Quilotoa Lagoon and Shalala Lodge 2-day hike

Review of Fernando Iza as guide for Pasochoa, Rucu Pichincha, Iliniza Norte, and Cotopaxi plan. Guidance (1/5) - Somewhat reliable guide, informative about the trails and surroundings - Would often climb or descend much faster than us, out of our sight, and leave us to figure out the trail for ourselves - Example: descending from Cotopaxi, he was supposed to guide me and 2 other fatigued climbers back to basecamp, but ran downhill with our porter, disappearing out of view in the dark and turned up on a different trail entirely. Then told us “you have to follow your guide, not each other” as he was 100 yards away on a different fork of the trail. - Not supportive or motivational on the trail, would give vague answers to questions about remaining distance / altitude gain on a trek - Assured us that he would provide training for crampons and glacier traversal on summit night (as we had no prior experience with this), but didn't provide any instruction outside of putting on our crampons. Hospitality (3/5): - Decently hospitable, hosted us at his beautiful mountain lodge satisfactorily - His wife is a great cook and made appetizing dishes for most meals - Other guides like Xavier were very friendly and knowledgable on surrounding areas like Lake Quilotoa and the Tigua region. Logistics (1/5): - Wasn’t up front with us about what costs were covered and what weren’t. We had to pay for 2 hotel stays out of pocket. - Didn’t inform us that technical climbing gear was included as part of package, and would’ve charged us the fees if we hadn’t double checked ourselves. - Hired us a porter for Cotopaxi who didn’t carry most of the gear we requested, and wouldn’t stop to provide us water or snacks as required on summit night Cotopaxi. Lodging (3/5): - Nice lodge nestled in a valley between the mountains - Toilets frequently gave off the smell of sewage - Sheets were changed routinely - Food was served at normal lunch and dinner times and usually consisted of 3 course meals which were again, very well prepared by Fernando’s wife and family Summary: Do NOT choose Fernando as your guide if you a) don't have prior experience with crampons or glacier traversal, b) want a guide that motivates and supports you on your hikes, or c) respects the time and money you have invested into your trip. DO choose Fernando if you are self-sufficient and simply need a guide for the legal requirement enforced by the government to hike Ecuador's high altitude mountains.

Fernando was great. We had an absolute blast! Logistics were all taken care of, the food was fantastic, and Iliniza Mountain Lodge was gorgeous with plenty of equipment to rent.

Very professional guide, we felt safe all the time. The lodging is very nice and has equipment in case you didn't bring enough

My guide was outstanding in leading the way to victory onto Cotopaxi Summit. I have been recommending Explore-Share to everyone because of how much I trust and value the program’s mission and the guides. I can’t wait to continue adding more journeys with Explore-Share 🏔️

Fernando was excelent, I fell secure with all his experience. TOP!