Imbabura Biking w/ Otavalo Market, 1 Day

Level: Moderate
AMBO-01

The Imbabura province in northern Ecuador is ideal mountain bike country. It offers breathtaking views of the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes, Andean lakes, rolling meadows and patchwork farmland. On this outing, we ride on dirt roads and alongside abandoned railroad tracks that snake past picturesque Andean towns. Our ride is followed by a visit to the Otavalo Indian Market, offering interesting handmade leathers, clothes, tapestries, jewelry, ceramics and wood carvings.

From Quito we depart north through scenic roads until we reach the San Pablo lake in the Imbabura province. We set up our bikes and ride through the lush valleys winding our way through colorful indigenous villages. We meet the locals as they herd their llamas and sheep, or sell their handcrafted wools and traditional foods. We reach and spend some time in the Otavalo Market, one of Ecuador's most important indigenous bazaars. We continue on to the Peguche waterfalls, home to traditional healers and source of holy waters of this area. We follow an abandoned railroad track to the town of San Antonio, all under the imposing Imbabura (father) and Cotacachi (mother) volcanoes. In the afternoon we return back to Quito. (L)

INCLUDED: Private transportation, professional biking guide, quality mountain bikes (Shimano Deore 27 speed, front suspension, disc brakes), gloves, helmets, lunch and snacks.

NOT INCLUDED: Restaurant Drinks.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

• TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours each way
• RIDING TIME: 3 hours
• SEASON: All year
• ALTITUDE: 2800m to 2600m
• AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: DAY 13-22 C
• SUGGESTED: Layered clothing, rain shell, sun block