I arrived fine in Quito, Ecuador on the 20th of March, about 30 minutes behind schedule.

I didn't notice a big change with the higher altitude (Quito is at about 2800m above sea level) and still haven't noticed much of a difference. I guess that will change as we do our climbs.

More on the arrival later (backwards, I know :)

Yesterday, Lukasz and I arranged for a guide for Cotopaxi, and got more information on Illiniza and the other peaks around Quito. Apparently 6 climbers died last week from an avalanche in Antisana so I guess we won't be going there.

Today (March 22) Lukasz and I decided to go and help our acclimatization by trekking/climbing El Corazon. The weather was cloudy off the bat, with moments of sun.

As we got up (closer to about 3500-4000m) rain started to pour and we could hear thunder to the north. We bolted out of there as fast as you can say Corazon.

So I guess we got our butts kicked, but it's a good try for our acclimatization. A full climb of El Corazon is estimated at about 5-7 hrs.

Tomorrow we catch a bus to get to the refuge between 2 volcanoes, Illiniza Norte and Illiniza Sur. We'll try our luck (hopefully good weather too!) with Illiniza Norte on Friday morning.

Wish us luck!!!

Just a note: There is still a strike with the indigenous people and the government so movement to get outside of Quito is still quite hard at the moment. Also, the internet in Quito is easily accessible but very slow!