Mountain Biking tour Cotopaxi Volcano-Illinizas, 2days/1night, overnight at La Cienega, private

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Price from:
334.00 USD
per person

Bike through stark paramo moorlands at the foot of the highest active volcano in the world, the mighty Cotopaxi and top it off with a cozy and relaxing evening spent at a colonial hacienda; gather strength for the journey to the stunning twin peaks of the Illinizas, home to the Andean condor.

Bike through the impressive Andean valleys and their quaint Indian villages. Throughout the day there will be excellent views of the IIliniza Twin Peaks, Corazon, Sincholagua Volcanoes and, of course, the majestic Cotopaxi. Spend the night at a Colonial Hacienda.

Itinerary

Day 1
Cotopaxi National Park:
Start your biking adventure at 13,120 feet above sea level (4,000 meters) at the foot of the highest active volcano in the world, the mighty Cotopaxi. The scenic beauty of this park is its main attraction as you cycle downhill on volcanic roads and dry lava paths. Reach Limpiopungo Glaciar Lake at the foothills of the Rumiñahui Volcano where a picnic lunch will be served. Here you can observe the abundant birdlife of the area, such as: Andean Gull, Andean Teal, Ducks, Coots, Falcons and possibly the endangered Andean Condor. Continue the journey downhill following off-roads into the valleys to observe some of the local farming. This evening will be spent at a traditional Colonial Hacienda now open for guests.

Day 2
Illinizas Twin Peaks:
After breakfast, depart by jeep to Pastocalle, located at the foothills of the Illinizas Twin Peaks. Start biking through the paramo, down a dirt road that leads to the valley and the small town of Chaupi. Along the way, enjoy excellent views of the Illinizas, Corazón, Sincholagua and many other surrounding volcanoes. Continue the journey following the old train tracks passing old train stations, farmlands and small colonial towns. Return to Quito in the afternoon.

Included

• Private transportation and vehicle support from Quito.
• Bilingual MTB guide.
• Accommodations and meals as described.
• KHS & TREK mountain bikes with front suspension (RST), 21 speed shimano components.
• Helmets and gloves

Not Included

• Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee $10 High season and $7 Low season.

Travel Facts

• Travel Time: 2 hours per day
• Riding Time: 3-5 hrs each day, depending on physical condition
• Season: Year-round
• Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Suggested: Rain shell and sunglasses  
• Altitude 10,496 to 4,920 feet above sea level (3,200. to 1,500 meters)
• Average Temperature: Day 50-77° F/10-25 ºC 
• Average Temperature: Night 41-48° F/5-9 ºC

Some Special Highlights

COTOPAXI VOLCANO
Located on the Andes mountains, in central Ecuador, Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. Cotopaxi which means "neck of the moon", rises from a valley about 2,750 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level to a height of 5,897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. The width of its crater from west to east has been estimated at more than 500 meters (1,650 feet) and the width from north to south at about 700meters (2,300 feet). The perfectly formed snow-covered cone of Cotopaxi is 1,341 meters (4,400 feet.) high.

Surrounding Cotopaxi Volcano is the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres), especially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or paramo. You may see herds of llamas and perhaps deer, rabbits, frogs and lizards. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor.
The first recorded eruption of the volcano was in 1534, at the time of the Spanish conquest, frightening  both conquered and conquistadors alike. The last major eruption was in 1877. 

LA CIENEGA HACIENDA
Hacienda La Ciénega is located in the area of Guaytacama, in the Valley of Lasso at the foot of Cotopaxi volcano, and belongs to the descendants of its original owner, the Marquis of Maenza, dating back to the 17th century. The Manor House was built in 1838 and is reached via an avenue flanked by gigantic and fragrant eucalyptus trees. It was open to the public in 1982, with spacious rooms surrounded by beautiful gardens. The charm, taste and elegance of the rooms of La Ciénega have witnessed important events in Ecuador's history.

Information Price per Person (USD) 16 - 25 238.00 10 - 15 267.00 5 - 9 312.00 4 persons 334.00 3 persons 375.00 2 persons 468.00 1 person 705.00

Adventure tours at Ecuador

If you have a zest for life, a yen for adventure, a taste for the unseen and an eye for color and beauty, Ecuador will instantly enchant you. Because of its location on the Equator and the Andes mountain ranges, Ecuador has no real seasons and it receives the most amount of sunlight in the planet. Ecuador's unique climate allows for year-round operation of outdoor adventure programs.

Ecuador's largest ecotourism operator, Metropolitan Touring, offers Active Travel Adventures to explore "off the beaten path" of Ecuador's many natural wonders. Under the expert supervision of experienced guides you visit remote and unspoiled places. Our policy is conservation of nature, as well as of the traditional cultures. Our programs are respectful of the environment, its inhabitants, their traditions and way of life. We wish to provide our guests with out-of-the-ordinary experiences, with an understanding of the region and an unforgettable vacation.
Trek and Hike through National Parks and Reserves, large Haciendas and Indian communities. Treks descend from the Highlands to the sub-tropical Cloud Forest, along amazing gorge trails and the awe-inspiring Avenue of the Volcanoes. Camp will be set up each night with freshly prepared meals and deluxe camping equipment. Few experiences compare with biking along secondary roads of the serene Andes Highlands. By Bike, enjoy a close contact with nature and genuine interactions with the local people.

Overnights are spent at historical Haciendas, cozy inns or camping in tents under the magical skies of the Southern Hemisphere. The impressive flanks of the Andean range are the origin of spectacular rivers and canyons that empty into the Amazon Basin and Coastal regions. Adventurous spirits will enjoy Rafting and Kayaking with the opportunity to paddle the crater-lake of Cuicocha and exceptional tropical white water. Programs are available with various degrees of difficulty to suit every skill level.