Mountain biking in Cajas National Park.

Summary:
- The episode explores mountain biking in Cajas National Park near Cuenca, Ecuador, a high-altitude páramo with over 230 glacial lagoons and dramatic scenery.
- The experience centers on three axes: route (from easy to technical), altitude (affects performance; acclimatize and hydrate), and season (dry season offers better grip but cold mornings).
- Practical guidance includes preparation (forecast checks, offline maps), gear (appropriate bike tires, helmet, layers), nutrition and hydration, technique (steady cadence, careful descent), and an emergency plan (exit points, first-aid kit, inform someone of your route).
- Weather and landscape can change quickly, adding a mental challenge; breathing techniques are encouraged for high-altitude climbs.
- Curious notes cover the páramo’s biodiversity (frailejón plants) and the social aspect of riding with friends to practice group tactics.
- A typical MTB day involves an early start, a mix of climbs and flats, lagoon stops for rest and photos, and a debrief before returning; there’s an invitation to try guided routes blending asphalt, trails, and lagoon viewpoints.
- Conservation messages emphasize riding on marked trails, not leaving trash, and respecting wildlife.

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