Let me hear ya, ADVENTURIST and OUTDOOR FOLKS in Ecuador!

Although I don't live there as yet Dina, I can tell you from my visit there are a ton of things to do. Refering to the Cuenca area, where I spent the majority of my time, I saw: many gyms, Olympic sized pool, climbing, zip lining, and some guy waaaay up on the mountain hang gliding. Bikes are everywhere, and if you chose, some pretty rugged terrain.
As far as outdoor activities, you'll find pretty much everything you desire from N.America there. Also, to heal those aching muscles, there are volcanic hot pools, spas, and some fantastic massage therapists.
I guarantee you, you won't lack for outdoor activities.
I'm going back this Spring to purchase a property. Soooo, one more Minnesota S--- Season. I'm givin' my S--- thrower to my son.
Stay Well
Neil
PS. as far as my outrageous activity today....? storing my motorcycle for the season, and raking leaves. Pretty wild stuff!!

hey!

Thanks Neil!   I appreciate the feedback and great information--always nice to hear from a 'real" person as to what I can find.  OMG...so awesome to read!  My fave word is "rugged"!  Aww yeh!

WOW!!  Minnesota...well you guys have almost similar weather to Alaska! LOL.

Oh yes, putting the motorcycle away...  aww...  poor little thing. 

Just a fun adventure quest so I hope to visit there as well as Italy on the next trip!  Life is a true adventure.

Thanks you again!!  Your kindness is appreciated, Neil. 

Nothing today, but I've been trying to get to as many mountains as I can in the time I've got here.  In the past 9 months I've climbed El Corazón, Imbabura, Rucu Pichincha 4 times, Guagua Pichincha and down into its crater, and Rumiñahui. Have done some rock climbing on Pasochoa, Las Puntas and attempted Morurco but was pushed back because of weather.  I've only got to camp once on top of Cerro Ahuaca in Cariamanga, Loja.  I have plans of climbing Illiniza Norte next Sunday and then Cotopaxi and Antisana in December. Because of 3 fatalities on Illiniza Sur a few weeks ago, the government just ordered that for climbs over 5000 meters, everybody needs a certified guide to go along.  If anyone has more info on this rule, like client to guide ratio required, I would appreciate it.  I was emailed a picture today of an empty refuge on Cotopaxi from this past holiday weekend, presumably because of the restriction.  Normally, it would have been packed.   

There are many backpacking opportunities.   A local guide just told me of a two day hike from Guagua Pichincha to Mindo that sounds interesting. Several huge national parks with lots of trails.

I'm not much of a mountain biker, but there are many places to go biking too.  Cotopaxi national park is popular for biking, as well as Baños and Mindo. The Parque Metropolitano in Quito has many good trails.
There´s also several rivers good for rafting and kayaking.

I live in Quito.  I just go to the gym at the University I work at, but I see many gyms in the city.  There are a few climbing walls too.  The biggest is El Rocodromo.  Mono Dedo has a large bouldering gym.  A new climbing gym opened up in Cumbaya called Vértigo Escalada.   There is also Las Canteras de Cumbaya, which is a rock outcropping above the Guayasamin tunnel that has several routes and permanent bolts. 

I've only scratched the surface of what´s available. Whatever you like to do outdoors, Ecuador probably has it.

WOW!!  Thanks JM!

That is so thrilling to learn!  I've got a few summits in the Cascades  that I bagged and have some alpine training, too.  I just got a new Mammut rope!  Yum!  LOL.  I would say I'm a relatively new alpinist but don't need tons of ice climbing to challenge me

Well, it sounds like you are a real peak bagger! 

AND ROCK CLIMBING gyms too!  WOW!  I live in the climbing mecca of Washington state and there are no indoor gyms for winter training.  Can you believe that?!

This morning, a friend was suggesting to me to check southern Italy, but I don't know...it seems very costly there, although the alps are not far but from this message and all your adventures.  Ecuador is sounding more my style!

That is so awesome!!  Your message was like a bolt of caffeine!  LOVE IT!  (Oh, but sorry to learn about the fatalities, though..)

I GREATLY appreciate the feedback... I need to visit there soon from the sounds of it!

I'd love to stay in contact with you and learn of your adventures!

Gracias!!

For visiting Quito's (probably looking at January, Feb or March) would any of you know of places to stay for a week - 10 days?  I see there are many hostels but I'd rather have a private room.  Any places I should stay away from??

Life is an adventure for me so I can definitely handle whatever comes my way!   I'm not picky!

Thanks!