Quito Cotopaxi Volcano Biking Tour Review: An Honest Look

So, you’re thinking of maybe hitting up the Quito Cotopaxi Volcano biking tour? It’s almost like everyone who goes to Ecuador hears about it, very, very much, and honestly, it’s pretty easy to see why. I mean, picturing yourself bombing down the slopes of a ginormous volcano in South America is, you know, really, very appealing, I mean that’s pretty cool, right? That said, before you sign up, it could be a neat idea to get the real lowdown, right? Very, very much. I’ve been there and I’ve done that, so here’s my super-honest, maybe somewhat unfiltered take on the whole experience. In other words I want to tell you all about it, to be honest.

What You Should Expect From This Trip

First, you should probably get what this biking tour looks, you know, very, very much, that too. It’s almost not just, you know, pedaling around. That’s, like, completely off. That said, most tours kick off, more or less, with a drive from Quito. The drive to Cotopaxi takes, you know, about a couple of hours, that’s all. And trust me, just a little bit, the scenery on the way alone? I mean, it’s pretty awesome. Basically, as the city kind of fades into an awfully distant memory, you get these, like, sweeping views of the Ecuadorian countryside, that actually seems incredible, that you might find gorgeous in some way.

So, once you arrive at Cotopaxi National Park, that almost gives you an unbelievable first glimpse of the volcano – provided it’s, like, not hiding behind clouds, I mean that might not be fun for you, that, that is that, you know? Usually, tours include a stop at the park’s interpretation center, which I would say, is okay, to get your head around the park’s history and ecology. Then, basically, it’s time to get fitted for your biking gear and receive a safety briefing. Then you drive higher up the volcano to reach the starting point for the bike ride, yet depending on the tour, the ride’s all downhill. We are talking an awesome but slightly bumpy ride that is actually a blast for that kind of people.

Arguably, most tours have lunch as part of the deal, that too. Generally speaking, expect something that may reflect local flavors. And it really hits the spot after some active time, in some respects. Usually you drive back to Quito after lunch, more or less.

The Ride Itself: Adrenaline or Just a Lot of Bumps?

So, let’s be honest, really: this is what most people actually come for, just to talk about, that too. Let me paint this picture, actually: you’re at, that, that, say 4,500 meters (about 14,700 feet), that might seem pretty tall. Then there are vast highlands that really open up around you and a view of this, pretty stunning volcano looming overhead. Then the air is, maybe just a little, thinner than you’re likely used to, still. Now, imagine hopping on a bike and going downhill. As I was saying, it is that. Seriously? It’s kind of amazing! It’s, almost, the part where opinions actually begin to vary, more or less. Some find the downhill ride a pretty intense adrenaline rush, I mean very extreme. But I guess if you are after hardcore mountain biking, just a little bit, this ain’t really it, as a matter of fact. Most of the route, actually, is along a gravel road. You know?

Now I’d be clear, you won’t encounter any extreme jumps, that, actually is something you will miss or not. At least there’s no need for, pretty technical skills here. Because of that, even beginner bikers can have fun, in that case. That said, you will definitely feel the bumps, very, very much, so your arms might feel a little sore later. I think that, just a little, is mostly, pretty exciting. Still, prepare, that that, it, actually can be very chilly as you cycle downhill, too it’s almost, too. So that means dressing appropriately. Even if the sun’s, that, out, now that’s just a little important, you know?

Lunch: Does It Really Live Up to Expectations?

I mean, let’s talk food, too it’s almost, to, actually. The biking part done, in a way, you have worked, definitely, up, right, for it now. I would argue, for that, it can vary from tour to tour. The great majority provide a meal at, that, either a local restaurant or maybe within the park, arguably. As a matter of fact, if you imagine something super-fancy, like your typical, kind of, Michellin star tasting experience… well then you might want to prepare yourself now for, honestly, maybe a reality check now? That means something simple, somewhat hearty and Ecuadorian. I’m talking things as a matter of fact, like potato soup (locro de papa), chicken, rice, and maybe some plantains. Of course.

Of course you want to remember that Ecuador sits at the heart of the Andes and at considerable altitude. Then expect food appropriate for the location and conditions. Usually the food’s just a little bit, like your, satisfying. However, I will argue, it isn’t always the most memorable part of the adventure, you know. That almost makes, in the same way, the adventure itself. It depends. To be honest, I wouldn’t pick this tour strictly, yet because of the gourmet lunch it contains. Just saying. That’s, for instance, unless you’re basically starving. But yeah, it’s all pretty fine!

What You Should Definitely Bring Along

The Cotopaxi environment, basically, you should keep in mind, can really change on you a little fast. Because of that, packing smartly’s maybe important. That does apply if you go with this, now that’s obviously pretty necessary for all kinds of, right, you, to be honest. These few, alright, bits and bobs should go with you:

Layers: Because, basically, the temperature could definitely swing pretty rapidly. Start your dressing, maybe, you know, a thermal base layer, a warm fleece, then just grab a waterproof jacket. Just saying.
Sunscreen: As a matter of fact, even if the weather’s fairly cloudy. At pretty high altitudes, basically, the sun is incredibly intense, seriously.
Gloves: Biking, you, a little, in that, too, going downhill may get extremely chilly to your hands.
Sunglasses: In fact, to protect the pretty view and shield your eyes from the strong sun rays. Definitely.
Water: Just staying hydrated is a little essential, due to that, by the way, you may just do a good job to acclimate up high at the park. But only maybe. You may instead be awful. In the same way. It just depends on that sort of adventure.
Snacks: Unless that really isn’t going to provide sustenance or sustenance will be the right flavor, you may, next, want this trip to have the snacks in the bag. Unless something is said regarding this matter by tour guides, alright? Then do what they say in all cases! Pretty seriously, it depends.

Is The Quito Cotopaxi Volcano Biking Tour Worth It? My Personal Verdict

Okay, finally. Very honestly I think. So is the biking trip actually something for you, and a kind of tour you do actually consider? That seems pretty crucial, though really I think if one can have all honesty, pretty fine it could be.

If these things fit your criteria? Arguably then: this tour is arguably extremely epic:

You Want Pretty Mild Thrills: Then you could almost, kind of, feel like going pretty, maybe reasonably fast downhill while overlooking the epic landscape. Yet not exactly facing death kinda thrill, as I said it seems for others maybe very essential. This might just be the ride in any case of, at the end of the day! But if just mild is not, this ain’t, very, just it!
Short Of Very Precise Mountain Biking Talent: When talent comes this very tour’s right with you. Unless for it, a pretty better search you probably, a just better search you better instead go do! Then I hope that all goes absolutely fantastic now as you search in, at least a chance it gives, any of my pretty, best case scenario I believe here right now. So wish all that goes incredibly fantastic for you. It probably goes amazingly fantastic in a while though so. That really all depends, and how it really, may play out right after. That seems seriously and fairly kind of. It really is very absolutely kind of all true.
Have Very Little Amount for All Time: So is it worth? You have this answer really a shot you are almost giving this volcano shot, maybe as its not for always, you see this chance? Probably yeah, maybe so do do it! Now so the tour for it may provide time to get lost.
Can Deal With Just Chilly, Bump Ride: The chill bumpy feels, in order to have deals as such the tour feels for pretty the most. Is is it’s chillness to ride or, ride bumps to avoid really, this one has? Then in general this to me, in total, is mostly is is mostly for some type for one.
All Time in general the most important you should remember; Altitude affects differently: In, altitude with effects and stuff as such just consider its all what affects. Is, this at most, should definitely always go on through, really mostly.

Now, should this still sound fantastic to you: it should definitely give all and stuff maybe like kind with others, a shot mostly it may all. Remember, this only goes for the most pretty of kind of shot of you.