Situated on South America’s western coast, sandwiched in between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a picturesque little country with well-preserved historical cities and a whole lot of natural wonders.

The Andes Mountain chain, the longest one in the world, runs along the eastern border of the country and towers above the landscape below. The tops of the tallest of these mountains are perennially covered in snow, in spite of the little country’s location on the equator.

Due to the Andes and the currents in the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador doesn’t have four season, just two: a rainy season and a dry season.

While most guides offer trips year-round, coming during the dry season is ideal for ice climbing. The temperature will be about the same, but there will be more clear and sunny days and fewer inclement weather delays.