Fatima Serrano has spent more of her life in the mountains than out of them. She started climbing at 11, and by 2022 she'd become one of only three women in Ecuador to hold ASEGUIM guide certification, a credential she's now building on with her international UIAGM/IFMGA certification. She's guided across Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and the Alps, and this season she's headed back up Cotopaxi to lead another WHOA group in 2028.
But ask anyone who's climbed with Fatima what they remember most, and it's rarely the summit. It's her, the stories she tells at camp, the way she makes room for whatever question you're too embarrassed to ask, the way she notices exactly when someone needs a minute or a push. Cotopaxi is the destination. Fatima is the reason the trip stays with people long after they've come down.
We caught up with her ahead of this year's climb to talk about condors, chocolate, and what still pulls her back to the peaks after all these years. Here's what she told us.
What is it about the mountains that call you?
I feel like I've always been drawn to the peacefulness and the silence of the mountains.
We know that there aren’t many female guides in the mountains, and Ecuador specifically. Is there a person you look up to, that helped you follow your dream? Please tell us more about your experience starting out.
My family have always been super suportive on this dream of mine. And also, Juliana Garcia which is the first female guide in Ecuador she was super supportive as well and a true friend.
What’s your favorite pre summit meal/snack?
I'm a sweet tooth and I love having chocolates and gummies for any climb.
If you weren’t a guide what would you be doing?
I guess I would be climbing more. But basically being in the outdoors.
Tell us about the wildest thing that’s happened to you on a trek/in the mountains.
One time I was skinning in Sierra Nevada in Chile, I got to see like 10 massive condors. It was a beautiful day, one I'll never forget.
What’s an unexpected tip you give people new to mountaineering?
Don't be afraid to ask any questions, it doesn't matter that they might sound dumb. For me, having all the information is key.
JOIN US ON COTOPAXI
Fatima Serrano has spent more of her life in the mountains than out of them. She started climbing at 11, and by 2022 she'd become one of only three women in Ecuador to hold ASEGUIM guide certification, a credential she's now building on with her international UIAGM/IFMGA certification. She's guided across Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and the Alps, and this season she's headed back up Cotopaxi to lead another WHOA group.