Mountain Biking Adventure in Highlands & Cloudforest

"Quito – Cotopaxi – Patate – Banos – Illinizas – Quito"

"Ecuador"

A practical combination of riding sections south of Quito begins biking beneath the Cotopaxi volcano. The next few days lead us to the fertile valley of Niton and tracks of the Patate valley and finally to the Ilinizas twin peaks. These areas present a great variety of road conditions and single track trails.

The Itinerary

Day 1: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
We drive to Cotopaxi National Park, site of the highest active volcano in the world. We visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake and the local Indian ruins, then pedal down the valley through a volcanic dirt road following the Pita River Gorge. This day will be mainly downhill into the valley. At the end of the day we go to a colonial hacienda hotel for the evening. (L, D)

Day 2: PATATE CLOUDFOREST
We continue our trip south towards the Tungurahua province where we commence cycling in the hills of Niton. Our descent will be through the beautiful valley of the Patate River with impressive views to one of our most active volcanoes, Tungurahua. We will end our day entering the stunning Pastaza gorge, which is the gateway to the Amazon. This night will be spent in Baños enjoying the natural hot springs. (B, L, D)

Day 3: EXPLORE & CYCLE BAñOS
In the morning we will trek to the some of many local waterfalls and the surrounding natural areas. The afternoon will find us riding downhill from Runtun where we can enjoy a spectacular view of Baños from above. This subtropical valley is rich in cloudforest vegetation on the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano. Overnight in Baños. (B, L, D)

Day 4: ILLINIZAS TWIN PEAKS
We will drive north to Pastocalle where we start cycling at the base of the Illinizas twin peaks. We will descend towards the Chaupi valley on highland dirt roads. We ride through open paramo valleys and Andean scenery. From the Chaupi valley we transfer trails to the old train line where we end our day at the train station in Aloag. Transfer back to Quito. (B, L)

General Information

Rated: Moderate to Challenging

Important facts: :
TRAVEL TIME: 1 to 3 hours per day
RIDING TIME: 3 to 5 hrs per day
SEASON: All year.
ALTITUDE: 3800 to 1500 m.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHLANDS: DAY 8–22 C NIGHT 6–12 C
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE CLOUDFOREST: DAY 20–30 C, NIGHT 15–20 C
SUGGESTED: lycra, gloves, cap, sunblock, warm clothes, rain gear, repellent.

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4
USD	$ 800	$ 606	$ 508
EUR	€ 664	€ 503	€ 422
GBP	£ 448	£ 339	£ 284

(*) Price last updated on 24 February 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .

Price Includes:
Certified guides, support vehicle, KHS and Trek front suspended (RST) Mountain Bikes with 21 speed Shimano components, helmet, gloves, water bottle, spare bike, meals as described and hotel–hacienda accommodations.

Price does not Include:
Entrance fees to national parks, beverages in hotels, tips, extras .

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