Biking Route Guajalito River Reserve, Ecuador

Mountain Biking from the Páramos of the Andes to Cloud Forests

Apr 7, 2009

This one-of-a-kind route, which descends from 3,500 m to 1,300 m above sea level, is a must for the most adventurous mountain bikers.

With the majestic Andes, lush rain forests, and well-preserved coasts, South America is the place for cyclists wanting to explore little-known areas. Ecuador, a small country with each of these regions, is a great place to start a biking adventure.

The Río Guajalito Reserve Route offers spectacular downhills with challenging ascents. The route itself is about 90 km on unpaved roads. It descends from the páramos (cold highlands) of southern Quito (the capital city of this small Andean country) to the subtropical forest zone of Alluriquín. About halfway through the route is the Biological Station Río Guajalito, which is worth a visit. Here one can find primary forest, with rivers, waterfalls, birds (blue toucans and over 25 species of hummingbirds) and a variety of flowers, from bromeliads to orchids. The area is also home to the endangered spectacled bears and spider monkeys. Overnight stays are possible in tents or on the reserve's facilities with accommodations set up 2–3 days in advance.

Cycling Among Volcanos: Chillogallo to San Juan (10 km)

The adventure begins in the very south of Quito, in a sector called Chillogallo. From this area cyclists about to embark on the Río Guajalito Route must ask where the neighborhood La Libertad is, and once in La Libertad where the road to San Juan begins. Once the road is found, there is an ascent of almost 10 km on an unpaved road to the hamlet of San Juan (about 3500 m above sea level). The route is protected on both sides by the impressive volcanos Pichincha and El Atacazo. From this vantage point there is an amazing view of the volcano Guagua Pichincha as well.

Mountain Biking Along Deep Ravines: San Juan to Chiriboga (30 km)

Most of this stretch is a rapid descent with deep ravines and steep cliffs. Cyclists should be very careful of traffic coming uphill. Between the bridge in the small village of Guarumal and the village of Chiriboga is about 7–8 km of semi-flat trail. The route here goes along the TransEcuadorian Oleoduct and River Saloya.

Advanced Reservations Necessary: Chiriboga to Reserva Río Guajalito (10 km)

After Chiriboga there is an ascent of about 5 km, followed by a descent of the same length. At the end of the descent is the reserve. In order to enter the reserve, reservations need to be arranged two to three days in advance.

Once crossing the Guajalito bridge, another ascent of about 5 km awaits. This uphill is an excellent area for spotting toucans and other rare birds. After a 31–32 km descent, one reaches the intersection going to the city of Santo Domingo (this is a paved highway). At this point the route follows the paved highway and the traffic increases. In about 7 km one reaches Alluriquín, where a bus can be taken back to Quito.

Cyclists exploring South America will be delighted with the natural wonders found in the primary forests of the Guajalito River Reserve Biking Route.

The copyright of the article Biking Route Guajalito River Reserve, Ecuador in Bicycle Touring Routes is owned by Kari Miller. Permission to republish Biking Route Guajalito River Reserve, Ecuador in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.