| Total Distance: | 32 km (20 miles) 1% ascent 99% descent |
| Total time: | 1.5 hours |
| Skill level: | Average |
| Highest elevation: | 4076m (13,373 ft) |
| Lowest elevation: | 2500m (8,200 ft) |
| Surface: | 100% asphalt |
;)
Required training regimen in thermal springs before the 32km downhill
You will think you have died and gone to downhill heaven.
This is a 20-mile, 5,000-ft descent on smooth asphalt through some of the most beautiful country in the word. What more needs to be said?
We have a gourmet dinner the night before at Termas Papallacta, 40 miles east of Quito. Maybe a late-night dip in the natural thermal pool just outside your room.
;)
It's like this all the way down!
;)
This is no lie.
The next morning, after breakfast, we mount up for the downhill, which begins in the treeless paramo and ends up at Hosteria San Jose in Puembo for lunch and a couple hours relaxing in their beautiful garden.
After lunch, we follow the Chaquiñan Ciclovia back to Quito where we have celebratory beers at Cafe Cultura and maybe enjoy the nightlife of the Mariscal district.
Click to download .kml file for this route.