This blog is just sharing info I learnt while in Ecuador climbing the three highest peaks:
Arrival in Ecuador Airport:
Uber works in Ecuador but make sure your payment process knows you are going to be there – I didn’t which was a pain.
That said, when you arrive at the airport getting a taxi from the main desk isn’t that much more expensive (c.$25-30 to Plaza Foch)
Hotels in Quito:
Before our climbing, we stayed at the Hotel Coupole, which is situated inbetween Plaza Foch and the Old Town. It is very clean, stylish and the breakfast is great! Highly recommend!
After our climbing, we stayed at the Casa Montero, which is situated on the southern edge of the Old Town. This hotel is much more fuctional but is still pretty (once inside) and is perfectly located if you want to explore the old town.
Places to Eat/Drink in Quito:
- For a posh dinner: URKO – Delicious but not cheap!
- For delicious ceviche & Ecuadorian Food: Achiote
- For cocktails: Dirty Sanchez
- For craft beer: Bandido Brewery
- For Ecuadorian food in the old town: La Purisima or Saint Ignacio – good for ceviche (next to The Church of the Jesuits)
- For a hipster cafe/bar: Cafetina
- For a querky restaurant: Cafe dios no Muere
Things to do in Quito:
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- Church of the Jesuits
- Museo Franciscano Fray Pedro Gocial
- Basilica of the National Vote
- Capilla del Hombre
- Casa Cultural Trude Sojka
- TelefériQo – Great for acclimatisation purposes
Outdoor shops:
- Los Alpes is a small outdoor shop near Plaza Foch
- Tatoo is a large Cotswold Outdoor equivilant in North Quito – They have all the big brands
Finding a guide:
There are lots of guides available who will take you up your mountain of choice. Be careful because it seems a lot of the guides will just take you up regarless of your level of experience or acclimisation. We made a mistake in our guide choice (Juan Silva). In the end, we used EXLORE SHARE and found Andean Summit Adventure, who were professional and well organised. Our guide was Manuel Calapiña.
I will be publishing a separate guide on acclimisation.
Haciendas and Places near Cotopaxi:
- Hacienda El Porvenir – probably my favourite place we stayed!
- Hosteria Tambopaxi – Didn’t stay here but looked good and great location
- The Secret Garden Cotopaxi – Didn’t stay here but lots of people seemed to love it!
Hacienda near Chimborazo:
Marco Cruz – This is expensive and good for the night before a summit attempt or to relax in after
Hotel and Restaurants in Riobamba:
- Hotel: Mansion Santa Isabella
- Pizza: D’Baggio
- Restaurant: El Delirio
Hotel and brewery in Otavalo:
- Hotel: Dona Esther
- Cafe: La Cosecha
