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5 days Volcanoes and Indian Villages Mountain Bike Adventure
Level: Moderate to Challenging AMB-05
This trip will take us through some of the most impressive Andean landscapes Ecuador has to offer. We will begin biking in beautiful Cotopaxi National Park, and continue to the Quilotoa Crater Lake, Mojanda Lake, Indian markets, and the unique Chota Valley.
DAY 1: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK We drive to the dramatic landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, site of the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi, and one of the most dramatic downhill runs anywhere on the continent. We visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake and Indian ruins. We pedal down the volcanic valley through dirt off-roads following the Pita River Gorge. This day will be mainly downhill, ending back at our colonial hacienda-hotel. (B, L, D) DAY 2: QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE This is one of our favorite mountain bike rides. The sandy terrain is great for biking, and the landscapes are among the most beautiful in all of Ecuador. Driving west towards the famous Quilotoa Crater Lake area, we pass through the village of Tigua, famous for its intricately-painted Andean scenes on sheepskin canvases, and continue on to spend the night at a typical Andean hostel. (B, L, D) DAY 3: lLLINIZAS TWIN PEAKS The jagged Ilinizas twin peaks form the backdrop to this day, beginning at Pastocalle, in the foothills of the peaks. The journey takes us through the highland paramo, down a dirt road leading to the valley and the small town of Chaupi. The Ilinizas, Corazón, Sincholagua and many other surrounding volcanoes accompany us all day. Beyond Chaupi, we come upon old train tracks, antique train stations, farmlands and small colonial towns. We drive to Otavalo, north of Quito, for the evening. (B, L, D) DAY 4: OTAVALO AND IBARRA The Otavalo Indian Market is the most famous handicraft market in Ecuador, and one of Latin America’s most renowned. We’ll spend the morning here among the huge array of Panama hats, wool clothing, woven baskets and rugs, all made by the local Indian peoples. After the market, we will cycle through the valleys of the “lake district,” visiting the mystical Peguche waterfalls. Finally we will descend to the towns of San Antonio and end the day in the town of Ibarra. The day’s route affords incomparable views of the Imbabura (father) and Cotacachi (mother) volcanoes. We will spend this evening in a small inn near Ibarra. (B, L, D) DAY 5: CHOTA VALLEY Today we ride from Yaguarcocha (Blood Lake, site of a battle between the Incas and local tribes) down through sandy single trails into the unique bio-region of the warm Chota valley. Along the way, we will visit the local sugar cane plantations which dominate the valley and enjoy the feeling that we have been transported to a remote part of Africa, since most of the inhabitants are of African descent. From here, the impressive Chota River carves its way down to the coast, through cultural Afro-Ecuadorian towns, a million miles from the Andean world foreign visitors expect. In the afternoon we return to Quito. (B, L) INCLUDES: Certified bilingual guides, support vehicle, KHS and TREK front suspended (RST) Mountain Bikes with 21 speed Shimano components, spare bike, meals as described and hotel-hacienda accommodations. NOT INCLUDED: Entrance to National Parks, beverages in hotels, extras and tips. IMPORTANT FACTS: TRAVEL TIME: 1 to 3 hours per day RIDING TIME: 3 to 5 hours each day SEASON: All year. ALTITUDE: 3800 m to 1800 m AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHLANDS: DAY 8-22 ºC NIGHT 6-12 ºC AVERAGE TEMPERATURE CHOTA VALLEY: DAY 25-35ºC, NIGHT 15-25ºC SUGGESTED: lycra, gloves, cap, sunblock, warm clothes.
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