This book is an invitation to experience the wonders of trekking in Ecuador. Come to Ecuador for leisure and learning, sport and adventure. Come to have a great time. There is so much here to discover and enjoy!

We also invite you to open your eyes and your mind to the complex realities of Ecuador. Begin by reading "Trekking Today: A True Story" in Chapter 1. As you trek and travel, take in the awesome natural beauty of this country, but also be sensitive to the difficult challenges faced by its people. Perhaps—at a time and in a way you least expect—you might be able to help them. Perhaps some of the insights you gain while trekking in Ecuador will influence the way you think about our beleaguered planet and species.

Finally, we invite you to contribute your own experiences, to help improve future editions. Please contact us through this web site, or by e-mail or postal mail. Although we cannot plan your treks or travels for you, we will gratefully acknowledge all correspondence. We wish you safe and pleasant trekking.

(Photo: Michael Resch)

Safety is an important concern in all outdoor activities. No guidebook can alert you to every hazard or anticipate the limitations of every reader. Therefore, the description of roads, trails, routes, and natural features in this book or this website are not representations that a particular place or excursion will be safe for your party. When you follow any of the routes described here, you assume responsibility for your own safety. Under normal conditions, such excursions require the usual attention to traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, terrain, the capabilities of your party, and other factors. Keeping informed on current conditions and exercising common sense are the keys to a safe, enjoyable outing.

Political conditions may add to the risks of travel in Ecuador in ways that this book and website cannot predict. When you travel, you assume this risk, and should keep informed of political developments that may make safe travel difficult or impossible.