Sigchos is a modest market town set on a green ridge, and arriving feels like returning to the world of roofs, shops and things that look like a town. The road here drops from the high paramo into a warmer, softer valley, where sugarcane and fruit trees start to appear among the maize. The altitude is lower than at Quilotoa, so it is noticeably warmer and the air feels thicker, a relief after the rim.
The town is small, with a central plaza, a church and a handful of shops, and it is a useful stop for a meal and a break. There are small restaurants serving soup, rice and grilled meat, and a stall or two selling fruit juice. Fuel may be available in the town, though the supply is modest, and the nearest big towns are far back, so be ready to carry spare fuel or ride on with care. Carry cash.
The ride in is among the finest of the loop. The road winds along the contour of the valley, crossing streams and passing through villages, with big views over the folded green hills. The corners are mostly gentle, and the surface is decent, though rain can bring landslides and rock fall. Cattle, dogs and the occasional bus appear around bends, and the road is narrow in places. Take it steadily and enjoy the scenery.
The area is a meeting of highland and subtropical climates, which means a wide range of crops and birds. Hummingbirds visit the roadside flowers, and the hillsides are patched with cloud forest. The culture is a mix of mestizo and indigenous, with a strong tradition of farming and cattle. In the afternoon the cloud often rolls up the valleys, so start early to enjoy clear views. From here the road leads on towards the highway, and a return to Latacunga closes the circuit, a day of stunning scenery and a fine test of a rider's patience and stamina.