During the process of reserving rooms at Hostaria Papagayo in Machachi, I was told quite emphatically that the local gov't in Ecuador is cracking down on climbers and insisting that they have an accredited guide with them.
I'll be climbing Pasachoa, Iliniza Norte, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in a month and hadn't planned on hiring a guide. Does anyone have any information?
Thanks very much,
Justin