AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  John Lynas

  AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES

  

  Written February 2011

  Overall it was a great trip, it delivered everything promised in the trip notes and more. Everyone in the group got along very well and we gelled as a team very quickly.  I think the trip is an ideal stepping stone if you are planning to climb higher or more technical peaks in the future.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Summiting Cotopaxi would be the most inspiring moment, especially after climbing through the night. The trip provides great training and acclimatisation throughout but its fair to say that the Cotopaxi climb is very challenging. All of the climbers from our group summited successfully and we were fortunate enough to have good weather on our side during the climb.

  Other inspirational moments during the trip would include seeing a condor soaring above the Yanaurco volcano and climbing the Imbabura volcano in bad weather.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Diego was a good group leader and he was friendly, helpful , professional and very knowledgeable. 

  The other members of staff and the mountain guides on Cotopaxi were also excellent and they all deserve a mention here as well. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  To get the most out of this trip you need to be in good physical shape before you arrive in Ecuador.

  If you are tall with big feet , like me, it would be wise to bring your own boots and crampons rather than renting locally in Ecuador. Also, bring a climbing helmet if you have one. 

  It can get a bit wet at times in Ecuador so remember your goretex jacket and over trousers.

   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Take a trip to the Equator line momument, mitad del mundo,  its a great photo opportunity for everyone in the group.

  Try Fin McCools Irish bar in the Mariscal Sucre 'Gringolandia' district of Quito. I'm Irish and it qualifies as the most bizarre Irish bar I have seen anywhere in the world. Quiz night is Tuesday and it was a lot of fun. Our group came second, winning a jug of beer. 

   

   
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  Alison Gundy

  Trip of a lifetime

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Climbing Chimborazo - perfect weather; we got all the way to the Whymper needles. The views were spectacular and there was a real sense of achievement at reaching 5400 metres in one piece!

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  Really good - patient, knowledgeable; made sure that we were all ok. Really good fun.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take aspirin for the altitude. Being vegetarian isn't easy in Ecuador, but we were lucky to have a cook who understood! Elsewhere, you'll end up eating a lot of pasta.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Really worth the effort of getting there; Ecuador is a beautiful, fertile country and the people are incredibly accommodating and helpful. The holiday is very varied, so there's something for everyone.