DAY 1: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
We will drive into Cotopaxi National Park, site of the highest active volcano in the world. We visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake and Indian ruins. We pedal down the volcanic valley through volcanic dirt off-roads following the Pita River Gorge. This day will be mainly downhill into the valleys. We spend the evening in a colonial hacienda hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 2: QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE
We drive to the famous Quilotoa Crater Lake area where we find Tiguas, the local handcraft which consists of painted animal skins. This is one of our favorite mountain bike rides because of the sandy terrain combined with one of the most beautiful Andean landscapes in Ecuador. We spend the night in a typical Andean hostel. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: lLLINIZAS TWIN PEAKS
We will drive north to Pastocalle, located at the foothills of the Ilinizas twin peaks. We start biking through the páramo, down a dirt road that leads to the valley and the small town of Chaupi. Along the way, enjoy excellent views of the Ilinizas, Corazón, Sincholagua and many other surrounding volcanoes. Continue the journey following the old train tracks passing old train stations, farmlands and small colonial towns. We drive to Otavalo for the evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: OTAVALO AND IBARRA
We spend this morning exploring the Otavalo Indian Market, the most famous handcraft market in Ecuador. Here you can find everything from Panama hats and wool clothing to woven baskets and rugs all made by the local Indian peoples. After the market, we will cycle through the valleys of the "lake province", visiting the mystical Peguche waterfalls. Finally we will descend to the towns of San Antonio and end in the town of Ibarra. The Imbabura volcano (father) and Cotacachi (mother) will delight us with their spectacular views throughout the route. We will spend this evening in a hostal near Ibarra. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: CHOTA VALLEY
Today we ride from Yaguarcocha (Blood Lake) down through sandy single trails into the unique life zone of the warm Chota valley. During this ride we will visit the local sugar cane plantations. This part of the valley gives us the feeling that we are in a remote part of Africa. From here we can admire how the impressive Chota River cuts its way down to the coast through cultural Afro-Ecuadorian towns and lifestyles. 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 cloths.

Tour operators offering this adventure:

Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com