Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 173

Bike Tours & Outfitters

The Biking Dutchman , in Quito at Foch 714 and J.L.
Mera,

2-2568-323, fax [phone], www.
bikingdutchman.com, pioneered mountain biking in Ecua-
dor. They offer the best equipment with dual suspension
bikes and top-of-the-line components. Customized, full-
package trips are available.
In Riobamba, Pro Bici , Primera Constituyente 23-51 and
Larrea, 3-2960-189, offers guided trips into the surround-

ing region, as well as bike rentals. They have reasonable
equipment and quality service.

The area around Lake Quilotoa and its surrounding villages is recom-
mended for biking. Numerous indigenous villages dot the country-
side and traffic is far removed, while the scenery is up-close and
friendly. Inquire with bike outfitters or South American Explorers
( /fax [phone], [e-mail]) in Quito for options.

By 4x4
Many major tour operators in Quito offer 4x4 day-trips to Cotopaxi
National Park. They generally charge from $25 to $50 per person,
with vehicle transport, lunch, and services included. If you want to
hike on Cotopaxi, make sure your tour includes transportation all the
way to the parking lot and not just to Lago Limpiopungo. The park en-
trance fee is $10 and is usually not included in the price of a tour. You
can also make arrangements by camioneta in Latacunga for trans-
portation into Cotopaxi National Park and other areas.

Around Quilotoa, the Black Sheep Inn offers vehicle-supported trips
in the surrounding countryside (see Where to Stay , page 179).

On Horseback
Horseback riding in this region is a special treat because
of the scale and beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Open space is readily available, to say the least. The best
options for quality horseback outfitters are available
through lodging, particularly Casa Nieves in the Ilinizas region and
all of the listed lodges in the Cotopaxi region (see Where to Stay,
pages 177-79). In fact, HaciendaYanahurco , which includes amas-
sive 64,000-acre private reserve, offers day-long or longer horseback
excursions as a part of the package. In one day, on horseback, I had