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Floyd · Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 1

Did anybody here climb Chimborazo and Cotopaxi in Ecuador?

Tourist agencies recommend to go in December-January, and I was going to go sometime in June or July. Is there any reason not to go climbing there in the summer months (I mean June-August)?

How is the country in general? Are people friendly?
How much money would I need per day for food?

I have found on the Internet a reasonably priced hotel ($20) Montecarlo in Riobamba. Any opinions about that hotel?

What should be the base camp for Cotopaxi? Should it be Machachi or Quito?

Thanks.

Justin · Joined: 11 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

I stayed in Hotel Montecarlo, Riobamba in January this year using it as base camp for climbing Cotopaxi, Carihuairazo and trekking in the Chimborazo area. The single-room was clean and comfortable, I paid USD 83 for 8 days (no breakfast). There is also the Montecarlo restaurant next door serving excellent breakfast.

I have been told that there is no special season for Cotopaxi and the best months for Chimorazo are December, January and from June to September. Feel free to mail me if you need further information, e.g. agencies, climbing guides in Riobamba for mountaineering.