Pululahua Crater Biking Adventure – 1 Day

Information

Biking in the Pululahua it’s a completely extreme adventure.

You will have the opportunity to view Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve.

Effort: Moderate. No experience necessary
Activities: Mountain biking, nature viewing
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is located within an active volcano crater near Quito. Situated on the equatorial line, this region was considered a sacred site by the area’s indigenous inhabitants. This exciting biking adventure descends by way of a dramatic road along the crater wall, passing through a variety of cloud forests while enjoying amazing scenery and unique geological formations.

Trip highlights

Descend 800 vertical metres into an active caldera crossed by the equatorial line
Bike through beautiful cloud forest vegetation full of orchids and bromeliads
Enjoy picturesque highland views and unique geological formations
Count on access to a support vehicle, high-quality mountain bikes and safety equipment

Itinerary

We set out from Quito and head due north, toward the equatorial monument, where we continue west along the latitude zero line to the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve. Pululahua means “Cloud of Water” in Quichua, so named because the area is home to a large, humid cloud forest in the midst of a relatively dry area. Ages ago, a massive eruption blew off the entirety of Pululahua’s volcanic cone, leaving nothing more than a massive crater surrounded by a ring of steep hills, the only remnants of Pululahua’s once-mighty cone. The reserve is located on the hills surrounding the crater. Small farms cover the inside of the crater itself, taking advantage of the rich, volcanic soil. Our ride begins from Yunguilla, a nearby town along a small road that heads into the crater. We begin riding through farmland, which quickly gives way to the cloud forest ecosystem and offers impressive views of the crater below. We ride a smooth downhill route along the rim of the crater, descending over 800 vertical meters by the time we reach the crater floor. Here we ride around the tranquil farmland and take in panoramic views of the imposing crater walls. Depending on time and interest, we can stop for a number of short walks at several points along the ride. We enjoy a delicious, scenic picnic lunch inside the crater before heading back to Quito in the afternoon.

Important Information

Travel Time: One hour each way
Riding Time: Two to three hours
Season: Year-round
Altitude: 2100 to 2900 meters (6,900 to 9,500 feet)
Suggested items to pack: Rain shell, sunblock, cycling clothes
Included: