Jump to Client References from:
Patricia Post | Peter Toth | Sheilah Russell | Paul Soderholm
Bob Cole | Marc Shechtman | Werner Schueller | Peter Schnopp
Gordon Smith | Russell Stark | Carr Lane Quackenbush | David Dapp
Jennifer Merchant | John Kelly
| Paul
Hickman |
Pavel
Dolgonos
Allen
Fedor | Emilie Johnson | Joe Neiheisel
| Alec
Harper | Carole
Phelan
ALLEN FEDOR (Mexico -- November 2006)
Holdingford, Minnesota
Everyone asked me how I liked the trip. I told everyone on a scale from 1-10 that it was a 10. Thanks for having all the
arrangements so perfect. Thanks for the good memories that will last forever!
Allen L. Fedor fedora@katewwdb.com
EMILIE JOHNSON and JOE NEIHEISEL (Ecuador -- December 2006)
Cincinnati, Ohio
I don't typically take the time to make written endorsements; but the Ecuadorian experience that you have created certainly warrants the effort. I
had previously organized all of my own adventures, and was skeptical of the
value that a guide could add. I reluctantly paid what I considered a
"convenience premium" for administrative and planning assistance, thinking
that it would cost less to manage the effort myself. In retrospect, your fee
was a fraction of what I would have spent to attempt this trip on my own.
Your experience, approach, and knowledge of the country, people, and
language made the trip considerably more economical; but more importantly,
it enabled a much richer experience for Emilie and me.
We are so glad we decided to join your group. You not only made it easy on us by taking care of the details, but you also enhanced the experience by
creating a fun environment, and sharing your extensive knowledge. The
climbing was certainly the highlight of the trip, but everything was so well
planned that I enjoyed our off days nearly as much. We are still amazed by
how many great activities and beautiful places you introduced to our group.
We really had a great time and look forward to our next adventure with Climb
Ecuador. We sincerely appreciate the incredible experience and all of your
efforts along the way; everything was top-notch.
You are a very capable and gracious host, willing to go the extra mile to ensure his clients get the most from their experience and have a great time.
I have recommended Climb Ecuador to various outdoor groups and will continue
to encourage people to consider your fantastic adventures. You are welcome
to provide my contact information to those interested in hearing more from a
CE alum.
Thanks again for the experience of a lifetime.
Joe Neiheisel
(513) 218-6201
jgneiheisel@yahoo.com
Emilie Johnson
(513) 703-8121
emiliejohnson@hotmail.com
CAROLE
PHELAN (Ecuador
-- December 2006)
Middletown, Connecticut
I am writing this while listening to my Cotopaxi CD
which I had to have after hearing them perform
at Hacienda La Cienaga.
I
left my family the day after Christmas and headed to
South America with a passport, climbing gear, and a
few Spanish words, with the intent to gain
mountaineering experience at higher elevations and to
stand on the equator. I returned home 15 days later
with 6 new friends, much higher elevations on my
resume, many Spanish words and a lifetime of memories!
If
you want an adventure, then Roger is your guy! The
trip itinerary was fabulous and flexible enough to
accommodate all that unfolds in
Ecuador.
Our driver, climbing guides, tour guides and
especially our host Roger were excellent. Everyone was
so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The volcanoes
were spectacular. The country itself was absolutely
beautiful. More green than I had imagined. I can't say
enough about this trip.
To
put it best, my last day in Quito I sat at a coffee
shop and watched a tour bus drive by. Those poor
tourists were only getting an elevated view of
Ecuador,
whereas we traveling with
Climb
Ecuador got
to live Ecuador.
Thank you Roger!
I
look forward to more trips with
Climb
Ecuador!
Carole
Phelan
ca_phelan@yahoo.com
ALEC HARPER (Ecuador -- December 2006)
Arnold, Maryland
In all my travels, I have never quite had an experience such as this. From the first breakfast at "The Bean" to the farewell dinner, there was never a dull moment in-between!
Roger's fluency in Spanish and his familiarity with Ecuador paved the way for an amazing journey through that country's dramatic countryside. In my opinion, Itinerary #1 provides a perfect mix of cultural learning opportunities, great climbing days, and wonderful (and surprising!) settings. Nothing repeats and the pleasant surprises unfold with each passing day...! This was really much more than I had expected.
For those of you looking for something wonderfully out of the ordinary, consider an adventure with Roger. During my 16 days with Climb Ecuador, I experienced the full range of human emotions! Where else can one find oneself on the side of a volcano one minute...and in an elegant Hacienda enjoying a superb meal by day's end?
I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of the group. The time with Roger and the group was just what I needed to wash away a very difficult 2006. Keep it going!
Alec Harper
Arnold, Maryland
AlecEHarper@aol.com
PAUL HICKMAN (Ecuador -- January 2006)
Springdale, Arkansas
Looking back, I can't think of a way I would have rather spent New Year's 2006!
If you're looking to get some serious altitude and have all of your rest days filled with a superior cultural education... Climb Ecuador is the outfit for you. I simply could have not asked for a more
fulfilling time. The mountains are absolutely beautiful the guides are
knowledgeable and Roger is a host of hosts.
Excellent accommodations, good food and wine make each rest day a truly relaxing experience. If this sounds like what your looking for... Don't hesitate any longer, book it, you won't regret it.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Paul Hickman
phickman12@hotmail.com
PAVEL DOLGONOS (Ecuador -- January 2006)
Cenntenial, Colorado
I signed up with Climb Ecuador because I knew Roger from our expedition to Aconcagua. And I was not disappointed. The trip to Ecuador was exceptionally well organized. Roger was very helpful before and during the trip. There was a very good mix of climbing, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. I would highly
recommend Climb Ecuador to anybody who wants to learn about the people, culture and mountains of the country Roger takes you to. Too bad Roger limits himself to South America!!
Pavel Dolgonos
pdolgonos@yahoo.com
303-721-7338
PATRICIA POST, JOHN CHURCH, BRUCE WORLEY, ELLEN JOHNSON, JOHN GAROUTTE, JAY FRENCH, ROB RILEY (Ecuador -- January 2003)
New Orleans, Louisiana
You wouldn’t suppose that a group of people residing below sea level would be accomplished mountain climbers, but that’s exactly what we are. We are the Mardi Gras Mountaineers ("MGMs" for short). We enjoy getting away from New Orleans to appreciate the high altitudes and breathtaking landscapes of South America, among other destinations. In planning our trip this year we wanted someone who could effectively acclimatize a small, private group on a schedule that would allow us to summit two mountains, Cotopoxi and Chimborazo, in Ecuador. Our fearless leader, John Church, found an ad for Climb Ecuador in a magazine and contacted Roger Kovary with our inquiries. Together they formulated a customized, all-inclusive itinerary.
Our trip lasted from January 4-19, 2003. Besides climbing four mountains (Sincholagua, Carihuairazo, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo), we hiked and explored Quito; submerged ourselves in the thermal baths in Papallacta; breezed through Baños and visited numerous nearby waterfalls in lush tropical forests; spent a few nights in the newly opened Tambopaxi hut equipped with showers and a restaurant serving gourmet dinners; enjoyed the hospitality offered at La Cienega, a 400-year- old hacienda. This hints at a few things we experienced with Climb Ecuador.
We found Roger Kovary to be as knowledgeable and accommodating a trip coordinator as he was an expedition guide. Roger’s professionalism was evident from the beginning by his prompt correspondence. Any questions we had were met with quick replies. His professionalism was reinforced during our journey by his rapport with the Ecuadorian guides, hotel staff, and other people. Communication between our group and those we encountered was made easy by Roger’s mastery of the Spanish language and familiarity with local culture. While on the climb, Roger balanced the individual needs of group members with the necessities of the expedition, allowing us to reach our goals enjoyably. He is leader and comrade, ambassador and patient translator. Roger works hard for his clients so they get the most out of their trip. From safe, successful climbs to browsing local markets, to memorable farewell dinners, every step of the journey was brilliant.
If you are looking for a well-organized and relaxed expedition, Climb Ecuador is it. This May 2003, I am returning to South America with Climb Ecuador for both the Bolivia and Peru trips. Although professional schedules prevented some other MGMs from participating this year, 2004 offers greater possibilities. The MGMs highly recommend Climb Ecuador to anyone interested in climbing in Ecuador, Bolivia, or Peru.
Patricia Post
patwin@post.com
John Church
jmchurch@bellsouth.net
Bruce Worley
rbwlkw@bellsouth.net
Ellen Johnson
ejjester@aol.com
Jay French
jfrencholo@aol.com
Rob Riley
rriley4547@yahoo.com
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PETER TOTH (Bolivia -- July 2002)
Chantilly, Virginia
I had such a great experience on a recent adventure trip with Climb Ecuador that I wanted to write and tell you about it.
I have been rock climbing and mountaineering for about 12 years. Started by taking my son hiking, rock climbing, which eventually led to mountaineering across the US.
The last few years I've been doing higher altitudes and enjoy experiencing different cultures as part of the climbing. About a year ago I spotted an ad for Climb Ecuador and contacted Roger Kovary to get details. Initially, making contacts like that always leaves me a bit leery. How good are these guys? Do they really know what they're doing? What sort of experiences have other clients had? If you get into trouble can they get you out of it safely? Will they actually show up at the designated meeting place, or will you end up holding the bag.
Needless to say I wanted to check Climb Ecuador out. From the beginning, Roger was more than accommodating. He e-mailed me a list of former clients and I had a chance to grill several of them about their trips. Everyone seemed pleased.
This year I was able to make his Bolivia trip. He and I had several conversations before the trip to make sure everything was in order, and we met at the airport in La Paz on the designated morning as scheduled.
From there the trip became one interesting experience after another. Climb Ecuador's itinerary looked interesting in the literature, but it truly came to life in the most pleasant way beginning on that first day.
I just loved the pace and how every activity was geared around not only helping us acclimate, but also immersing us into the local culture. In that respect I would have to say that Climb Ecuador is really onto something unique here. No other trip, for me at least, has combined the two so effectively. On the first day we took an easy walking tour of La Paz---just strenuous enough to get the lungs going at that altitude. The next day was an easy trip to Lake Titicaca and the interesting history there. Then a mid-altitude climb to 17,600 feet, then back to La Paz to sleep low and recover. We repeated the process between each mountain and experienced something different and unique about Bolivia during each trip back to lower elevation.
The entire trip was a highly orchestrated event geared at achieving the ultimate goal of the summitting Illimani.
Roger had assembled a group of local guides, cooks, and porters who were fantastic. We had strong, friendly guides who really knew the mountains and their craft. They knew how to care for slower clients and push stronger ones. The meals prepared by the cooks were delightful. The only complaint I ever heard was that it was always too much! We were constantly stuffed! But that's a good thing.
All in all, Climb Ecuador has a great itinerary, and Roger executes it without skipping a beat. If there's ever been an adventure company that should get publicity so that more adventurers like me can experience the best in adventure travel, Climb Ecuador is it.
If you have any questions, or I can fill in some details, don't hesitate to e-mail me at pantoth@aol.com
Peter Toth
pantoth@aol.com
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SHEILAH RUSSELL (Ecuador -- June 2000 and Bolivia -- May 2001)
Aspen, Colorado
My name is Sheilah and I live in Colorado in the mountains and I'm writing this five star recommendation of Climb Ecuador as I've enjoyed past trips immensely. I've taken two trips with Climb Ecuador and both were better than expected. The first was the Ecuador Volcanos trip, which I took in June 2000. Roger has had so much experience in Ecuador as to the people, the accommodations and the restaurants, that while in Quito and in between the climbs I felt that I was in the lap of luxury considering this was a climbing trip. As for the climbs themselves, the staff, guides, food, were all above what I expected. Of course, you are staying in mountain huts during the climbs, but the crew that you are with plays a big part in your experience and ours was fun, helpful and highly capable with a lot of expertise.
My next trip with Climb Ecuador was the Bolivia climbs in the Spring of 2001. Again, the hotel in La Paz was wonderfully located in an area where you felt safe to walk at any time day or night, the staff for the climbs went overboard in their service, the food was great and the climbing staff was very experienced and always instilled a feeling of confidence in themselves and your safety with them. I would say that Roger is the expert on getting the best out of your climbing trips in South America as far as getting to climb the peaks and also having those nice luxuries of single rooms included in the price and enough help to do the job, and knowing where all the fun non-climbing spots can be found. And, monetarily as I have looked into it, I felt that I had gotten a lot more for a lower price than is offered by other companies, and a big plus as to the small groups. I'm planning on joining Climb Ecuador once again for the Peru-Huascaran trip in the Spring of 2003.
Sheilah Russell
Aspen, Colorado
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PAUL SODERHOLM (Ecuador -- August 1999 and Peru -- June 2002)
Syracuse, NY
We have been to South America twice with Roger. In August 1999 we asked him to organize a private climb with our group of 5 for Ecuador. Typically he books 3 star hotels like the Ambassador in Quito, but on occasion he will book a 5 star like the Hacienda La Cienega, prior to the climb of Cotopaxi. We have just returned from our second trip with Climb Ecuador, this time to Peru. The first half was touring Cuzco and Machu Picchu. The rest of the trip was based out of Huaraz, the first day we had a guided tour of the area including Yungay. Then into the mountains.
In my opinion, the advantages that Roger provides are:
1. Flexibility -He will adjust the itinerary to fit the group or weather conditions. He will continue to fine tune the schedule if conditions or clients require changes.
2. Roger speaks fluent Spanish.
3. He hires professional local guides.
4. He climbs, he does not just book the guides, he is there every step of the climb.
5. His trips are affordable.
We have had spectacular trips, many of the photos on his web site are from our climbs. We are considering another trip with Climb Ecuador next year or possibly 2004.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
Regards,
Paul R. Soderholm
prs@paulSoderholm.com
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BOB COLE (Ecuador -- November 2000)
Lakewood, Colorado
I hooked up with Roger's outfit and had a thoroughly positive experience in November of 2000. We had some bad weather along the way but did summit Cotopaxi (never saw the crater !!!) among other objectives. Roger led a top notch trip and he dealt in a lot of the cultural experiences along the way. He didn't cut corners, the client to guide ratio was the lowest I've experienced and I've been on trips to South America with several different outfitters and for the dollar, this was the best value yet -- a completely positive experience. I am planning to return with Climb Ecuador to go to Bolivia next year.
Thanks and feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.
Best Regards
Bob Cole
bncole@comcast.net
BOB COLE (Bolivia -- May
2004)(2nd Reference)
I've done two trips with CE (Ecuador 2000 and Bolivia
2004) and found Roger to be the
consummate trip leader and coordinator. He never skimped
on the accommodations or
amenities while traveling in the cities and had top rate
guides working with us on the mountains
at all times. I've done climbing trips with several other
outfitters, and for the money, I have
found CE to be the best value to date. We reached major
summits on each trip and I
look forward to further travels with CE.
Thanks and feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.
Best Regards
Bob Cole
bncole@comcast.net
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MARC SHECHTMAN (Bolivia -- May 2001)
Milltown, New Jersey
I am writing this letter to relate my extremely positive experience with "Climb Ecuador" and Roger Kovary. I participated in the May - June 2001 trip to Bolivia and had the best time of my life.
I started the trip as an absolute beginner, never having done any glacier travel or high altitude to speak of, and ended by climbing Illimani, a 21,125 foot peak of some difficulty. The itinerary of climbing successively higher and harder levels was well laid out and allowed me to summit all four mountains with ever growing confidence and ability. Words cannot really express the sense of accomplishment and happiness that accompanied reaching those summits, and the gratitude for Roger and the guides that I felt.
As well as the physical challenge and mountaineering excitement of the trip there is an element of fun that penetrated everything we did. The dinners with the group, the treks to the base camps, etc. had a lightness and "funness" that really speaks to Roger's people skills and his abilities as a host.
I would highly recommend Climb Ecuador. It is an economical alternative to the higher priced large companies out there, you loose nothing in terms of service and in many ways it is more fun as Roger puts a human touch to go along with exciting technical climbing.
Thank you,
Marc Shechtman
jshechtman@aol.com
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WERNER SCHUELLER (Ecuador -- November 2000)
Austin, Texas
I had the opportunity to participate in a 16 day Climb Ecuador trip in November 2000 involving guided cultural tours and climbs in and around central Ecuador. I truly enjoyed this journey and was very pleased with many of its aspects. Among those were a very friendly and professionally prepared welcome in Quito (although my luggage was lost on arrival - of course none of Climb Ecuador's fault), informative guided cultural tours throughout the trip and experienced climbing guides for mountain ascents. In particular, I enjoyed the mixed character of the trips allowing both intercultural exchanges, individually organized side trips and great excursions into the mountains. Quito turned out to be a truly remarkable place in that it offered a metropolitan flair with a developed tourist infrastructure including excellent options for dining and nightlife while maintaining a safe and friendly overall atmosphere. Climb Ecuador was always helpful in providing guidance and daily tips during the time spent in the city.
I do appreciate the fact that Climb Ecuador works together with local guides instead of shipping in US based mountain guides. There continues to be a long standing and very controversial discussion among US and European based outfitters about bringing English speaking western guides along or relying on local guides. Apart from the fact that depending on western guides results in significant costs they often are less familiar with local trail conditions, weather, politics and language. On the other hand, all local guides used by Climb Ecuador were bi-lingual, very familiar with local conditions and had a very proactive attitude toward the safety of their client. I can not disagree more with often expressed arguments that local guides often turn out to be reckless and ignorant to their clients demands. I should however mention that my trip with Climb Ecuador was marked by one unfortunate incidence when attempting Chimborazo. Our group was not able to ascend the mountain what everyone probably would agree to was due to inclement weather on that day. However the initial stage of the climb and the abortion shortly thereafter was marked by rather ugly arguments among all four guides on how to proceed in light of the difficulty encountered. I do believe that the local guides on this incidence did behave unprofessionally and not in the full interest of their clients.
All things considered I can fully recommend Climb Ecuador as a professional outfit to undertake memorable tours to the country of Ecuador. In fact I am currently considering joining Climb Ecuador again on one of their future trip to Bolivia or Ecuador.
I hope this information does provide the information you were looking for.
Regards,
Werner Schueller
wschueller@yahoo.com
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PETER SCHNOPP (Ecuador -- June 2001)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I am sending you this e-mail to provide you with information concerning my Climb Ecuador experience. I utilized Climb Ecuador's services June 15 -- June 30, 2001 in order to have a guided mountain climbing experience in Ecuador. I chose Climb Ecuador based on its itinerary, cost and recommendations from former clients. I was not disappointed.
Climb Ecuador is an outstanding value. When compared to other mountain guide services, you will be hard pressed to find one that is less expensive. Although Climb Ecuador does not cost as much as other companies, the climbing experience is still top notch. The local guides utilized by Roger Kovary, Climb Ecuador's founder and owner, are very experienced and go out of their way to ensure clients have a safe climbing adventure.
Climb Ecuador is more than mountain climbing, though. In addition to the 4 mountains on the itinerary, there is ample time to see quite a bit of Ecuador, from the equator to the resort town of Banos. I enjoyed exploring the history and culture of Ecuador as much as the mountain climbing.
All in all, I was very pleased with my Climb Ecuador experience. In fact, I am planning to use Climb Ecuador for a mountain climbing vacation in Bolivia in 2003. I would highly recommend Climb Ecuador to anybody looking to climb some high peaks in Ecuador, Peru or Bolivia.
Sincerely,
Pete Schnopp
pjschnopp@comcast.net
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GORDON SMITH (Ecuador -- June 2001)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
My name is Gordon Smith and I was a client of Roger Kovary (Climb Ecuador) from June 15 to June 30, 2001, where we successfully summited four mountains (Rucu Pichincha, Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo). I am still amazed that this combination of competent guides, number/quality/variety of experiences on and off the mountains, the professional manner in which this trip was planned and carried out could be accomplished at such a low price.
Pre-trip communications were complete, timely and accurate. Roger has developed solid relationships with those providing lodging, meals and transportation as wells as the guides, who are highly trained and experienced - some with Himalayan experience.
Although there were many fine experiences contained in the 16 day trip, we never felt rushed, and Roger's affable personality was one of the reasons. In addition to the usual Ecuador day trips (e.g. Otavalo, Banos, etc.), we got to climb all through the Basilica in Quito, take a trip into the rainforest near Banos to see the waterfalls, fish for trout at a trucheria near Chimborazo, and were treated to a fine farewell dinner, paid for by Climb Ecuador. It was like being on an adventure with old friends.
I have used guiding services in the past, including Rainier Mountaineering Inc., and IME in North Conway, NH. Climb Ecuador is the equal of these better known services.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions concerning my experience with Climb Ecuador.
Thanks,
Gordon Smith
gthwingsmith@hotmail.com
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RUSSELL STARK (Bolivia -- July 2002)
Las Vegas, Nevada
My name is Russ Stark and I was a recent client on Roger Kovary's Climb Ecuador Bolivian trip. I just wanted to let you know that his operation is top notch at very reasonable prices ! ! Roger had an itinerary that was enjoyable both culturally and from the trekking/ mountaineering aspect. On this particular trip there were scheduling problems prior to my leaving the U.S. with the airline I booked my flight on. Had it not been for Roger's e-mail I would not have been aware of the schedule change as I awaited the trip. He notified me of the schedule conflict and what course of action to take.
The trip itself was great! ! With the sidetrips that he offers we were able to really appreciate the people of Bolivia. This was enjoyable be it going to the local markets to pick up our food for the mountaineering trips or seeing a dinner/ music show on one of our "days off". Where else to get a boat ride on Lake Titicaca and an enjoyable seafood lunch. I am aware of a few companies that don't offer these bonuses for a significantly higher price.
For me, the mountaineering was what I came for and Roger and the mountains provided ! ! What a challenge but what beauty seeing the stars on a crystal clear night. Roger's trips are enjoyable in that he's very personable with his clients and makes a diligent effort to make sure all are enjoying the "adventure". I would certainly recommend Climb Ecuador as a way to enjoy some of South America. If you have any questions or if you would like some photos from the trip feel free to contact me at oceanbreeze2@prodigy.net
Sincerely,
Russell Stark
RBStark@aol.com
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CARR LANE QUACKENBUSH (Ecuador -- June 2001)
McHenry, Illinois
I'm writing to advocate for Roger Kovary from Climb Ecuador who headed a trip I took June 15-30, 2001 in Ecuador. We climbed Rucu Pichincha, Iliniza Norte. Cotopaxi and Chimborazo with intermediate time in Quito, Banos and a few other spots.
I'm 56, in good enough shape to run marathons but it was Roger who took me from Chicago at 750 ft to the 18,600 ft shoulder of Cotopaxi. Roger gave us a first class experience, an excellent mix of safe mountaineering and local culture, definitely an outstanding value and more than I expected. Roger is a thoughtful host, a fluent student of the Spanish language and an aficionado of the local culture. This was a lifetime experience and much of it attributable to Roger himself.
If you want to be waited on go elsewhere, but if you want real camaraderie, Climb Ecuador is an excellent choice. Being with Roger is like climbing with your brother, easy and relaxed, always ready for a good time or a new adventure. We still stay in touch. I give him an unqualified recommendation.
Carr Lane Quackenbush
carrlane.quackenbush@medela.com
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DAVID DAPP (Ecuador -- November 2000, November 2001)
Litchfield, New Hampshire
Greetings,
I am writing in regards to two experiences I had with Roger Kovary owner of Climb Ecuador. I had joined in on an expedition with Roger and five other clients during the month of November 2000. I must say in all honesty that the trip had lived up to more then what I could have expected. Roger had provided great accommodations at hotels and knew of great locations to dine while in every city throughout the country. Guide services were exceptional while climbing mountains and guided tours on the history of Ecuador while on non-climbing days. Roger has a close relationship with many people in Ecuador which makes the stay for many clientele a very enjoyable one. His prices for his tours are also the lowest that I could find while also providing individual accommodations at all hotels.
In my love for Ecuador that I had discovered in November 2000, I had decided to have Roger set up an individual unguided trip for me in November 2001. I had spoken with Roger and told him of a couple of different mountains I wanted to climb that are not on his itineraries (Cayambe, Iliniza Sur). Roger made some phone calls to Ecuador for me. On a two week schedule he set up guides for the mountains and hotel accommodations for the time I was there. When I arrived in Ecuador by myself everything went according to plan without a hitch. This was all planned by Roger with people 3500 miles away. To me this shows his commitment and devotion to people in Ecuador to give me such nice hospitality while down there solo.
I have attended slide shows of all of Roger's trips at his house in Manhattan. He provides wonderful pictures and food for all those who attend. I am returning 9-7-02 to his house to see another presentation of the summer trips 2002. In closing, I recommend his business to anyone who thinks of going or has any doubts. I will gladly email future clientele of Roger's with all of my experiences on his trips. They are all good. I will be traveling with Roger again to Bolivia and Peru hopefully in the near future.
Please do not hesitate to send any detailed questions to me that you might have.
Dave Dapp
doc421410@aol.com
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JENNIFER MERCHANT (Ecuador -- January 2004)
Riverside, California
Can non-climbers have fun on a Climb Ecuador trip? The answer is an unqualified "Yes." In December 2003, I joined thirteen climbers and my sister, the other non-climber, for an unforgettable trip through Ecuador. While the climbers navigated four mountains, my sister and I followed an alternative itinerary. Roger Kovary, the trip’s coordinator, planned a wonderful agenda of colorful places for us to visit. These included: Papallacta Hot Springs, Tambopaxi in the Cotopaxi National Park, and four days in the Amazon. At times the itineraries of the two groups overlapped, so that all of us could experience the handicrafts market in Otavalo, the La Cienega Hacienda, and daytrips around Quito.
The non-climbing itinerary was not for couch potatoes however. Although we did do our part to boost the Ecuadorian economy through shopping, my sister and I also enjoyed vigorous hikes and sightseeing at each location. We also learned to succumb to the luxuries of thermal baths and massages at the locations that featured hot springs.
Roger Kovary did an outstanding job providing us with English-speaking guides and transportation. We bumped along rough roads, threaded along paths in the rain forest, and paddled down the Amazon in dug-out canoes. By the end of the trip, I felt admiration for the intrepid climbers and their challenging hikes. It was fun to hear stories about crevasses and crampons. But I wouldn’t have traded my non-climbing adventures with any of them!
Jennifer Merchant
jennifermerchant@yahoo.com
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JOHN KELLY (Ecuador -- January 2004)
Dublin, Ireland
I was recently on a Climb Ecuador trip to Ecuador in December 2003 -- January 2004 and I’d just like to write a few words about my experiences. Ecuador is a country I’ve always wanted to visit. As an Irish person who likes good weather and mountaineering (and is denied both in his native country!), it seemed like the ideal destination. So this year I decided to take the plunge and I signed up for this trip to join 14 other US travellers. The group turned out to be a great bunch of people, brought together by our common love of the mountains and the outdoors. Climb Ecuador uses local Ecuadorian mountaineering guides who are very experienced, skilled and know the mountains like the back of their hand. The itinerary seems daunting at first: 4 big mountains in the space of 2 weeks. But we were given ample rest time in between and the acclimatization process worked very well. This was achieved firstly by staying in Quito (9500 feet above sea level) and then by gradually increasing the heights of the mountains that we climbed. This all meant by the time we got to Chimborazo I felt fully acclimatized and I summitted the mountain a lot more easily than I thought I would beforehand -- but that’s not to say it wasn’t tough!
Everyday was either a climbing day or a designated rest day. On the designated rest days we undertook a cultural side tour. We visited and stayed in towns such as Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Lasso and Baños and the standard of accommodation and transport was excellent. Before I went to Ecuador I anticipated that the highlights of the trip would be solely taken up by the climbing activities. But this trip delivered a lot more than that - we crammed in so much that the 2 weeks seemed more like 2 months!
Roger Kovary proved to be a very friendly, accommodating and capable tour organizer and everything went very smoothly. He takes the hassle out of arranging a trip of this nature by organizing all the logistics, guides, food, accommodations and transports for you. He does this at a VERY competitive price. If you’re looking for a vacation that lets you climb fantastic mountains as well as lets you experience many other cultural aspects of Ecuador, then I would strongly recommend this trip to you. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have.
John Kelly
Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
Johnrkelly@eircom.net
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