Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 174

the good fortune of witnessing wild deer, alpaca (belonging to the
farm), Andean wolf (fox), trout (fishing) and the prize - an Andean
condor! I am not a horseback riding enthusiast, but I can't recom-
mend it enough.

Tour Operators & Guides
At haciendas, local guides work at or in conjunction with individual
lodges. Though horseback riding is generally available at most ac-
commodations in the region, there are several quality outfitters in
Quito and Riobamba that offer climbing, hiking, and mountain-
biking excursions in Cotopaxi and throughout the Central High-
lands. Because their activities overlap, they are listed together.

Quito

Companía de Guías , J. Washington and 6 de Diciembre, 2-2504-

733, www.companiadeguias.com, [e-mail], is
a top-quality ASEGUIM-certified (Ecuadorian Association of Moun-
tain Guides) outfit. Guides are very professional and speak several
languages. This organization is at the high end of the cost spectrum
for climbing, but is worth the price.

2-2563-857, offers compara-
ble expertise, is ASEGUIM-certified, and is well known for its climb-
ing and trekking trips. They are multi-lingual and also rent gear.
Check them out online at www.surtrek.com. Surtrek's office in
Ambato, at Los Shyris 210 and Luis Cordero, over a mile south of the
city center,

Surtrek , Amazonas 897 and Wilson,

3-2844-448, offers quality climbing services in the sur-
rounding region and gear rental.

Safari Ecuador , Calama 380 and J.L. Mera, 2-2552-505, from the

US, 800-434-8182, fax [phone], [e-mail], www.sa-

fari.com.ec, is ASEGUIM-certified and specializes in volcano climbs,
day-trips to Otavalo and Cotopaxi, and hiking, as well as camping
trips. They also rent mountain bikes. This is a friendly, top-notch
company.

Latacunga

Expediciones Amazónicas , at Quito 16-67 and Padre Salcedo, 3-

800-375, [e-mail], offers trekking
tours, as well as climbing and jungle excursions. Or try Montaña
Expediciones , Quito 73-99 and Guayaquil, 3-800-227, for

Cotopaxi hiking, trekking and ASEGUIM-certified climbing guides.