /- 1,600 feet. Drive (2 hours) back to Quito with tours en route, overnight hotel in Quito. (BL)

Feb 15
Morning trip up TeleferiQo gondola. Trek approximately 4 hours to 15,000 feet. Elevation gain/loss +2,120 / -2,120 feet. Afternoon drive to El Chaupi and overnight hostel. (BLD)

Feb 16
Trek 6-7 hours up Illinizas Norte (16,784 feet). Elevation gain/loss +3,820 /-3,820 feet. Drive (1 hour) to El Chasqui, overnight local hostel. (BLD)

Feb 17
After breakfast we depart El Chasqui and drive (1 hour) to Cotopaxi National Park. Trek on the high plateau at the foot of the volcano. Walk through grandiose landscapes of Andean “Páramo” with very beautiful views on all the surrounding peaks that reach 15,744 to 16,072 feet, such as the Sinchologua and the Rumiñahui. Visit to pre-Inca ruins. Total trekking time approximately 4-5 hours with minimal (+/-100 feet) elevation gain/loss. Drive (1 hour 30 min) in the western cordillera to the village of Insilivi at 9,512 feet. Overnight in a charming local in/mountain hut/ chalet. (BLD)

Feb 18
This is the start of a three day trek in the western cordillera. The trek will allow you to immerse yourself in local Indian culture and cross wonderful Andean landscapes. Two overnights will be spent in local mountain inns. The first day crosses mountain landscapes and farming villages. Total trekking time 5-6 hours with elevation gain/loss of approximately +2,788 / -1,968 feet. Overnight in the village of Chugchilan at 10,332 feet. (BLD)

Feb 19
The trek continues by following an impressive canyon. Along the way, the route crosses streams and goes through villages. Trekking time 5-6 hours with elevation gain/loss of +2,788 feet / -820 feet. Afternoon arrival on the banks of Quilotoa lake, one of the most beautiful sites in Ecuador. Overnight in an Indian hut (rural homestay; basic, rustic accommodations) in Quilotoa at 12,792 feet. (BLD)

Feb 20
Hike from Quilotoa lake to the village of Tigua along the durio Toachi canyon. Trekking time 4-5 hours. Overnight in a family farm in Tigua at 11,480 feet, with extremely warm hospitality. (BLD)

Feb 21

Drive (3 hours 30 min) from Tigua to Quito, with lunch on our way back.

Farewell dinner, overnight Casa Aliso or similar, if doing the trek only. (BLD).

– Or –

Meet your cruise companions at dinner, overnight Casa Aliso or similar if doing trekking and the cruise. (BLD)

Feb 22
Transfer to the airport if doing trekking only. (B)

- Or –

Fly to Galapagos, 5-day cruise on the Coral I/II if doing the climb and the cruise. (BLD)

GALAPAGOS CRUISE OPTION

This itinerary is for the DNA Galapagos Cruise option. If you are doing the cruise only, you will arrive in Ecuador on Feb 21 and depart on Feb 27.

If you are linking a land option with the cruise, you will finish your land option on Feb 21, and then fly to the Galapagos Islands on Feb 22. You will depart Ecuador on Feb 27.

Each day on the Coral I/II you will meet with your guide to learn about the island you are visiting including the animals, vegetation, and landforms you will see, and what you should bring with you on the excursion. During the dry landing you will enjoy impressive island views with landscapes formed by volcanic activity. You will learn more about the lava terrain while crossing the now-dormant fields. While making wet landings you will be refreshed by clear waters on the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. You will have an opportunity to swim and snorkel off white sand beaches, and in some cases, dark-red volcanic sand beaches.

Feb 21
Arrive in Quito, overnight Casa Aliso or similar (D)

Feb 22

Fly to Galapagos, 5-day cruise on the Coral I/II if doing the cruise only, or the climb/trek and the cruise. (BLD)

Departure from Quito (approximately a 2-and-a-half-hour flight). Passengers will be picked up by our guides at the airport and taken to the Coral I/Coral II.

Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill)
Wet landing. Visitors walk to a saltwater lagoon which is occasionally visited by pink flamingos. Then you’ll hike up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for numerous reintroduced land iguanas. There is also a unique scalesia tree forest.

Feb 23
Galapagos (BLD)

Rábida (Jervis)
Wet landing. The volcano-formed beach is dark red and frequented by sea lions. It’s considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the Islands. You’ll hike to a salt water lagoon, where a sea lions colony can sometimes be found. Boobies and 9 species of Darwin’s finches can be observed. You can take a dinghy ride by the reefs, as well as snorkel.

Santiago (Egas Port)
Wet landing on a beach of dark sand (volcanic ash). Most of the landscape is comprised of layers of rocks and lava flows. Here you can see great blue herons, striated herons, yellow-crowned night herons, and American oystercatchers. You will see marine iguanas grazing upon algae beds alongside red sally light-foot crabs. There is a colony of fur-seals swimming in pools of cool water. This is a place where you can swim, snorkel, and look for squid, starfish, and a variety of colorful tropical fish.

Feb 24
Galapagos (BLD)

Fernandina (Espinosa Point)
Dry landing. You will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs, as well as flightless cormorants nesting sites, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will spot brachycereus cactus, and “pa-hoe-hoe” lava and “AA” lava formations. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea.

Isabela (Tagus Cove)
Dry landing on Galapagos’ largest island. You will learn about the eruption of five volcanoes that formed this island. The trail leads to Darwin’s salt water lagoon and an excellent view of the lava fields and volcanic formations. You’ll take a dinghy to observe marine life. Frequently, Galapagos penguins can be seen here. Opportunity for snorkeling. Graffiti believed to have been made by 19th century pirates helps passengers better appreciate the relationship between the islands and tourism today.

Feb 25
Galapagos (BLD)

Bartolomé
Dry landing. Passengers will see volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After hiking to the summit you can enjoy a great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock’s eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, you’ll often see lava lizards, tiquilla, and various cacti. You’ll be able to snorkel and see the Galapagos penguin, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe distance.

Santa Cruz (Black Turtle Cove)
Located near Las Bachas beach on the north side of the island, you will take a dinghy though the mangrove. The motor is turned off to allow close observation of marine turtles, white tipped reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and yellow rays.

Feb 26
Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station) - Depart Galapagos (B)

Santa Cruz
Here you will be able to observe the giant tortoises that are part of the reproduction program and the world’s most famous tortoise, Lonesome George, the last surviving specimen of his species. You can also admire the prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Later on, you’ll have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.

Disembark at Baltra. You will take a bus to the airport for the flight back to the mainland via Guayaquil to Quito.

Overnight at Casa Aliso or similar.

Feb 27
Transfer to Quito Airport, depart (B)

PRICING

Remember, these prices are "all inclusive" - so be careful when comparing to packages from other companies! The Dreams in Action (DNA) packages include:

climbing or trekking fees
lodging during climbing or trekking
pre-and post-climbing or trekking lodging
internal airfare to/from Quinto to the islands
Galapagos park fee
lodging during the cruise
pre-and post-cruise lodging
most meals
transfers

Additional costs are limited to airfare to/from Quinto, Ecuador; guide and hotel tips; a few meals; drinks; and your personal expenses and shopping/gifts

Volcanoes Only, Feb 10-22, 2012

$2,680 per person/double occupancy *including*

10 day climb, including climbing fees and lodging
Most meals: noted daily as B (breakfast) L (lunch) D (dinner)
Pre- and post-climb Quito hotel and transfers

A deposit of $670, is due no later than Oct 15, 2011.

Remaining $2,010 due no later than Dec 10, 2011.

Trekking, Feb 10-22, 2012

$2,980 person/double occupancy *including*

10 day trek, including trekking fees and lodging
Most meals: noted daily as B (breakfast) L (lunch) D (dinner)
Pre- and post-trekking Quito hotel and transfers

A deposit of $745, is due no later than Oct 15, 2011.

Remaining $2,235 due no later than Dec 10, 2011.

Cruise Only, Feb 21-27, 2012

$3,290 per person/dbl occupancy: 5-day Coral Cruise (in Moon Cabins) *including*

5 day cruise
Pre- and post-cruise Quito hotel and transfers
Most meals: noted daily as B (breakfast) L (lunch) D (dinner)
Internal air to/from Quito to islands
Galapagos park fee

$3,090 per person: 5 day Coral cruise (in Standard Cabin) *including*

5 day cruise
Pre- and post-cruise Quito hotel and transfers
Most meals: noted daily as B (breakfast) L (lunch) D (dinner)
Internal air to/from Quito to islands
Galapagos park fee

A deposit of $1,000* (moon or standard cabin) is due no later than Oct 15, 2011.

Remaining $2,290 (moon) or $2,090 (standard) is due no later than Dec 10, 2011.

Volcanoes and Cruise, Feb 10-27, 2012

$5,870 per person/dbl occupancy: 5-day Coral Cruise (in Moon Cabins) *including*

10 day climb, including climbing fees and lodging
5 day cruise
Pre- and post-climb, and cruise, Quito hotel and transfers
Most meals: noted daily as B (breakfast) L (lunch) D (dinner)
Internal air to/from Quito to islands
Galapagos park fee

$5,670 per person/dbl occupancy: 5-day Coral Cruise (in Standard Cabins) *including*

10 day climb, including climbing fees and lodging
5 day cruise
Pre- and pos-climb, and cruise, Quito hotel and transfers
Most meals: noted daily as B (breakfast) L (lunch) D (dinner)
Internal air to/from Quito to islands
Galapagos park fee

A $1,670* (moon or standard cabin) deposit is due no later than Oct 15, 2011.

Remaining $4,200 (moon cabin) or $4,000 (standard cabin) due later than Dec 10, 2011.

Trekking and Cruise, Feb 10-27, 2012

$6,170 per person/dbl occupancy: 5-day Coral Cruise (in Moon Cabins) *including*

10 day trek, including fees and lodging
5 day cruise
Pre- and post-trek, and cruise, Quito hotel and transfers
Most meals: noted daily as B (breakfast) L (lunch) D (dinner)
Internal air to/from Quito to islands
Galapagos park fee

$5,970 per person/dbl occupancy: 5-day Coral Cruise (in Standard Cabins) *including*

10 day trek, including fees and lodging
5 day cruise
Pre -and post-trek, and cruise, Quito hotel and transfers
Most meals: noted daily as B (breakfast) L (lunch) D (dinner)
Internal air to/from Quito to islands
Galapagos park fee

A $1,745 (moon or standard cabin) deposit is due no later than Oct 20, 2011.

Remaining $4,425 (moon cabin) or $4,225 (standard cabin) due later than Dec 10, 2011.

Pricing Notes

* Deposit for the climb or trek only includes a non-refundable processing fee of $150.

** The deposit for the cruise, whether moon and standard cabin, is $1,000, as the costs for the internal airfare (from Quinto to the islands) and the park fee must both be paid in-full up-front, plus a portion of the cruise and pre- and post-Quito costs. Because DNA will not be able to get refunds on airfare or park fees, the deposit for the cruise only, and the deposits for the climb or trek plus the cruse, includes a non-refundable fee of $675.

Note regarding the few days when L-lunch and/or D-dinner are not included in the climb or trekking itinerary:

The itinerary has been set up this way to give you the freedom for dinner choices in the larger cities (Baños nights also do not include dinner). A nice dinner out can be purchased for about $15 / person (less if you prefer!) including tip and drinks. The very best restaurants in Quito can be as much as $60 person including wine, but these are truly gourmet, first class restaurants.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend travel insurance for all DNA travelers. You can checkout TravelEx or another travel insurance company of your choosing.

Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari: The Roof of Africa

June 2012

Always a popular trip, Marshall organizes guided climbs of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet) followed by a safari. Details for DNA Kili Climb and Safari in June 2012 will be posted soon

Enjoy this "virtual" climb of Kili... then contact us!

Contact Dreams in Action if you are interested in joining us for the Kili climb and safari in June 2012..

Mexican Volcanoes

Marshall is pleased to report great success on his previous Mexican Volcanoes guided expeditions, including all members reaching the summit of Orizaba!

Marshall will consider additional trips to the Mexican Volcanoes, typically in October, depending upon the level of interest. If you're interesting in this entry-level trip where you can learn mountaineering skills and experience climbing at high altitudes, contact Dreams in Action.

Let Marshall help you
put your Dreams in Action
in the mountains!