Ecuador Cycling Adventure

The cycling begins in Cotacachi, a traditional magical town nestled in the mountains famous for its master leather artisans. We ascend 800 meters above sea level to Laguna Cuicocha about 15 km (9.3 miles) away through a trail of breathtaking landscapes to our first stop, an ancient volcano transformed into a beautiful lagoon hidden in the mountain range. Time to rest, refresh, and also take panoramic photographs of the surroundings.

Our next goal is to reach the Intag Valley. This time we will ride about 37 km (23 miles) descending the mountain range to about 1478 meters above sea level to reach the Cloud Forest refuge. We will have time to eat and explore the small town before taking transportation to the hotel in Otavalo.

Positive slope: 6,086 ft / Negative slope: 9,615 mt / Maximum elevation: 11,132 ft / Minimum elevation: 4,555 ft

Total distance traveled: 58 km.

Meals: Lunch

In the morning, we will continue our exciting bike expedition to the majestic foothills of Volcán Imbabura. During this stretch, we will cover a distance of 22 km (13.6 miles), descending through trails and paths dotted with pastures and earth winding among the farms of local indigenous communities. On this route, we will have the opportunity to contemplate the extensive corn and quinoa plantations, fundamental in the local diet.

Arriving at the base of the volcano, we will continue our journey skirting the shores of the picturesque Lake San Pablo, then heading towards the impressive Peguche Waterfalls. Here, we will be welcomed by a family of skilled indigenous artisans, who will share with us their traditional weaving techniques and garment making. Our last stop will be at the famous Otavalo Market, the largest and most vibrant indigenous market in Ecuador, where you will have the opportunity to explore and acquire colorful unique souvenirs.

From Lake San Pablo, located at 2980 meters above sea level, we will head towards the indigenous community of Zuleta, at an altitude of 2660 meters above sea level, covering a route of 18 km (11 miles). After a well-deserved rest, we will begin the descent towards the charming city of Cayambe, passing through beautiful places such as Pesillo lagoon and the picturesque town of Olmedo.

At the end of this adventure-filled day, we will be comfortably transferred to our hotel in Quito, just 45 minutes by car from Cayambe, where we can rest and recharge for the exciting horseback riding adventure awaiting us the next day.

Total distance traveled: 40 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Enjoy a day full of action as we ascend by car to the foothills of Volcán Pichincha. From this point, we will embark on an exciting bike adventure along an ancient dirt road, crossing landscapes of colorful mountains, farms, and picturesque local houses. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to witness authentic Ecuadorian life, with cowboys and farmers working alongside the road and calm cows grazing in the meadows.

After about two hours of travel, we will descend towards the cloud forest, where the warm Pacific air currents merge with the cool winds of the high Andes, creating an area of exceptional biodiversity. The thrilling bike journey will last about four hours in total. Then, we will enjoy a relaxing lunch by the river, followed by a fascinating walk through the local hummingbird sanctuary. Finally, we will return to Quito, filled with unforgettable memories of this unique experience.

Total distance traveled: 35 – 40 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

After enjoying an early and delicious breakfast, we will venture south along the Pan-American Highway. Our exciting ride will take us to Cotopaxi National Park, named after the iconic active volcano, one of the highest in the world. With its imposing five thousand meters in height, Cotopaxi is a true natural gem and a symbol of Ecuadorian greatness.

We will ride along the imposing slopes of the volcano, traversing dirt trails and paths surrounded by a surreal landscape, marked by rocks scattered during the last eruption. After an exciting morning, we will enjoy a relaxing picnic overlooking the impressive Inca ruins. Then, depending on the group’s energy, we will have the option to continue exploring by bike for a couple more hours.

Total distance traveled: 27.5 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch.

In the morning, we will venture towards the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. This region is famous for its vibrant local art scene, and we will dedicate time to explore some of the art galleries and crafts that showcase the talent of the local population. In Quilotoa, you will have the option to take a hike to the edge of the crater to marvel at the breathtaking views and the wonderful palette of turquoises and blues that compose this natural masterpiece.

Then, we will immerse ourselves in an exciting mountain biking (MTB) adventure along the magnificent Quilotoa Lake. The first part of the route offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the reserve, before descending along a narrow dirt trail that winds along the lake’s edge. To culminate our day, we will enjoy a peaceful picnic in the picturesque village of San Pedro Guayama, surrounded by majestic mountains, before returning to the hostel.

Total distance traveled: 32 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

We depart just before San Miguel, following the old road that runs parallel to Bilovan, traversing the historic route of the Liberator, until reaching the intersection of a steep and challenging path that leads us to connect with the main road.

After this demanding descent, we turn right and begin an ascent that takes us from a cobbled road to a dusty one. After overcoming several inclines, we turn onto a technical trail that challenges us even further. Once this stretch is surpassed, we descend towards the road and head to the picturesque village of Las Guardias.

We continue our journey along a 6-kilometer stretch that returns us to the main road, from where we proceed the last kilometers along the main road until reaching Balzapamba, delighting ourselves with breathtaking views at every stage of the journey.

Elevation: 1,158 feet / Elevation loss: 7,064 feet / Maximum elevation: 9,471 feet / Minimum elevation: 3,409 feet

Total distance traveled: 54 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch.

We will continue our thrilling expedition by heading south, venturing into the majestic Central Andes, and passing by the imposing Chimborazo Volcano. With an altitude exceeding twenty thousand feet, Chimborazo is considered the tallest peak in the world when measured from the center of the Earth. We will kick off our adventure with a short hike to the volcano’s base camp, located at six thousand feet above sea level, before embarking on a bike ride along a unique and exclusive trail.

During our journey, we will have the opportunity to spot wild vicuñas, small relatives of the llama that inhabit the Andes and are a common sight in this natural reserve. We will enjoy a peaceful picnic in front of the majestic volcano.

Depending on the group´s condition we may consider an extra ride for about 10km and at the end we will drive to accommodation.

Total distance traveled: 25 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch.

On this day, our support vehicle will transport us from the hotel to the picturesque village of Cebadas, located in the parish of Guamote. This journey will take us approximately one hour. Once there, we will prepare to begin our exciting bike journey, traversing the mountain range towards the lush Amazon basin until we reach the beautiful Lagunas de Atillo.

This fascinating 45 km route will allow us to experience a unique transition of landscapes, connecting the diverse regions of the Andes with the mysterious Amazon. As we ascend and descend along this winding route, we will have the privilege of contemplating the diversity of nature, passing through charming indigenous rural parishes before reaching the magnificent complex of Lagunas de Atillo, which is part of the distinguished Sangay National Park.

The Lagunas de Atillo will welcome us with an unparalleled landscape, surrounded by lush vegetation and rolling meadows. Here, the climate is cool and revitalizing, with an average temperature of around 50°F (minimum of 10°F).

Elevation: 2,789 feet / Elevation loss: 2,789 feet / Maximum elevation: 9,800 feet / Minimum elevation: 7,975 feet

Total distance traveled: 45 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Picnic lunch.

The journey will commence in the Sultana of the Andes, Riobamba, from where we will navigate through the streets towards the historic parish of Cubijíes, one of the oldest towns in the province of Chimborazo, known for its artisanal crafting of blankets. Continuing paved roads, we will reach the picturesque village of Quimiag, the gateway to the Sangay National Park. Here, we will pause to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.

After recharging our energy, we will once again mount our bikes and head to the village of Chambo, following a less traveled path that will allow us to appreciate indigenous communities and their thriving agricultural production. Along this stretch, we will witness crops of onion, beetroot, lettuce, carrot, and other products that sustain the local economy and supply the national demand.

Finally, we will embark on our return to Riobamba, thus concluding a day of exciting bike adventure, filled with unparalleled landscapes and enriching cultural experiences.

Elevation: 2,789 feet / Elevation loss: 2,789 feet / Maximum elevation: 9,800 feet / Minimum elevation: 7,975 feet

Total distance traveled: 50 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch.

In the early morning, after a hearty breakfast, we will drive towards the mountains of Llanganates National Park. The region is shrouded in legends of a hidden Inca treasure, which has tempted many explorers unsuccessfully so far. We will kick off our biking adventure by ascending on an asphalt road, allowing us to warm up before descending about five thousand feet. This descent will take us from the heights of the Andes to the entrance of the lush Amazon basin. Then, we will stop at the spectacular Pailón del Diablo Waterfall to refresh ourselves and enjoy a replenishing lunch.

There may be the option of zip lining. In the afternoon, we can choose from either visiting the famous Casa de Arbol “swing at the end of the world”, or to relax at the volcanic hot springs.

Total distance traveled: 31 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch.

Today, we venture following the rhythm of the Amazon to the heart of the Pastaza province. We’ll begin the day with a brief one-hour journey, then hop on our bikes and ride along a tranquil trail to a regional fish farm. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to admire the Paiche or “Arapaima,” one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, holding the title of the largest in the Amazon region, reaching up to 10 feet in length and weighing 500 pounds. Unfortunately, this remarkable creature is endangered, and one of the farm’s tasks is to breed the species for subsequent release into their natural habitat.

After our enriching experience at the fish farm, we’ll continue riding until we reach the Hola Vida waterfall. A brief 30-minute walk through the forest will lead us to these spectacular single-drop waterfalls. As they gently cascade into a refreshing pool of jade-green, we can enjoy a moment of swimming and relaxation before continuing our bike journey to our next stop.

Our exploration will lead us to a reserve managed by a local family, where we’ll be treated to a freshly prepared lunch of delicious regional cuisine. After lunch, we’ll ascend to the local viewpoint, a perfect spot to take a break in one of its numerous hammocks or to contemplate the magnificent view of the Pastaza River, whose mighty waters bring life to the region. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Shuar indigenous community, one of the fourteen distinct indigenous groups in Ecuador. Here, we’ll learn about their rich culture and traditions, which have been preserved over time.

By late afternoon, we’ll head to the banks of the Napo River, where we’ll spend the night.

Total distance traveled: 43 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch.

Today’s adventure is truly special as it allows us to connect not only with the local people but also with native wildlife! Our journey takes us to AmaZoonico, a locally run NGO and animal rehabilitation center. Founded in 1993, the center is dedicated to rehabilitating animals that have been illegally taken from their natural habitat, with the aim of reintroducing them to the wild. Here, we will take a jungle hike to observe a wide variety of species, including monkeys, tapirs, and ocelots, among others.

After spending the morning learning about the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of animals in the region, we will visit a local family belonging to another indigenous group here in Ecuador: the Kichwa. During an afternoon filled with captivating stories, they will teach us about their culture and customs, providing us with an enriching experience before returning to the lodge.

Total distance traveled: 29 km.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch.

A day of rest and relaxation awaits you at the renowned Papallacta hot springs. The morning invites you to enjoy by the pool, where you can fully unwind. Immerse yourself in the hot springs and let yourself be enveloped by their benefits, whether in pools of cold or hot volcanic waters, revitalizing your body, mind, and soul. Additionally, optional services such as massages and facial treatments are available, which you can book in advance for an even more rewarding experience. After an afternoon of energy renewal, we will begin our return journey to Quito.

Meals: Breakfast