Day 5
Adrenaline on two wheels. If biking is your thing, there are several options around Quito. The best known is Chaquiñán (Quichua for “path”), which follows old rail lines. You can pedal from Cumbaya up to Puembo (about 12 miles), or east of the city out to the little town of Tumbaco (7 miles). The more experienced will want to cycle the challenging highland routes.
You can go from the top of Cima de la Libertad to Cruz Loma, on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano. The 48-mile Nono to Nanegalito route, with its breathtaking descent, is another popular spin. And then there’s the Pacto to Mashpi trail, where your adventure winds up with a refreshing dip in the river.
