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            Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love,
            live in or have just visited - are what make this guide.
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                <title>Mindo</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10631</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[From the big city to some of the last remaining pristine cloud forest on the continent in just a couple of hours. Estimates state that a mere 5-10% of the original coverage of cloud forest on the western cordillera of Ecuador still exists today. That the people of Mindo have opted to protect their corner of what’s left is just one part of the reason to go. The other part is that it’s great fun. <br>Suddenly skyscrapers and buses are replaced by dirt roads and beat-up truck-taxis. Hummingbirds, butterflies, orchids, waterfalls, huge trees, about 450 species of birds … Mindo’s got the lot for anyone enamoured with nature. For those with a taste for adventure, there’s a gravity-defying cable car, and Mindo’s unique version of “rafting” involving inner tubes. But the vibe is so laidback, it’s hard to maintain that pace. Just relax, no estas en Quito.]]></description>
                
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                <title>The Black Sheep Inn, Chugchilan</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6693</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[An inspiring ecolodge high in the Andes, in the small village of Chugchilan, near Latacunga (about a day's journey from Quito). It's in a beautiful rural location - just getting there is an adventure.  Delicious veggie food, grown organically by the lodge. Composting toilets are an experience.  Great hiking, biking and horseriding nearby - the lodge give you all the info you need.  All local staff and loads of benefits go to the local community.  And (the unusual bit for such a great ecolodge) - totally affordable at around $30 per person per night including breakfast and dinner. It's an amazing place.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Volcano Guagua Pichincha</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1441</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Standing at 4794m above the city, the majestic summit of Guagua Pichincha is a symbol of Quito. Several companies will drive you up the volcano side in a jeep, but if you're the adventurous type then you might want to consider hiking up to the top. Ride the bus to the hillside barrio of Mena Dos, catch a taxi to the small town of Lloa, then simply follow the road up. You can spend the night at the refuge (4550m) for a few dollars, although don't expect any home comforts and take some warm clothes, a sleeping bag, food and plenty of water. You can then ascend to the volcanic peak in the morning when visibility is likely to be better, and you may have a view of the Avenue of volcanoes on the other side of the valley. Visitors are warned about the presence of thieves on Pichincha's lower summit - Rucu - but Guagua appears to be less of a risk. However, you should be on your guard at all times and leave note of your plans back at the hostel. Altitude sickness is another potential danger for which you should be appropriately prepared.]]></description>
                
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