For this ride we leave directly from the hotel after a hearty breakfast and follow the main road to Ambato for 2km, where we take the turnoff to San Martin and the Zoo. We cross the Pastaza River where it roars through a narrow channel in the rocks, then follow the old road through the village of Lligua heading toward Patate. This road was recently reopened after a mudslide closed it in the 1960s. It offers spectacular views of the Pastaza River, which it follows to its origin at the junction of the Patate and Chambo Rivers.
For the geologist in you there is plenty of strata to ponder in the thick, ancient outcroppings of solidified lava. You can also see the landscaping results of the more recent 2006 eruption of Tungurahua.
A brief, technical downhill leads to the hanging bridge across the river, then up to the main road and to the intersection of "Los Pajaros" which was covered with volcanic material in the 2006 eruption. From here, if you are game, we can explore the remains of the road to Riobamba (the "Ghost Road", the "spur" on the Google track), now officially closed due to huge mudslides last year.
;)
Hanging bridge over the Pastaza River
| Total Distance: | 25 km (15.5 mi) 35% ascent 35% descent 30% level |
| Total time: | 4 hours |
| Skill level: | Casual |
| Highest elevation: | 2283m (7,490 ft) |
| Lowest elevation: | 1866m (6,122 ft) |
| Surface: |
50% dirt/gravel (2-track) 50% asphalt |
Click to download .kml file for this route.
The Elevation Profile