8-DAY ECUADOR CYCLING

Today, we will warmly welcome you upon your arrival at Quito Airport and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. This day is dedicated to your acclimatization and personal exploration of the city. Feel free to wander at your own pace, soaking in the rich culture, stunning architecture, and local cuisine that Quito has to offer.

In the evening, at 6 PM, we invite you to join us for an important briefing session. This will be an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow adventurers, as well as to gather essential information and tips for the exciting days ahead.

On this day, we will embark on an exhilarating journey from Quito to the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano, an active volcano just outside the city. Our adventure begins with a scenic drive that showcases the stunning landscapes of the region. Upon arrival, we will mount our bikes and ride along a mix of dirt and gravel paths through the paramo ecosystem, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Pichincha and other surrounding volcanoes.

As we continue our ride, we will descend into the lush cloud forest ecosystem next to the Tandayapa River, known for its rich biodiversity. This area is a birdwatching hotspot, so be on the lookout for a variety of bird species, including hummingbirds, toucans, and other colorful birds. Midway through our adventure, we will enjoy a homemade lunch at a local family reserve, where our visit supports conservation efforts in the area. This meal is an opportunity to connect with the community and savor delicious, authentic cuisine amidst the sights and sounds of nature. Following lunch, we will travel by car to Casa Agave to explore the fascinating world of agave and its diverse products, complete with tasting experiences that highlight its significance in local culture.

By late afternoon, we will return to Quito, wrapping up a day filled with biking, cultural immersion, and a deeper appreciation for Ecuador’s natural beauty.

We will continue our adventure as we drive north from Quito City to explore one of Ecuador’s most beautiful regions. Our first stop will be at the Equator Line, where you’ll learn about the significance of this geographic landmark, known as Parallel 0, and its cultural importance to the local people. To enhance the experience, we’ll enjoy traditional local bizcochos paired with cheese and caramel.

Continuing our journey, we will reach the foothills of the Imbabura Volcano, a sacred site for indigenous communities. Here, we’ll set off on a thrilling bike ride along gravel, grass, and dirt roads, offering breathtaking views of Imbabura Volcano and the picturesque San Pablo Lake. Along the way, you’ll observe local farms that cultivate crops such as quinoa, potatoes, lupin beans, and corn, providing insight into the region’s agricultural practices.

We’ll then descend to San Pablo Lake, where we will take a break for a delicious picnic featuring local products, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery. After lunch, we’ll ride along paved and cobblestone roads toward the famous Otavalo Market, a vibrant hub of indigenous culture. This is your chance to interact with local artisans and vendors, learn about their traditions, and shop for unique handmade items.

In the afternoon, we will return to Quito by car.

Today, we will journey south from Quito to the heart of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, specifically to Cotopaxi National Park, home to the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano with its perfect conical shape and snow-capped peak.

Upon arriving at the park, we will set off on a thrilling bike ride along dirt and grass tracks, navigating diverse terrains surrounded by volcanic material from Cotopaxi’s last eruption. This ride offers opportunities to spot local fauna, including bulls, horses, foxes, and the majestic Andean condor. The mostly flat route is accessible for various skill levels and takes us past ancient ruins, where your guide will share insightful stories about the region’s history.

After our ride, we will enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant before heading to a nearby hacienda for some relaxation. In the afternoon, we’ll participate in a cooking class focused on local farm products, learning traditional cooking techniques. Finally, we’ll gather for a delicious picnic dinner featuring the dishes we prepared, with a social hour enjoying beer and local cocktail and sharing stories from our adventure.

We continue our journey to the impressive Chimborazo Volcano, known as the highest point on Earth when measured from the center of the planet. We will drive into the Chimborazo Reserve, reaching the highest altitude of our trip.

Upon arrival, we’ll prepare for an exhilarating bike ride down rugged, sandy single tracks. Depending on the season, we may encounter patches of snow during our descent, showcasing the diverse environments of Chimborazo. Our biking adventure will take us through grassy fields and dirt paths before briefly transitioning to a paved road, followed by gravel and dirt trails that offer stunning views of the volcano.

After our ride, we will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, including guinea pig, with alternative options available for those who prefer something different. In the afternoon, we will head to the charming town of Baños, famous for its natural hot springs. Here, you can relax in the therapeutic waters to soothe tired muscles after our biking adventure.

Following our time at the hot springs, we will check into our hotel for a short rest before embarking on a beer tasting tour of local breweries in Baños. This tour will allow us to sample a variety of craft beers and learn about the brewing process and the unique ingredients used.

In the morning, we will visit The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo. You will have some time to take the amazing picture with the stunning landscape in the front.

We will have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy optional activities in this incredible town.

Today marks our final day of activities as we journey from Baños to the captivating Llanganates Forest, an area rich in local legend and believed to be the hiding place of an Inca treasure from the Spanish conquistadors. Our adventure begins with a scenic drive through the high elevations of the cloud forest.

As we head toward the gateway of the Amazon region, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the Mama Tungurahua Volcano. The ride consists mostly of paved roads, with a few gravel sections, allowing for an enjoyable descent through the beautiful terrain.

After our bike ride, we’ll visit the famous Pailón del Diablo waterfall, known for its powerful cascades and picturesque setting, where you can take photos and enjoy the refreshing mist.

Following this, we’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring local cuisine with a view of the waterfall. After lunch, we’ll prepare for the journey back to Quito City, enjoying one last chance to appreciate the stunning landscapes of Ecuador.

As our incredible journey comes to an end, we will prepare for your departure. Transfers to the airport will be arranged based on your individual flight schedule. To ensure a smooth departure process, we recommend scheduling your pick-up at least three hours prior to your flight.