Venezuela

Tour 14: Biking tour: From Piñango to Maracaibo Lake Tour Prices

We begin this biking tour from a very high altitude: Pico el Aguila (4118 mts). Although we go all the way down, this will be considerable challenge for experienced bikers.

Course of the tour
Day 1: By jeep, we'll drive along the Trasandina road until we reach the highest pass of Venezuela: Pico El Aguila (4118 mts) where an amazing view will hold our breath. The asphalt road extends through the mountains of la Culata (National park) and it gradually goes downhill. After a while we'll leave the Páramo vegetation and find ourselves in the middle of a fertile agricultural area. After two hours ride and 43 km from which 10 km will be through a hiking and field paths, we'll get close to the goal of the day: the town of Piñango (2320 mts). Overnight stay in a comfortable guest house.
Day 2: We'll leave Piñango on a country road, from where after a short ascent, the way varies up and down.
The dense vegetation of the tropical cloud forest with its numerous waterfalls offer us a very nice and comfortable change.
After 14km, we'll reach the settlement of Niguaz where we'll have a break. After going to San Cristobal de Torondoy (1080mts) and other 9 km (approx. 30min), we'll reach the place called La Gran Parada.
From there in the horizont, we'll observe the plains as well as Maracaibo Lake.
The remaining 9km go downhill where along the way we'll find cacao and banana plantations.
We'll also ride through the town of Las Virtudes (500mts) until we reach the panamerican road. There, a jeep we'll take us to Caja Seca where we'll have lunch.
After that, the driver will take us to the middle of a fertile area in la Azulita. Overnight stay in a comfortable guest-house.
Day 3: Ride uphill on a asphalt road to the settlement of la Uva (approx. 4 km) along guava plantations and a marvelous forest.
When we reach the highest part, we'll enjoy of a very nice view to Maracaibo Lake and to other valleys which surround the area.
The ride to San Rafael will be through a field path, passing along cow farms. After that, return to La Azulita and from there, ride to the Pirate's Cave where we'll have a break. After exploring the cave, we'll take a bath in the refreshing water of the river.
The way back to Mérida takes 2 and half hours by jeep.
Ride uphill on a asphalt road to the settlement of la Uva (approx. 4 km) along guava plantations and a marvelous forest. When we reach the highest part, we'll enjoy of a very nice view to Maracaibo Lake and to other valleys which surround the area. The ride to San Rafael will be through a field path, passing along cow farms.
After that, return to La Azulita and from there, ride to the Pirate's Cave where we'll have a break.
After exploring the cave, we'll take a bath in the refreshing water of the river.
The way back to Mérida takes 2 and half hours by jeep.

Route
1st and 3rd day on asphalt road. The 2nd day through hiking path.

Difficulty level
Easy - middle difficult.

Services:
Transportation, bikes & helmet, English speaking guide, all meals during the tour, two overnight stays in guest house, a driver during the whole trip, support (if available)

Equipment list:
Suitable clothes for cycling, rain-jacket, sun block, a second pair of shoes, drinking water.