{"id":5132,"date":"2019-05-10T20:00:36","date_gmt":"2019-05-10T20:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderbusecuador.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/10\/plan-your-cotopaxi-mountain-biking-trip-in-ecuador\/"},"modified":"2021-07-19T22:11:02","modified_gmt":"2021-07-20T03:11:02","slug":"plan-your-cotopaxi-mountain-biking-trip-in-ecuador","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderbusecuador.com\/es\/plan-your-cotopaxi-mountain-biking-trip-in-ecuador\/","title":{"rendered":"Plan your Cotopaxi mountain biking trip in Ecuador"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Would you like to travel by mountain bike in Ecuador? It\u2019s not everyday you get to bike around an active volcano at 3,500 m (11,480 ft). In Ecuador, Cotopaxi Mountain Biking<\/strong> is a regular weekend activity for local cyclists and is among one of numerous incredible mountain biking destinations you can experience during your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What do I need to know to plan my adventure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you embark on your Cotopaxi mountain biking <\/strong>adventure, consider this: Ecuador is hard core. You\u2019ll be biking at +3,500 meters and altitude sickness is a real risk. You\u2019ll be biking around an active volcano that put the country in a state of emergency only three years ago. Finally, this is mainly a downhill ride. The chances of eating shit are relatively high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve covered that, let\u2019s get into the logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unless you have a mode of transport during your visit, you\u2019ll most likely need to pay for a tour with a Quito-based outdoor and\/or mountain biking company. There are a few recommended companies with loads of experience, and the Biking Dutchman sits high on the list (link listed below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most companies offer cotopaxi mountain biking<\/strong> day tours that depart Quito in the early morning and bring you back in the early evening. However, recently a few companies have started offering multi-day tours, also called bike-packing tours<\/strong>, where you have the opportunity to camp out in Cotopaxi National Park while mountain biking along its trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever you choose, make sure to select one that is staffed with English-speaking guides, unless you speak decent Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, while most companies will provide the majority of your gear, including a helmet, gloves and even packed lunch, you should bring your own rain and wind protection, which leads us to the topic of weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re planning to go mountain biking around Cotopaxi, expect the following conditions: Your Cotopaxi bike ride will likely begin at the the Cotopaxi base camp (refugio), which sits at 4,500 m (14760 ft)<\/strong>. With wind chill, it is literally freezing up there.<\/strong> As you descend from that point, it\u2019ll start to feel warmer, but expect to feel cold most of the time on this trip. Remember, you\u2019re in the Andes, even when the sun is out, it probably feels chilly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This area of the Andes is called the p\u00e1ramo and is known for high winds and constant drizzle. In fact, there\u2019s even a specific term for this type of misty, high-altitude weather: gar\u00faa de p\u00e1ramo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At some point, the sun will come out at some point on your ride and you\u2019ll get to observe the Cotopaxi volcano in its full splendor. If that happens, consider yourself very fortunate! Many visitors come to Cotopaxi only to look at a grey cloud where a volcano should sit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, if the sun does come out, remember to wear sun protection! On the equator, at this altitude, and if you have a lighter skin tone, YOU WILL FRY.<\/strong> Sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap that fits under your helmet (or that you wear when you\u2019re not biking), proper hydration and long sleeved layers are essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Mountain Biking Cotopaxi Volcano<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you hire a travel company for a day or multi-day trip, they should provide all the information necessary. Just in case, here are a few tips for mountain biking Cotopaxi Volcano.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n