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Biking the terrain near the base of Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Mountain Biking

Example 4 Day Tour
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The foothills surrounding Cotopaxi National Park provide a thrilling ride for experienced and advanced bikers. Stay at classic haciendas each night and spend your days pedaling. Visit Santa Rita Ecological Reserve and hike to the Condor Machai waterfall. Take the El Tambo trail past Inca ruins and Andean Lakes. Round out your trip with a thrilling downhill track on the slopes of Cotopaxi itself.
Mountain bikers celebrate on an Ecuador AdventureExperiencing the highlands of Ecuador on a mountain bike tourBike around the moors surrounding CotopaxiA day out on the bikesBiking CotopaxiA day out on the bikesA day out on the bikesA day out on the bikesStopping to enjoy the views surronding CotopaxiBiking the terrain near the base of CotopaxiBiking near the face of CotopaxiTaking a breather at the base of CotopaxiA great day on the moors of CotopaxiA great day on the moors of CotopaxiBiking CotopaxiBiking CotopaxiBiking the terrain near the base of Cotopaxi
Highlights
  • Ride the eleven mile El Tambo bike trail past Inca sites and Andean lakes
  • Ride to Santa Rita Ecological Reserve and hike the Condor Machai waterfall
  • Spend each night in a classic hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi
Places Visited
Activity Level: Challenging
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Quito / Pedregal and Santa Rita Ecological Reserve

Leave Quito around 7:30 AM and transfer to Hacienda El Porvenir. Leave your luggage at the hacienda and get your bike! The first 2.5 miles take place on gravel and dirt roads all the way to the north entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, and from there, a beautiful downhill ride takes you to Santa Rita. Enjoy the mountain biking trails which take you to the heart of the Reserve for lunch. In the afternoon, hike to the Condor Machai waterfall. Transfer by vehicle or bike back to Hacienda El Porvenir just in time for dinner, and settle in to your room to rest up after your first day of biking adventure. Riding Time: approximately 4.5 hours full loop.

Day 2: East Route and El Tambo Trail

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, enjoy breakfast before crossing the eastern road of Cotopaxi National Park. Visit several sites along the way, such as Inca ruins, fresh water springs, and Andean lakes. Arrive at El Tambo, an eleven (11) mile trail which is open exclusively to bikers. This trail offers some of the best views of the area. Enjoy a boxed lunch and continue to explore the area before arriving at El Tambo Hacienda House. Enjoy a drink while sitting next to a crackling fireplace, then attend a delicious BBQ dinner.

Day 3: The Road of the Lahars

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy breakfast before leaving El Tambo and transfer out for the day's ride. The first 12.5 miles of your ride feature a slight incline and several short climbing portions. Reach El Encanonado, where there is a downhill section. Enjoy a boxed lunch, then journey to the higher road of El Canal, which is a flat road following a water canal. Pass by Limpiopungo Lake and bike to Hacienda El Porvenir. Catch some drinks at El Porvenir before enjoying dinner at the hacienda. Riding time: Approximately 7 hours

Day 4: Cotopaxi Downhill / Quito

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Enjoy breakfast at the hacienda before leaving by vehicle for Cotopaxi National Park. Reach the parking lot on Cotopaxi Volcano and begin your descent down the volcano into the valley. The route depends on the technical level of the riders: You can bike downhill several different times through different routes, or you can stay on the same trail. Enjoy a packed lunch at Limpiopungo Gate and, in the afternoon, return by bike or take a vehicle back to Hacienda El Porvenir. Return your bicycle, and transfer back to Quito.

Accommodations

Hacienda El Porvenir

Welcome to Hacienda El Porvenir
Hacienda El Porvenir
Hacienda El Porvenir

Hacienda El Tambo

Take in the breathtaking views from Hacienda El Tambo
Wander the grounds at Hacienda El Tambo
The main common area at Haceinda El Tambo

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$960

Notes

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Based on a Traditional Hacienda Room.

*A minimum of two travelers is required for this trip.
Included
  • 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 3 Nights Accommodations
  • 4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental - Standard mountain bike: Bull King Cobra model 2012
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Departure Transfer
  • Airport Departure Tax

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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