COTOPAXI FOR A CAUSE · December 5–13, 2026
See the expeditionApu means sacred mountain. We guide with that respect — for the peaks, for the people, and for your goals.
We are a small Ecuadorian outfitter built around guiding, not selling. Every itinerary is written by the guide who will be on the rope with you, and group sizes stay small so decisions can stay flexible when weather and conditions change.
Our guests are active travellers with high standards: they want strong logistics, honest risk assessment, good food, and time to actually be in the landscape. That is what we build.
The people who plan, guide, drive and look after every APU trip.
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Nico is the founder of APU. With experience in mountain guiding, education and building businesses around his passions — coffee and chocolate among them — his drive to serve people and help them reach their goals is what makes everything here work.
Yoga teacher & host guide
Cristi can give you a private yoga class in a mountain lodge, meet you at the airport, hike with you, or guide you around Quito to unique and tasty spots. She loves moving and sharing the wonders of our country and city.
Operations & logistics
Yadira is in control of the details: logistics, information management and the relationships with guides, drivers, cooks and porters.
Legal & accounting
Juan Andrés keeps us in order. He makes sure we comply with legal and accounting rules — our numbers are clean and clear thanks to him.
Driver & transport
Victor, a native chagra, has been driving our groups for many years. His commitment and professionalism have let climbers, cyclists, kayakers and travellers enjoy Ecuador's roads safely and comfortably.
Radios, oxygen, glacier rescue kit and a turnaround time agreed before we leave the refuge.
Ecuadorian guides, family-run lodges and local cooks — the money stays in the valleys we climb.
Climb hard for three days, then ride, surf or sit still. We plan the recovery as carefully as the effort.