Family Biking Route, Cumbayá to Puembo, Ecuador

Well-marked Trail "El Chaquiñan" Perfect for Families or Beginners

Apr 7, 2009

Along the old train tracks and through tunnels in the northeastern valleys of Quito, Ecuador, is a great mountain biking trail for beginner cyclists or families.

"El Chaquiñan" Trail, an undemanding trail along the old train tracks in the valley of Cumbayá (a 20-minute drive from the capital city of Quito) and through the canyon of Chiche, is a good route for beginner mountain bikers in South America to start with. With magnificent views of the valleys, various tunnels along the way, and few changes in elevation, the Cumbayá-Puembo route is a very enjoyable cycling tour just outside of the capital city of Quito that the whole family can enjoy. The Metropolitan Municipal Offices of Quito have placed appropriate signs along the way, so it is easy to follow the trail. While also known as "El Murciélago" (Bat) Route, cyclists needn't fear – there are no bats in the tunnels.

Cycling Through the Northeast Valleys of Quito: Cumbaya–Border of the Chiche Canyon (13 km)

The well-traveled route starts at the traffic light in the town of Cumbayá, at an altitude of 2,415 m above sea level. At this spot cyclists will also see the beginnings of the old train tracks (no longer in working order). Following the tracks, cyclists will take the slight descent through the valley of Tumbaco until reaching an elevation of 2,365 m above sea level, at the western edge of the canyon. There is an all-encompassing view of the valleys and the canyon from this spot.

Cycling Through Tunnels in the Chiche Canyon of Ecuador (about 8 km)

At the western edge of the canyon begins a rapid descent to the river below. Here at the bridge that crosses the River Chiche, cyclists will reach the lowest elevation of the route, at 2,290 m above sea level. The ascent takes another 5 km, and cyclists will pass through five tunnels along the way, one of which is 288 m long. Before the tunnels, observant cyclists will notice a small waterfall, and there is much to see in terms of the dry Andean vegetation along the route as well. After the last tunnel and 5.5 km later, cyclists will find themselves on the eastern edge of the canyon.

Cycling Back up to Puembo, Ecuador (5 km)

From the canyon's eastern edge, the route travels another 5 km along the old railroad tracks to the small town of Puembo. In Puembo mountain bikers can take a bus back to Cumbayá or return the way they came. It is not recommended to take the paved highway back to the city as it is heavily transited and extremely dangerous.

While some cycling routes in Ecuador are for the more adventurous and more experienced cyclists, the Cumbayá-Puembo tour is easy enough for most beginner mountain bikers. The tour, stopping in Puembo, will take about half of the day, and a bus can be caught back to Quito.

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