The teams leave according their times, racing to a nearby parking garage for a vehicle to take them out of the city south along the Pan American Highway along Volcaney Alley to Hacienda Yanahurco and Cotopaxi National Park.
As they leave the city, they are treated to numerous views of the statue of the Virgen de las Americas, but none give it a second glance or ask for help along their route.
Those who did ask for assistance, asked pedestrians and other drivers, getting directions and even following volunteers who led the way south. Others had a volunteer in the car with them.