4 Nov, Quito

Because Natura went to Colombia for a bit, the two of us needed something to do for the weekend. We each threw our ideas around, and came up with our decision. We had talked about climbing Cotopaxi, the world highest active volcano (19,341ft.) even before I came down to Ecuador.

I went to a travel agent that was on the first floor of the first hostal I stayed in, The Secret Garden, and asked him about guides. Paul, the guy behind the desk, a Canadian from Toronto who has been living in Quito for the last three years, told us about "Condor Trekking" a guide service that does Climbing, Hiking and Fishing trips around Ecuador. I situated the plans with Paul and he told us where to go and what to do.

After Michael finished work for the day, we went to Condor Trekking and took care of the gear rental. It was great, transportation down and back, food, park entrance fee, and guide all for $180.

All we had to do was show up outside The Secret Garden at 07:00, Friday morning. So, we did.