The document provides information about a 2-day cycling trip through Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador. It includes details about what is included in the trip such as meals, accommodations, transportation, guides and equipment. It also mentions what is not included and provides information about the trip itinerary, highlights and altitudes.

1. Que tengas un lindo día Para avanzar a la siguientes pantallas presione la tecla ENTER o haga click con el mouse "No es porque las cosas son difíciles que no nos atrevemos; es porque no nos atrevemos que son difíciles" Séneca

2. Perdí un juguete que me acompañó en mi infancia...Pero gané el recuerdo del amor de quien me hizo ese regalo.

3. Perdí mis privilegios y fantasías de niño...Pero gané la oportunidad de crecer y vivir libremente.

4. Perdí a mucha gente que quise y que amo todavía...Pero gané el cariño y el ejemplo de sus vidas.

5. RECOMENZAR

6. Perdí momentos únicos de la vida porque lloraba en vez de sonreír...Pero descubrí que es sembrando amor, como se cosecha amor.

7. Yo perdí muchas veces y muchas cosas en mi vida. Pero junto a ese “perder”hoy intento el valor de “ganar“. Porque siempre es posible luchar por lo que amamos, y porque siempre hay tiempo para empezar de nuevo.

8. No importa en qué momento de la vida te cansaste. Lo que importa es que siempre es posible y necesario recomenzar. Recomenzar es darse una nueva oportunidad, es renovar las esperanzas en la vida y lo más importante, creer en ti mismo.

9. ¿Sufriste mucho en este periodo? ... Fue aprendizaje

10. ¿Lloraste mucho? ... Fue limpieza en el alma.

11. ¿Sentiste rencor? ..... Fue para poder perdonar.

12. ¿Estuviste solitario en algunos momentos? ... Fue porque cerraste la puerta.

13. ¿Creíste que todo se había perdido? ... Fue simplemente el inicio de tu mejora.

14. ¿Te sientes solitario? Mira alrededor y encontrarás a mucha gente esperando tu sonrisa para acercarse más a ti.

15. Recomenzar. Hoy es un excelente día para comenzar con un nuevo proyecto de vida. ¿Donde quieres llegar? Mira alto, sueña alto, anhela lo mejor de lo mejor, anhela todo lo bueno, pues la vida nos trae lo que anhelamos.

16. Si pensamos pequeño; lo pequeño nos vendrá. Si pensamos firmemente en lo mejor, en lo positivo y luchamos por alcanzarlo; lo mejor va a venir a nuestra vida.

17. Hoy es el día de la gran limpieza mental. Tira todo lo que te encadena al pasado que te hace daño. Arroja todo a la basura, limpia tu corazón, haz que esté listo para una nueva vida, y para un nuevo amor si te encuentras solo; pues somos apasionados, somos capaces de amar muchas veces, porque somos la manifestación del amor.

18. La vida te llama, te invita a una nueva aventura, a un nuevo viaje, a un nuevo desafío. Proponte en este día a ti mismo que harás todo lo posible para alcanzar tus objetivos. Confía en la vida, confía en ti .

19. Si recibiste este mensaje, da gracias a Dios de tener a alguien que piensa en ti. No todos tenemos ese privilegio. Te ha gustado…??? Pues reenvialo a todos tus amigos,incluso a quien te lo ha mandado. Ya verás,como te sentirás mejor.

21. PLEASE I SPEAK ABOUT CANADA D

22. HISTORY The English established fishing outposts in Newfoundland around 1610 and colonized the Thirteen Colonies to the south. A series of four Intercolonial Wars erupted between 1689 and 1763.

23. Places of canada Canada Canada Toronto Canada Ottawa Canada Montreal Canada Victoria Canada Edmonton Canada Calgary Canada Winnipeg Canada

24. Canada Canada is the second largest country in the world with close to 10 Million km 2 . Population in Canada is just over 30 Million. Canada's capital is Ottawa

25. Places of Canada Is a country occupying most of northern North America , extending from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northward into the Arctic Ocean . It is the world's second largest country by total area, and shares land borders with the United States to the south and northwest.

26. Canada One place that we have our eyes on is Toronto, Canada! Toronto is the entertainment, financial, and cultural capital of Canada so going to Toronto is a must!

27. The beatiful restaurant Canada fishing is some of the best in the world with a wide variety of challenges. If you decide to have a go, you need to know about the best places to stay.

28. Places when you could fish One of the most luxurious and well-known fishing accommodations in Canada is in the province of Ontario. The Kesagami Wilderness Lodge, located on Kesagami Lake in the northern part of Ontario, is a four star fly-in fishing accommodation.

30. The scientific name for this animal photo "Killer Whale Watching In British d

31. Provinces and Territories Alberta Prince Edward Island Northwest Territories (Edmonton) (Charlottetown) (Yellowknife)‏ Yukon Saskatchewan Ontario (Regina) (Whitehorse) (Toronto)‏ British Columbia New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador (Victoria) (Fredericton) (St. John's)‏ Nunavut Nova Scotia (Iqaluit) (Halifax)‏

32. City of Vancouver Canada City of Vancouver is a beautiful and vibrant city known for its world known attractions including Granville Island, Robson Street and Stanley Park. City of Vancouver is located on west coast of Canada with its population of about 600,000 (2003), but Vancouver's Greater Area counts about 2 million people. City of Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia and it is the third largest city in Canada.

33. Vancouver Temperatures average 3°C in January and 18°C in July. Vancouver is very rich with parks having close to 200 parks including well known Stanley Park of Vancouver City.

34. places P

35. The Chimborazo is an extinct volcano located in the Andes mountains of central Ecuador, 150 kilometres (93 miles) south-southwest of the capital Quito.

36. Presentation What's Included Lunch and Dinner on Day 1 and Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2. 1 night in a hosteria. All ground transportation from and to Quito and on the trip itself. Certified guides, support vehicle, KHS and Trek front suspended (RST) Mountain Bikes with 21 speed Shimano components, helmet, gloves, water bottle, spare bike, meals as described and hotel-hacienda accommodations. Not Included Breakfast on Day 1 and Dinner on Day 2. Cotopaxi entrance fee USD 10.00 p/p. Entrance fees to national parks, beverages in restaurants or hotels, tips, extras. YOU PERFECT TRAVEL: DAY 1: We arrive at Cotopaxi National Park via the northern entrance and head south, crossing through highland plateaus with typical paramo vegetation and fauna amidst stunning volcanic scenery. We visit Limpiopungo Glaciar Lake on the foothills of the Ruminahui Volcano. We exit the park south down through the valley that leads to Lasso. Overnight at a local Hosteria. (L, D) DAY 2: Start with an early hike down to the deep jade colored crater lake. Cycle towards Zumbahua along the "Grand Canyon" of Ecuador. Amazing downhill bike ride to Pujili. Altitudes: 4,500-2,800 m. After lunch YOU PERFECT TRAVEL: DAY 1: We arrive at Cotopaxi National Park via the northern entrance and head south, crossing through highland plateaus with typical paramo vegetation and fauna amidst stunning volcanic scenery. We visit Limpiopungo Glaciar Lake on the foothills of the Ruminahui Volcano. We exit the park south down through the valley that leads to Lasso. Overnight at a local Hosteria. (L, D)

37. What's Included What's Included Lunch and Dinner on Day 1 and Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2. 1 night in a hosteria. All ground transportation from and to Quito and on the trip itself. Certified guides, support vehicle, KHS and Trek front suspended (RST) Mountain Bikes with 21 speed Shimano components, helmet, gloves, water bottle, spare bike, meals as described and hotel-hacienda accommodations. Not Included Not Included Breakfast on Day 1 and Dinner on Day 2. Cotopaxi entrance fee USD 10.00 p/p. Entrance fees to national parks, beverages in restaurants or hotels, tips, extras. Notes Trip Notes SEASON: All year ALTITUDE: 2,900 to 4000 meters AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: DAY 10-25 C NIGHT 5-9 C Transportation On Trip Transportation Description We will use our own private vehicle for this trip. Generally we will drive 1 to 3 hours a day to get to and from our hotels and the cycling trails Transportation Types Private Bus Average hours/day travel 1 to 3 hours Lodging - Accommodations What are the accommodations like? We stay at a hosteria on our only night. Lodging Types 1 Nights hotels Toilet Facilities Private Bath Details Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility Community Involvement Ecuador is rich in indigenous communities with claims to thousands of acres of ancestral territories. Ecuador Adventure is actively involved in helping such communities develop sustainable hospitality practices that preserve the forest in harmony with their age old way of life. Indigenous Guides Many services engage the participation of local guides, porters, or assistants, respected experts in their local areas. Ecuador Adventure guarantees fair employment conditions far surpassing those required by law, where each indigenous crew member is not only treated with dignity, but also as a partner and friend. Eco Tourism Lectures Ecuador Adventure staff educates and shares the importance of preserving the environment through university and high school lectures on the benefits of Community Based Eco-tourism (CBE) projects as a sustainable alternative to the increasing pressures to exploit land, water and communities for short-sighted gain. We are an active member of Ecuador's Ecotourism Association, www.ecoturismo.org.ec. Safe Camping and Environmental Standards During overnight outdoor trips and expeditions, Ecuador Adventure abides by and exceeds national and international camping and environmental standards. Illegal Environmental Practices On occasion, Ecuador Adventure witnesses irresponsible individuals, companies, and even governments who exploit Ecuador's environment irrationally. This is not taken lightly. We document and denounce such illegal practices as we encounter them to the competent authorities. Better results are sometimes obtained through public pressure by sending our complaints and images to the media, including local newspapers and television networks. What special equipment will we use on this trip? Tell me about it. We provide KHS and Trek front suspended (RST) Mountain Bikes with 21 speed Shimano components Tell me about the guides on this trip Our Guides: Leading you into a New World of Adventure Our multi-lingual adventure sports and naturalist guides are among the finest in Ecuador. They have been leading adventure, nature and educational tours for many years, for visitors from all over the world. Not only are they fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French, but also have strong and likeable personalities. On assignment, safety is their main priority. Strong field experience and quality training is the assurance that your expedition will navigate smoothly through Ecuador's array of alternatives. Ecuador Adventure's lead guides are accomplished athletes; they have won Ecuador's National Rafting Championship and competed internationally in the Latin American event. Ecuador Adventure's guides are also involved in adventure racing, motocross, mountain biking, kayaking and other races and local events. Yet others are experts in history, biology, anthropology and ornithology. Each brings his or her own personality and field of expertise to the interpretation of Ecuador's nature, history and culture. Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip. Ecuador Adventure guides meet and exceed qualifications and requirements: Wilderness Emergency Medicine - First Responder Kayak Instructor - American Canoe Association Ecuadorian National Guide Certification - Ministry of Tourism Ecuadorian Mountain Association - ASEGUIM Rock Rescue - American Mountain Guide Association Professional Paddle Association Swift Water Rescue Open Water Rescue Red Cross CPR - American Heart Association Five years minimum experience requirement Guide Training Program - Ecuador Adventure Maximum Age None Activities Additional Activities a Travel Provider Provider Name Ecuador Adventure Why should I choose this provider? Our travel professionals offer unrivalled attention to detail, safety issues and service standards. Ecuador Adventure's serves more than 1,000 clients each year, including many of Ecuador's top 50 companies in the travel and business industries. Provider Policies Terms and Conditions ECUADOR ADVENTURE reserves the right to change or withdraw any travel arrangements when deemed necessary in the best interests of our clients. This is especially applicable when faced with unforeseen weather conditions that prevent us from running a trip safely. We reserve the right to refuse, accept or retain any passenger from our trips should he or she jeopardize group safety or engage in illegal, vv or offensive behavior. Luggage travels at owner's risk throughout the tour, although we provide all necessary precautions. Complementary traveler insurance is available upon request. All passengers must sign a liability / responsibility release prior to their trip. We are not responsible for cancellation of any services due to natural disasters, social upheavals or other circumstances out of our control. Pricing policies: Our trips DO NOT include local airfare. Prices vary according to season. We reserve, reconfirm and sell airline tickets for local flights, or reconfirm your international flights at no additional cost. Our trips DO NOT include entrance fees to National Parks, Private Reserves, or protected areas. Cancellation Policies: All groups or individuals are subject to a cancellation fee if cancellation is done less than 30 days prior to departure. On all group and individual cancellations for Galapagos and land services, USD 50.00 handling fee per person will be forfeited as penalty. For land services, if cancellation is received: - 30/20 days prior 30% of the full price will be forfeited - 19/10 days prior 50% of the full price will be forfeited - 9/5 days prior 75% of the full price will be forfeited - 4 days 100% of the full price will be forfeited For Galapagos Multisport, Galapagos Kayaking or Galapagos Trekking tours: If cancellation is received between 90 and 60 days prior departure no cancellation penalty will be applied. If cancellation is received between 60 and 30 days prior to the date our services are due to begin, 25% of the full price per person will be forfeited. If cancellation is received between 29 and 15 days before our services are due to begin, 50% of the full price per person will be forfeited. If cancellation is received between 14 days and 0 days full payment is not refundable. Should a group member cancel after final confirmation, he should be replaced by another member in order to avoid the cancellation fee. Refund Policies: If cancellation is received between 14 days and 0 days before the operation of services and the same is due to medical reasons, we will refund 50% of the full price of the program and will require copy of the certifications that prove injury or illness.

38. Hotel Cuello de Luna provides private 4x4 transportation from and to Quito, Laso, Latacunga, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Zumbahua, Saquisili, Baños, Chimborazo. As well as guided excursions and tours, including hiking, horseback riding, biking and mountain climbing in Ecuador, we provide certified highly qualified mountain guide service for your private tours and expeditions throughout the Andes. Acclimatize for your Climb to Cotopaxi volcano, Chimborazo and Illiniza in Hotel Cuello de Luna Our Rates (valid 2008) Rooms with private bath and open fireplace or stove Standard Single rooms $ 30.00 Double and twin rooms $ 40.00 Three bed rooms $ 52.00 Four bed rooms $ 64.00 Family room (4 persons) $ 64.00 * Family room (5 persons) $ 75.00 * (* our family rooms have 3 single beds and 1 doble bed in two rooms) Superior Single rooms $ 40.00 Double and twin rooms $ 50.00 Shared Dorm Rooms: $ 15.00 per person Rates include:served Cuello de Luna Breakfast: fresh fruit, coffee, chocolate or tea, bread, butter, marmelade, fresh natural fruit juice and scrambled eggs. Hotel Cuello de Luna serves the best ecuadorian highland coffee >> Café Vélez Half Pension (3+ nights) (half board and lodging special rate, includes lodging, dinner and breakfast, applies to stays over 3 nights) Single room with bath + breakfast + dinner = $ 35 per person/ night Double and twin bed room with bath + breakfast + dinner = $ 25 per person /night Three bed room with bath + breakfast + dinner = $ 22 per person /night Four bed or family room w/bath + breakfast + dinner = $ 21 per person /night Family room with 5 persons w/bath + breakfast + dinner = $ 20 per person /night Dorm bed + breakfast + dinner = $ 20 per person/night. For full board and lodging please add $ 7.00 to the half pension rates. Discounts for children, sharing rooms with adults: up to 2 years: free, 2 to 9 years: 50%, 10 to 12 years: 20%. Please add 12% VAT to our prices. Cuello de Luna Cotopaxi Hotel also offers private transportation, transfers and 1 day excursions Private transportation Transportation is from the Hotel to the destination or from the destination to the hotel, or from the hotel to the destination and back immediately without delay, the rates are flat from 1 - 4 persons (minimum rates), over 5 persons per person rates apply. Destination 1 to 4 persons 5 + persons Cotopaxi (refuge car parking) $ 50 $ 12 p/p Ilinizas (La Virgen) $ 50 $ 12 p/p Corazon (Hacienda) $ 50 $ 12 p/p Rumiñahui / Limpiopungo $ 40 $ 10 p/p Quilotoa Crater Lake / Zumbahua $ 100 $ 25 p/p Chimborazo (Carrel hut car parking)‏ $ 120 $ 30 p/p Cayambe (Refuge or parking)‏ $ 150 $ 38 p/p Pasochoa (natural reserve entrance) $ 50 $ 12 p/p Pichincha (Cruz Loma or Guagua) $ 100 $ 25 p/p Saquisili (indian market) $ 25 $ 6 p/p Laso $ 8 $ 2 p/p Latacunga $ 25 $ 6 p/p Quito (centre or airport)‏ $ 60 $ 15 p/p Riobamba (railroad station or hotel) $ 90 $ 23 p/p Alausi (railroad station)‏ $ 130 $ 32 p/p Baños (hot springs or hotel)‏ $ 90 $ 23 p/p Papallacta (hot springs or hotel)‏ $ 140 $ 35 p/p Rates for day tours Day tour rates include transportation and driver/guide, guided hikes and/or biketrails, NOT included are nationalpark fees, mountain guide, entrance fees, train ticket, food and beverage, tips; for Boxlunch please add $ 8.00 p/p. For 1 and 2 persons flat rates are charged, for 3+ persons per person prices apply. Guided day and half day tours 1 y 2 persons 3 + persons Cotopaxi (Limpiopungo hike, ascent to the refuge and the glacier) $ 100 $ 40 p/p Iliniza North (refuge + summit attempt w/guide) $ 180 $ 75 p/p Quilotoa lake, Zumbahua $ 130 $ 55 p/p Quilotoa w/crater walk (5h), Zumbahua $ 180 $ 75 p/p Quilotoa Loop, Zumbahua, Chugchilan, Isinliví $ 210 $ 85 p/p Chimborazo (Whymper hut + glacier) $ 180 $ 75 p/p Pasochoa natural reserve walk $ 100 $ 40 p/p Pasochoa (natural reserve + summit w/guide) $ 180 $ 75 p/p Saquisili indian market (half day) $ 45 $ 18 p/p Saquisili market and guided bike ride to hotel $ 120 $ 50 p/p Saquisili and autonomous bikeride to hotel $ 90 $ 35 p/p Latacunga (half day) $ 55 $ 25 p/p Quito (colonial town)‏ $ 120 $ 45 p/p Devil's nose (Riobamba/Alausi)‏ $ 150 $ 60 p/p Baños (hot springs, zoo, pailon del diablo)‏ $ 130 $ 50 p/p We can provide Horseback riding and Mountain bike facilities on demand, for this activities, please contact us on time and make your reservation in advance!

39. Ecuador, located on the foothills of Cotopaxi Volcano and the Iliniza Mountains right on the Quilotoa Loop, is the preferd starting point for excursions to Cotopaxi National Park , climbing Cotopaxi , Iliniza and Chimborazo , and the best place to visit the indigenous market of Saquisili and Zumbahua, the Quilotoa crater, and for day hiking, trekking, acclimatization and relax while enjoying all the comforts of home in spectacular mountain scenery. Only 4 miles from the Cotopaxi National Park (how to get to Hotel Cuello de Luna) main entrance our Cotopaxi Hotel (Cotopaxi means Cuello de Luna > neck of the moon) offers rooms with private bath and fireplace as well as dorm beds with shared facilities, best recreation and relaxation surrounded by beautiful countryside, great home cooked food, cultural trips, climbing, hiking, trekking opportunities.

40. The Mountain, The Adventure, The Experience: Article by: Dane Schiller - Express-News Mexico City Bureau San Antonio Express, TX - Mar 4, 2006 COTOPAXI, Ecuador Climbing... Climbing snow and ice under a moonless night, I watched the flashlight glowing further up the Andean glacier. It seemed more like a distant star than a one-watt bulb strapped to another mountaineer's head. The light — a North Star of sorts for me — was still about 2,000 feet shy of the summit of Cotopaxi, a 19,347-foot mountain widely considered one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Americans, Brazilians, French, Irish, Israelis, Swiss and other nationalities come here by the hundreds each year — all drawn by the challenge and romance of scaling the mountain, which is known for its nearly perfect cone shape. In the indigenous language, Quichua, its name roughly translates as "necklace of the moon." But only about half of those who try ever reach the top. Cotopaxi is a place to test limits, to trudge all night without sleep, to burn muscles until they are nearly useless and finally to gulp for oxygen in air so thin you feel as though you will collapse.

41. Ice Trekking and Mountaineering Adventure to the Summit of Cotopaxi Optional Addition: Chimborazo (Option B) The Goal: Reaching the highest volcanoes in the world: Cotopaxi at 19,347 feet and Chimborazo at 20,560 feet !!! Dates: Depart: New York/JFK for Quito, Ecuador: Saturday, February 14, 2008 Return from Quito, arrive New York/ JFK: Saturday, February 21, 2008 or Option B: Return from Quito, arrive New York/ JFK: Tuesday, February 24, 2008 General Itinerary: Saturday, Feb 14: 10.00 am Depart New York/ JFK - Arrive Quito, Ecuador 5.30pm - Hotel check-in Sunday, Feb 15: White Water Rafting in the Amazon Monday, Feb 16: Explore City of Quito & Hike (Elevation Exposure 9,250 to 13,500 ft) Tuesday, Feb 17: Mountain Biking (Elevation Exposure 9,900 to 15,500 ft) Wednesday, Feb 18: Cotopaxi Day 1 - Gear check and training (spend night at 15,500 ft) Thursday, Feb 19: Cotopaxi Day 2 - Summit Push & Descent - Return to Quito Friday, Feb 20: Cotopaxi Day 3 (Bad weather back-up day) or spend day in Quito, party at night Saturday, Feb 21: 10.00 am Depart for New York - Arrive JFK 8.40 pm Pricing: (Full Package, including International Flight!)‏ $1,895 - if you make deposit by December 10 $1,995 - if you make deposit by December 31 $2,095 - if you make deposit by January 14 Only $500 deposit to hold your spot Trip Includes: Airline tickets: ALL international air and local ground connections ALL overland transfers and accommodations in hotels w/breakfast, all meals while trekking Professional and certified guides member of the Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides (ASEGUIM). All park entrance fees and all technical equipment: harness, ice axe and crampons are provided and included Does not include: Airport Departure Tax Lunch and dinners in Quito Plastic boots and other technical equipment can also be rented

42. Cotopaxi Crater Top The experience comes with a mantra: You don't reach the summit with your legs, but with your heart. It has been that way ever since it was reportedly first climbed in 1872 by German geologist Wilhelm Reiss and Angel Escobar, of neighboring Colombia. As with most summits, you have to be willing to risk failure. I'd failed on a lesser mountain: crumbled in exhaustion, vomited on the ice, and slammed ice-encrusted, gloved fists into the frozen turf. But I was giving it another shot here. With each step, I grew more tired, and the air became more thin. I knew my response time was getting more tenuous. My speech was slurring and balance awkward. And I had to watch for altitude sickness, a life or death situation that requires immediate evacuation. History says that Cotopaxi greeted the Spanish Conquistadors centuries ago by erupting during a vicious battle with the native peoples. And it's still an active volcano, capable of spewing rivers of burning lava that could not only devastate villages on its edges, but rage through the streets of Quito — a two-hour drive away. All I could think about right now was my own destiny. At one of Cotopaxi's roughest passes, my legs buckled and I dropped to my knees.

43. Cotopaxi from a distance... "Don't do that again," my Ecuadorean guide Wellington shouted. "Tell me if you are spent and we will head down. If you are too weak, we can not take risks." Years of hope and months of training down the drain, I thought to myself. Nearly every weekend since August, I'd taken to lesser mountains in Mexico where I hiked, climbed and pushed myself. I was obsessed as I learned the ropes of mountaineering and trained my muscles, weakened by years of desk duty and medical ailments. I'd overcome multiple spinal surgeries four years earlier and the consequent physical and even mental stagnation to get to this point. If I pushed too hard, I would risk my life. If I didn't finish, Cotopaxi would haunt me for years, even if it is not always supposed to be about reaching the summit. Wellington knew all about that. And about limits. Now 50, he had climbed Cotopaxi at least 200 times. As I was learning, he had little tolerance for climbers unprepared for the mountain's rigors. Climbing a mountain isn't like running a marathon, where if you have to bail out, you can simply plop on a curb and call for medical assistance. At high altitude on risky terrain, you can't wait until your muscles turn to putty before calling it quits. Because there's no one to help you if you do. Ascending Cotopaxi, we were too high for most helicopters and impossible to be rescued by a jeep or even mule. Jamming my ice ax into the snow, I pushed off the frozen face and rose to my feet. Satisfied by my effort, Wellington promised that as long as I had the will to keep going, he'd lead me to the summit. At the same time, Wellington said he hated the younger generation of guides, some of whom seemed to quick to pull the plug on expeditions, saying clients were too tired to safely continue or the snow so fresh it could trigger an avalanche. Seeing the monster Six hours after we started, dawn illuminated Cotopaxi, and I got my first glimpse of the otherwordly monster we'd been climbing in the dark. Ice caves and crevices glowed with bluish hues. Icicles looked like jagged teeth. But I was in no shape for gawking. Trudging up a 45-degree slope, breathing and aching, all focus was on my next step. I'd take two. Then stop. Breathe, breathe. Two more steps. Stop. Breathe. Breathe. Step again. Stop. Gasp for air. Step again. As I looked toward the mountain's top, I saw the first glint of sunrays, a signal that the summit was near. It also meant the most dangerous part of the climb would soon begin — the descent. Most mountaineering accidents happen on the way down, when climbers have already used up all their energy and they no longer have the psychological advantage of striving for the top. And with daytime temperatures softening the snow, it is far easier to slip. But first things first. The peak was still above us. Again, we pushed on. Step. Suck air. Step. Suck air. Two days after first setting foot on the lower reaches of the mountain and seven hours and fifteen minutes after leaving base camp, I staggered to the top. Strangely, it was almost windless. I could look down on clouds and lower peaks all around. I dropped my ax and crumpled onto the snow, and again, gasped for air. I could hardly move, but I'd never felt more alive. I was on top of South America, and because so close to the equator, perhaps at that moment closer to the sun than anyone on the planet. Sunglasses hid my tears. Nothing could hide my grin... :-) Detailed Itinerary: Saturday, Feb 14: 10.00 am Depart New York/ JFK - Arrive Quito, Ecuador 5.30pm Transfer and check-in to our Hotel Dinner and check out the city of Quito at night Sunday, Feb 15: White Water Rafting in the Amazon Unforgettable Adventure in the Amazon: Spend the day rafting technical Class III & IV rapids During the day, Lunch Box provided Dinner in town Monday, Feb 16: Explore City of Quito & Hike (Elevation Exposure 9,250 to 13,500 ft) Visit the City of Quito (elevation 9,250 feet) and trek up to the North Ridge of Quito (13,500) After lunch, spend the day shopping and exploring Quito Dinner in the city Tuesday, Feb 17: Mountain Biking (Elevation Exposure 9,900 to 15,500 ft) Get a first view of our Goal: Cotopaxi Start at 15,500 ft and bike down and into the rolling hills of Cotopaxi National Park Spend most of the day active and exposed to altitude at 9,900 ft During the day, Lunch Box provided Dinner in town Wednesday, Feb 18: Cotopaxi Day 1 - Gear check and training (spend night at 15,500 ft) Morning: Gear check and transfer to the Cotopaxi Refuge: We will leave Quito in the morning by car and after one and a half hours, we will reach Cotopaxi National Park. We will hike one more hour until we reach the Jose Rivas refuge (15,850 ft) Afternoon: Technical Skill Checks: After some basic mountaineering exercises in the glacier, we will have dinner and prepare for the ascent Evening: Dinner & Rest 12.00 midnight: Summit Push Thursday, Feb 19: Cotopaxi Day 2 - Summit Push & Descent - Return to Quito Weather, skill, and fitness permitting, we will summit between 7.00 and 8.00 am: We depart the refuge at midnight and will reach the summit after 7 hours of climbing After the descent, we will rest a bit in the refuge and then return to Quito Transfer back to Quito & Dinner at our Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda Alternate Scenario: Spend day at Refuge - Evening: Dinner & Rest 12.00 midnight: Summit Push Friday, Feb 18: Cotopaxi Day 3 (Bad weather back-up day) Transfer back to Quito after Summit Push Dinner in town or Open day in Quito, party & celebrate at night Saturday, Feb 20: 10.00 am Depart for New York - Arrive JFK 8.40 pm After breakfast, transfer to airport for return flight home. Critical Points: 1a) You will be trained in basic technical mountaineering skills: you will learn these in one hour !! Not a big deal, our expert guides will train us and you will be fully prepared to use the gear provided !! 1b) We do recommend to part take in one of our local preparation trips: Ice Climbing and Mountaineering Training Program The White Mountains of New Hampshire Friday to Sunday - January 9, 10, 11 Details and Registration: http://iceclimbing1-9-09.eventbrite.com 2) Our local guides have climbed these mountain several (hundred) times... We will use the same guiding company as the author in the above article, which mentions one of their chief guides who has climbed Cotopaxi some 200 times... 3) ALL technical equipment - Ice Axe, Crampons, ropes, etc - is included and will be provided ! 4) NO camping required: hotel and mountain refuges will be our accommodations. 5) Temperature: Quito and Ecuador, mild spring temperatures, 60's F; on the mountain it will be colder of course... 6) NO porters needed, all heavier equipment will be transported by jeep... Questions / RSVP: [email_address] Option B: Chimborazo: Saturday, Feb 21: Transfer to Chimborazo - Chimborazo Day 1 Gear check and training - spend night at 15,500 ft - Summit Push & Descent - Return to Quito Sunday We will leave Quito in the morning, heading south for the Avenida de los volcanes until we reach the Hermanos Carrel refuge (15,850 ft). From there we will walk another 45 minutes to the Whymper refuge (16,500 m), where we will relax, eat dinner and prepare for the midnight ascent. Sunday, Feb 22: Chimborazo Day 2 - Bad weather back up day Summit Push & Descent - Return to Quito Monday: We will get up at midnight and being to climb. After 8 hours we will first reach the Veintimilla summit (20,000 ft) and afterwards the Whymper summit (6310 m). Around midday we will be back in the refuge, where we will relax a bit before returning to Quito. Dinner at our Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda Monday, Feb 23: Bad weather back up day... and/ or Open day - Explore Quito, shop, relax... Dinner in town... Party and celebrate at night...!!!

44. ...from South West The Chimborazo is an extinct volcano located in the Andes mountains of central Ecuador, 150 kilometres (93 miles) south-southwest of the capital Quito. Its summit is the spot on the surface farthest from the center of the Earth. Although the summit of Mount Everest reaches a higher elevation above sea level, the Earth's diameter at the equator is greater than at Everest's latitude (nearly 28° north), with sea level also being elevated. The summit of Chimborazo is just one degree south of the equator. So despite being 2547 meters (8457 feet) lower in elevation above sea level, it is 6384.4 km (3968 mi) from the Earth's center, 2.1 km farther than the summit of Everest. Chimborazo is higher in elevation above sea level than any other mountain in the Americas north of it. Until the beginning of the nineteenth century it was thought that Chimborazo was the highest mountain on Earth (measured from sea level), and such reputation led to many attempts on its summit during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In 1802 during his expedition to South America, Baron Alexander von Humboldt, accompanied by Aimé Bonpland and the Ecuadorian Carlos Montúfar attempted to reach the summit. From his description of the mountain it seems he reached a point at 5,875 metres, from where he and his companions returned suffering from altitude sickness. At that point they had reached the highest point attained by any human being in recorded history. Finally it was climbed by Briton Edward Whymper and the brothers Louis and Jean-Antoine Carrel in 1880. As there were many critics who doubted that Whymper had reached the summit, later in the same year he climbed to the summit again choosing a different route with the Ecuadorians David Beltrán and Francisco Campaña. Chimborazo is the highest peak in Ecuador and surely one of the most demanding climbs and requires ice climbing equipment and basic technical mountaineering. * * * Flight Service with Lan Ecuador: 1 XL 539 S 14FEB 6 JFKGYE HK21 1020 1700 *1A/E* 2 XL 516 S 14FEB 6 GYEUIO HK21 1800 1850 *1A/E* 3 XL 517 S 21FEB 6 UIOGYE HK21 1205 1300 *1A/E* 4 XL 538 S 21FEB 6 GYEJFK HK21 1410 2040 *1A/E* Cancellation Policy: If you cancel more than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive a refund minus $200 If you cancel less than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive 75% refund If you cancel less than 45 days before the date of travel, you would receive 50% refund If you cancel less than 30 days before the date of travel, you would receive 25% refund If you cancel less than 15 days before the date of travel, there won't be a refund possible unless we find replacement for you

45. 111111High Summits Ltd., mountain climbing and trekking tour operator, based in Quito Ecuador offers safest quality mountain climbing tours, mountain and volcano ascents, hiking and trekking trips in Ecuador. We specialize in the organisation and guidance of climbing and trekking tours in the ecuadorian highland and in particular in expeditions to the mountains and volcanoes of Ecuador. 22222Our trips and climbing tours in Ecuador combine ascents in the Andean mountain range with its important summits, such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, Ilinizas, Altar, Sangay with both visits of the famous Indian markets as well as City tours in colonial Quito and Cuenca, excursions to the tropical amazon jungle, the cloud forest and cruises to the Galapagos Islands. 3333 We aim to provide you an unforgettable stay in Ecuador and safe climbs to the peaks and summits of Ecuador, offering an efficient service, excelent Ecuador mountain guides, charming hotels, save and private transportation, that will beat all your expectations. High Summits offers you many fixed departure tours but encourages you also to create your own individual custom-made tour, according to your preferences and skills. Join us and enjoy an unforgettable climbing experience in the mountains of Ecuador!