15

#15 it does not relate at all to this discussion. If you're Canadian, would you like it if you had to hire a guide each time you enter a national or provincial park in Canada ? I'm sure 99 % of the Canadians would find it unacceptable.

16

Actually, the Canadian National Park system is relatively expensive. For instance, it costs about $10 per day just to enter Jasper. If you are camping, it will cost another fee anywhere from about $10 to $40. If you are heading to the backcounty, there is an additional charge per night.

And all this with no guide. It's the main way we support and maintain our parks. I think we grumble about it but love them.

There is no reasonable financial comparison between Canada and Ecuador, though. There is no reasonable comparison between Belgium and Ecuador.

I am always pleased to see local folks getting at least a small share of the tourist dollars — so often the tourist economy is based on large offshore corporations owning all-inclusive resorts and exporting the wealth. If local individuals can benefit from a government-supported fee structure, I have no problem.

The problem seems to arise when you've been on the road so long that you lose sight of your relative life-long affluence and your global relationship to citizens of third-world countries.

So maybe I take back the rolling little balls thing, but I stand by the notion we should be generous when we are ourselves blessed.

17

I was in Cotopaxi a couple of weeks ago. I was with an Ecuadorian Family and we didn't need a guide. We just had to register.

18

north_boy, you don't understand my point. Whatever the cost, some people, hikers in particular, like to hike alone and not with a guide, whatever the cost of it. That's why I made this comparison. I think most Canadian hikers do prefer to hike alone and not to be obliged to follow a guide in the Canadian Rockies, too.

19

WILLEMSPIE: That part I understand and agree with.

20

Has anyone experienced this guide requirement in El Cajas? We are going there in a few days and would really prefer not to have a guide or have to pay one to pretend to be our guide while we get in. I completely understand the sentiment of not wanting to pay for something you don't need, though I don't mind paying more for the entrance fee or whatever else they need to support maintenance/upkeep/local communities.

21

Iwent to El Cajas 2 years ago. Nobody used a guide, at least for dayhikes around the visitor center.

22

Thanks. I hope that is still the case. I will report back if not.

23

Just went a few weeks ago. No guide required.