Cycle through Ecuador’s Andes on a varied 10-day adventure combining biking, hiking, swimming, and cultural experiences. Ride quality trails near active volcanoes and cloud forests while staying in comfortable accommodation and enjoying organic local food. This trip offers a mix of physical challenge, wildlife encounters, and vibrant community connections.
The adventure begins in Quito with free time to explore the historic city before meeting your guide and group. On day two, you’ll head to the foothills of Pichincha Volcano and cycle past rural farms and colourful mountains, finishing with a stroll in a hummingbird sanctuary. The following day features a visit to the equator line at Quitsato and cycling beneath Cayambe Volcano, ending with a cultural stay in an indigenous community.
You’ll continue to ride through diverse landscapes including the slopes of Imbabura Volcano, visit the famous Otavalo Market, and cycle the Cotopaxi National Reserve with chances to spot condors and wild horses. A mid-trip rest day at a spa hotel offers time to relax. Then, the trip progresses to high-altitude cycling at Chimborazo Volcano and descends through the cloud forests to Baños, where hot springs await. The journey finishes with riding along Quilotoa’s volcanic crater lake, descending through a canyon to a final overnight before heading back to Quito.
This route explores Ecuador’s diverse Andean region, from the high-altitude volcanic landscapes near Quito to lush cloud forests and rural villages. You’ll cycle past iconic peaks like Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cayambe, crossing bio-diverse páramo ecosystems and protected reserves rich in wildlife such as Andean condors and vicuñas. The journey includes visits to artisan towns like Otavalo and indigenous communities, offering cultural insight alongside natural beauty.
The trip covers a range of terrains including paved roads, double and single track trails, and dirt paths winding through farmland, cloud forests, and mountain valleys. The varied elevations and ecosystems provide a wide experience of Ecuador’s natural environment.
Accommodation is a combination of comfortable city hotels, community-based lodgings, and countryside haciendas. In Quito, hotels offer modern amenities and easy access to the city’s historic sites. Indigenous homestays provide authentic cultural experiences, allowing guests to connect closely with local traditions and lifestyles.
In the more remote Andean areas, haciendas and mountain lodges offer restful settings with scenic views, perfect for relaxing after long days of cycling. One mid-trip night includes access to spa facilities for additional comfort and recovery. This mix ensures both cultural immersion and restful stays throughout the journey.
Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness to handle moderate cycling over varied terrain at altitudes up to 4,800 metres. Basic cycling experience is recommended, along with the ability to ride for several hours each day, sometimes on steep or uneven surfaces. Participants must be comfortable with physical activity and open to cultural exchanges in indigenous communities and rural areas.
Appropriate gear will be provided, including quality bikes with front suspension, helmets, and gloves. It is important to prepare for changing weather conditions, as the route crosses multiple climate zones from high mountains to cloud forests. A willingness to adapt to different environments and enjoy outdoor activity is essential for the full experience.
The company operates as a German-Ecuadorian venture with over a decade of expertise in organising cultural and adventure tours throughout South America. They provide local knowledge and logistical support from their base in Quito, ensuring travellers experience authentic connections and efficient travel. Their commitment to sustainable tourism helps preserve Ecuador’s Andean environment while promoting community engagement.
Offering multi-lingual service and well-established partnerships across destinations such as Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, the team tailors trips to combine physical challenge with cultural immersion. Their extensive experience in delivering quality guided tours across varied landscapes makes this cycling adventure both reliable and rewarding for all who join.
Yes, accommodation is included for six nights throughout the itinerary. Stays range from comfortable city hotels in Quito to community-based lodgings and countryside haciendas. This variety ensures a mix of modern comfort and authentic cultural experiences, especially during nights spent in indigenous communities or rural areas.
Each place has been chosen to complement the daily activities, offering restful environments after long cycling days. Additionally, one night includes access to a hotel spa for relaxation and recovery. While accommodation covers most nights, note that the first and last nights in Quito may be arranged separately depending on your arrival and departure plans.
The trip is designed for participants with a moderate level of cycling ability. You should be comfortable riding for several hours daily, including on mixed terrain such as paved roads, dirt tracks, and single-track mountain trails. Some sections involve climbs and descents at high altitude, which can add physical challenge.
No expert mountain biking skills are necessary, but basic handling of a bike on uneven surfaces is important. Guides provide support and advice, and all equipment is supplied. Overall, the ride suits those with a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to engage with both road and off-road cycling.
All essential biking gear is provided, including quality bikes with front suspension, hydraulic brakes, helmets, and gloves. The bikes are suited to the varied terrain encountered on the trip, ensuring safety and comfort. Protective gear and technical support from guides are also available throughout.
Participants should bring appropriate cycling clothing for changing weather conditions, including waterproof layers and warm clothes for higher altitudes. Sturdy cycling shoes and personal items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles are recommended. Preparing for a range of temperatures and environments will enhance your comfort and enjoyment.
The trip requires a moderate level of fitness, with daily rides lasting several hours over mixed terrain. Altitudes reach up to 4,800 metres, which can affect breathing and stamina. Riders should be prepared for climbs, descents, and some steep sections, especially around volcanoes and mountainous areas.
Rest days and easier stages are included to balance exertion and recovery. The itinerary includes opportunities to relax in hot springs and spa facilities, aiding muscle recovery. If you have concerns about altitude or fitness, it is advisable to consult your doctor before booking.
Meals are provided according to the itinerary and focus on fresh, local, and organic ingredients. You will experience Ecuadorian cuisine that reflects the region’s agricultural diversity, including vegetables, grains, and traditional dishes prepared by local communities.
Lunches are often enjoyed outdoors or at cultural sites, while dinners may be communal and feature homemade recipes in indigenous homestays. Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice, so informing the organisers before departure is recommended.
The minimum age for participation is seven years old, making this an option for families with older children who are comfortable cycling. The moderate effort level and varied activities offer a good balance for young riders, although the high altitudes and daily distances should be considered.
Children should be experienced cyclists or accustomed to outdoor activity and physical exertion. Parental discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to altitude or endurance challenges. Guides provide support and can adjust pacing where possible to suit group needs.
Safety is a priority throughout the trip. All participants receive quality helmets and protective gloves, and the bikes are regularly maintained for reliability. Guides are experienced cyclists familiar with the terrain and trained to assist riders in all situations.
The group size is kept manageable to ensure personal attention. Daily briefings cover route conditions and potential hazards, while first aid equipment is carried on all rides. Emergency plans and local medical contacts are established in advance to provide swift support if needed.
About the centre
Wilson OE 7-56 y Diego de Almagro, La Mariscal
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