Ecuador

* Covers routes on twenty mountains, half of them more than 5,000 meters (16,405 feet)

* Illustrated with 25 photographs, 17 maps, and 24 topos

* Includes background on Ecuador's history and geology

Ecuador is about as perfect a climbing destination as any in the world. Besides having two climbing seasons -- June through August and December through February -- Ecuador offers an established local climbing community, plenty of equipment shops and available supplies, easy physical access to its peaks, and a relatively low-cost and hassle-free climbing experience. For climbers seeking ideal, high-altitude practice after learning to snow and ice climb in the Rockies and Alps, this is the place. Ecuador: A Climbing Guide is a straightforward guide to twenty of the country's major peaks, including the volcanic Big 10. Well-illustrated, this guide also provides you with advice on preparations, local transportation, supplies, climbing resources, and health tips.