Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Adventure & Outdoor
Activities
Hiking, Trekking &
Mountaineering
The Andes of Ecuador are home to world-class hiking and
mountaineering. From the leisurely morning hike to
climbing the highest active volcanoes in the world, the op-
portunities are virtually endless. There are numerous
well-marked trails, particularly in the more popular national parks
and nature reserves. Ecuador's cloud and rainforests offer spectacu-
lar wildlife viewing and photography.
Many hikes are on easy, self-guided trails, while even more require
overnight expeditions, a knowledgeable guide, hearty lungs, and a
pair of rubber boots (in the tropical forests). For the more adventur-
ous mountaineer, technical gear and experienced guides are re-
quired. Climbers should read Rachowiecki, Thurber and
Wagenhauser's
Climbing and Hiking in Ecuador
(from Bradt Publi-
cations, 1997).
If you plan to visit the Sierras, be aware of altitude sickness. It is a
very real and dangerous risk, particularly when hiking and climbing
the volcanoes. In Cotopaxi, for example, the parking lot below the ref-
uge is at well over 15,000 feet. Make sure you acclimatize for several
days before attempting any of these hikes. Drink quite a bit of water
and avoid drinking alcohol and coffee during this period. If you de-
velop a headache or dizziness while hiking, stop climbing immedi-
ately, rest, and then make your way downhill.
Rafting & Kayaking
Expert kayakers from North America are just beginning
to discover what a few select people in Ecuador have
known all along... that there are epic white-water opportu-
nities here. The eastern slopes of the Andes breath life into
the rainforest of the Oriente and provide numerous rafting and
kayaking opportunities in the process, fromslowpaddles through vir-
gin jungle to Class V white-water excitement. Some of the smaller
waterways are so remote that they have not yet been tried. Many,
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