After organising my entire trip through the HUBB I figure it's probably about time I gave a little back. Here then are a few tips I garnered from my San Francisco to Santiago (Chile) trip, April 08 - Nov 08 on an 2008 KLR 650.

Ecuador.

1. Quito (Old Quarter) - Get off the bike and explore it on foot! I was there for days pottering around on the KLR - thinking, this place is over rated! - before finally deciding to walk the pedestrianised roads and one way systems; staggeringly beautiful architecture, particularly well illuminated at night.

2. Cotopaxi National Park - Looked fantastic as I approached the park's entrance... only to find no motos allowed! With a little more planning I would have loved to have left the bike in Quito and done one of the 4 day Volcano climbing expeditions. This is one of the highlights of Ecuador.

3. Sangay National Park - A newly constructed dirt road runs between Guamote (south of Riobamba) and Macas. The Lonely Planet guide claimed 5hrs on a bus, I thought I could do better than that; I was wrong, it really is a 5hr slog, through fords, muddy stretches and along mountain lakes. Great fun on an enduro but look out for loose planks on the bridges.

4. Border crossing with Peru at Macara. Friendly laid back officials but best to get any cash from Macara before crossing, I didn't find a cash machine until Sullana - a very hot and noisy town 3hrs ride into Peru.