With the opening of summits of high mountain such as Cotopaxi, Antisana, Ilinizas, Corazón, Carihuairazo, Tungurahua and Altar, the 160 guides Certificates of the Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides (Aseguim) are waiting to be reactivated.
For almost six months, since mid-March 2020, most of these professionals were unable to work outdoors in the moors and in the high peaks, as a result of the restrictions adopted to prevent more Covid-19 infections in Ecuador.
Juliana Garcia, president of Aseguim, is positive and hopes that between October and December the opening of all the protected areas in the country. “Our request has been that all the summits be opened, for everyone. That the protected areas be opened to the general public, so that the guides can work and so that the mountaineers can do their sport.”
How did this pandemic affect the guides?
“It has been six months without being able to work, that’s why the urgent request to open the protected areas. We work seasonally. We finish one in February, from there we generally have a break of a couple of months but then we lost the option of work in June, July and August. We hope to be able to recover in the following season, between October, November and December. This has been a great impact for the guides and their families who have had to look for other sources of income. Our request is that you authorize the opening of all the mountains to the general public. “
Are the conditions ready to return to the mountains?
“100%. We say, if the cinemas of the country are open, why not the mountain. In the cinema you are in a closed space and in the mountains you are in an open space, we keep our distance, the activity itself involves being with three, four people in an open area. “
Are the tourists different according to each season?
“Basically it is the same tourist. We work 70% with foreign people and 30% national. At the moment that statistic is going to turn a bit. It is a tourism of people who want to be in the heights, in the mountains. There are also companies foreigners who are waiting for a greater opening to be able to send tourists who want to come to the country “.
What are the most visited sites?
“He Cotopaxi it is the emblematic site, followed by Chimborazo, Cayambe, Antisana and Ilinizas “.
To get to these summits, do you require previous experience?
“Correct. As guides and as agencies we value clients who want to climb. We also observe if they are acclimatized and their physical condition, once they are with us. Some experience is required, but it is quite easy in a previous outing to know and measure if these people will be able to do the summits or not”.
What are your protocols?
Part of our biosecurity protocols is what is applied worldwide, distancing, the mask that there is not enough distance, hygiene at all times, taking temperature and constant monitoring of passengers on a day-to-day basis. It is also about minimizing contact with other groups, with the use of tents instead of shelters, minimizing contact in general. “
What does a guide do?
“The mountain guide is the person who is certified to carry out tourist activity and ensure the safety of the people who climb the high mountains and climb on rock.”
How many peaks are considered high mountain in the country?
“High mountains, over five thousand meters, there are 16. With glaciers, where we also carry out part of our profession there are seven. 80% of our professional activity is in those mountains.”
