An Interview with Mark Thurber

By Tom Ravenscroft

Co-author Mark Thurber takes time to answer questions about the newly released sixth edition of his Ecuador Climbing and Hiking Guide. Mark currently lives in Quito, running an environmental consulting firm, though you will most likely find him exploring the vast Ecuadorian countryside on foot.

Why is Ecuador such a great destination for hiking and climbing?

The volcanoes of Ecuador are only a few hours from Quito. These high peaks are one of the few places in world were you can get to 6,000m in a day and enjoy fine dining in a metropolitan city the next night.

What’s the best hike you’ve ever done and why?

I enjoy hearing about an out-of-the-way trail, then just going for it. About 10 years back I did the trek from Zumbahua to Angamarca and met friendly kichwas who really had not seen gingos on the trail in years. Now the route gets a bit of use, a hostel has been built and folks make a bit of money putting up hikers that pass through their village. That makes me happy.

If you could go anywhere in world to hike, where would you go and why?

I live here for a reason; I love trekking into the less visited and unexplored areas of Ecuador’s wilderness. Next on my list are Scotland and Peru.

Where's a good country / place to try and get into hiking?

It is easier to learn in places like North America and Europe where all the trails are marked and there are rangers looking after you, but getting into the Ecuadorian backcountry really requires good navigation skills. If you can learn to trek here, you are prepared for most places in the world.

What's the hardest thing about keeping the climbing and hiking book up to date?

Finding the time to go out and redo the hikes and do new ones people tell me about. The development of Ecuador, road building and such, has destroyed a few of my favorites over the years.

Have you got any plans to write any further books?

I really enjoy walking and writing, so yes, perhaps a Peru or Scotland guide for V!VA or another country I have yet to explore.

Are there any groups or organizations that make it easier to get into climbing or have organized trips for less experienced climbers in Ecuador?

There is a list of outdoor clubs in the book, some are gringo and novice friendly, some are not. Definitely join the South American Explorers, they occasionally have hikes and it is a good place to find backcountry partners.