Customer Reviews

Climbing and Hiking in Ecuador

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I spent three entire months in Ecuador, one climbing and the rest hiking and travelling. I am a moderately experienced technical climber, I pride myself in my navigation. I have travelled to many third world countries and used many guide books, some good, some you dont need. This is one you are better without.

Rob you have never climbed most of the peaks you describe, they havnt changed that much. I would have been better without this misleading guide book. I'm glad I never bumped into you after I climbed Tungurahua, or Pasachoa or Corazon.

Please do not commit to any long hikes or strenuous climbs on the information of this book alone, you will regret it.

If you ask the average Ecuadorian mountain "guide" the way up a mountain he will give you bad directions because he has never actually been there. It seems this is the type of information contained in the guide. The farther away from the road the less accurate the information gets, you have never been to half these places have you Rob.

I think it sells because it is the only one out. Go to the South american Explorers club in Quito and read the trip reports rather than buy this drivel. I though it was a good read, then I actually got to Ecuador and started using it, what a joke.

Maybe its not your fault but your name is on the cover.

I thought this book was great for helping me discover some of good climbs and backpacking trips off the gringo trail. Many of the hikes it seems like no one explores, which I guess is a good thing. Can't wait for Columbia to settle down and hope Bradt puts together an equally good guide for that country.

We spent 2 months romping around the hills of Ecuador and this guide was indespensible. Definitely need to buy IGM maps for the more remote treks that are not on established trails. It was really fun to explore areas not ofetn visited by gringos. Ecuador is full of surprises and this guide really helped us to experience the real outdoors of the country.

Really helped me on hikes around Papallacta but still necessary to buy topo maps at IGM - paramo can be confusing.

Unless you are really heading for unconventional climbing, I do not recommend buying this book. You are better off surfing websites about climbing in Ecuador. Moreover, it is now out of date.

The coverage of the coast is slim at best - need more hikes near Esmeraldas. Overall outstanding for the Sierra and for climbs.

We were able to explore areas that hardly any foriegners had visited since several of hikes are new to this edition. Imagine they will be ruined soon but hopefully other travellers will take care not to flaunt their wealth to villagers. Recommned super hike to Anagamarca.

All routes are brief in description. We climbed Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and the Pinchincha's. The route described from Cruz Loma to Quito was non-existing. (Faint trail my butt Rob) However, best info for climbing in Ecuador we found!

Thurber greatly improved text and added needed route diagrams, but needs color pictures. We liked hikes around Chugchulan especially and one to Mindo.

Much improved from previous editions with many new routes.