The Northern Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 137

lutely necessity if youwish to reach its summit. Just south of the town
of Cayambe is an unmarked road heading east (via Juna Montalvo)
for 16 miles to the refugio . The refuge is situated at a windy 15,696
feet and it can be quite chilly. From the refuge, the standard route to
the left includes technical outcrops and crevasses, with risks of ava-
lanche close to the summit. Quito-based climbing outfitters are rec-
ommended for guided services, or at least for information before
attempting this climb.

Outfitters

For climbing, hiking and trekking outfitters based in Quito
that operate in the Northern Highlands: La Companía de
Guías , J. Washington 425 and 6 de Diciembre, 2-2504-

773, is a top-quality ASEGUIM-certified outfit. Guides are
very professional and speak several languages. This orga-
nization is at the high end of the cost spectrum for climbing,
but is worth the price.

ASEGUIM is the Ecuadorian Association of
Mountain Guides, which licenses local guides
who reach certain levels of skill and experience.

2-2561-129, offers
comparable expertise, is ASEGUIM-certified, and is well
known for its climbing and trekking trips. Safari Ecua-
dor , Calama 380 and J.L. Mera,

Surtrek , Amazonas and Ventimilla,

2-2552-505, in the

United States 800-434-8182, fax [phone], admin@sa-

fari.com.ec, www.safari.com.ec, is ASEGUIM-certified and
specializes in volcano climbs, including Cayambe, trips to
Otavalo, hiking, and mountain biking in the region. They
are a good all-around company.

On Wheels
Mountain Biking

There is ample breathtaking countryside for the avid two-
wheel enthusiast, including backcountry roads through
indigenous villages and amid scenic mountain vistas.
What's more, the slightly lower altitude and milder cli-
mate in this region makes it more accessible throughout the year