Led by experienced local guides, you’ll gain insights into the region's culture, wildlife, and environment, enhancing your overall experience. Along the journey, explore vibrant local markets to interact with artisans and vendors, immersing yourself in the community's culture.
Food lovers will appreciate the chance to enjoy delicious organic cuisine sourced from the region’s agricultural heritage, with opportunities to participate in cooking classes to learn traditional Ecuadorian recipes. Additionally, indulge in beer and wine tastings that highlight Ecuador's emerging craft beverage scene.
Accommodation will be at charming family-run properties, providing genuine hospitality and a deeper connection to the local culture. After a day of biking, relax in soothing hot springs that offer a perfect way to unwind amidst the beautiful Andes.
This expedition not only focuses on adventure but also supports ecotourism, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
Join us for an action-packed experience where adventure, culture, and nature come together for an unforgettable journey!
Location: Experience the stunning landscapes of the Central Ecuadorian Andes, known as The Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Variety of Trails: Ride through diverse terrains, including double and single tracks that offer breathtaking scenery and challenging experiences.
Guided Experience: Benefit from the expertise of experienced local guides who provide insights into the trails, wildlife, and cultural traditions.
Local Markets: Explore vibrant local markets, interacting with artisans and vendors while supporting the community.
Organic Cuisine: Enjoy delicious local organic food sourced from the region’s agricultural heritage, including opportunities for cooking classes.
Beverage Tastings: Participate in beer and wine tastings featuring Ecuador's emerging craft beverage scene.
Charming Accommodations: Stay in welcoming family-run properties that foster a genuine connection with local culture.
Relaxation in Hot Springs: Unwind in soothing hot springs after biking, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Andes, offering a perfect way to relax and reflect.
Biking
Hiking
Culture
Wildlife
Fooding
Wellness
SKILL LEVEL 1 – NEWBIE
You’ve never ridden a mountain bike before.
SKILL LEVEL 2 – BEGINNER
You have limited experience with off-road trail riding.
SKILL LEVEL 3 – NOVICE
You’re hooked on riding off-road and wide dirt trails (atv trails or doubletrack), but still lack the skills and confidence to consistently ride terrain with roots, rocks, tight corners, tight trees and steeps. Singletrack – what is singletrack?
SKILL LEVEL 4 – STRONG NOVICE
Your dedication to mountain biking has led you to your first handful of rides on real singletrack. You enjoy smooth mellow singletrack, although often the trees feel too tight, the climbs come too quick to shift and have you walking, and the obstacles have you a bit surprised as you did not even know people ride right over logs!
SKILL LEVEL 5 – INTERMEDIATE
At a controlled speed and on mellow singletrack terrain, you are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand. You are comfortable and confident rolling over small obstacles (a couple inches high) like roots, rocks and small rollable drops (a couple inches high). On rare occasions you take your wheels off the ground intentionally. You are now becoming comfortable in anticipating terrain and shift gears accordingly and you are comfortable using both front and rear brakes when required.
SKILL LEVEL 6 – STRONG INTERMEDIATE
You are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand and are comfortable doing so on more challenging terrain. You are comfortable and confident with a front wheel lift and rear wheel lift to get up and over larger obstacles (up to 6 inches) such as roots and rocks that are not rollable. When climbing you shift your bodyweight forward in efforts to keep traction on your front wheel. Climbing is typically successful, unless technical roots, rocks or corners have you walking a short section. You are comfortable with speed and letting go of your brakes as long as you can see the exit or end of the descent. You are also now grasping effective cornering techniques although still need to work on your timing and coordination.
SKILL LEVEL 7 – ADVANCED
You are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand and are comfortable doing so on aggressive terrain with little braking. You can hop over obstacles such as small roots and rocks that less advanced riders may wheel lift over. You use the brakes sparingly, and are open to taking some air off little rocks and roots. Your timing and coordination on all types of berms is solid. You are comfortable leaning your bike through the corner and exit with acceleration.
SKILL LEVEL 8 – EXPERT
You are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand and are comfortable doing so on aggressive terrain with little braking. You rarely, if ever, walk. Small drops are no issue for you and you are comfortable with having both wheels leave the ground. Climbing technical roots, rocks and switchbacks are no issue for you. You use the brakes sparingly and air off of every rock, root and drop you can find. Your timing and coordination on all types of berms, switchbacks and corners is solid. You are comfortable leaning your bike through fast corners and exit with acceleration.
SKILL LEVEL 9 – PRO
You are a mountain bike god/goddess. You can handle the most technical terrain imaginable, eat up steeps for breakfast and can hit all the gaps, drops and jumps any trail throws at you.
FITNESS LEVEL 1
You are a couch potato.
You cannot ride for more than half an hour on flat terrain at a time, and the thought of climbing on a bike is daunting.
You exercise less than 1 hour per week.
FITNESS LEVEL 2
You live a fairly inactive life with little physical activity other than walking.
You can handle a 1-hour bike ride on flat terrain at a relaxed pace.
Small, short hills are challenging to climb, but are sometimes manageable.
You exercise on average 1 hour per week (including riding a mountain bike).
FITNESS LEVEL 3
You are capable of 2 hours of pedal time in a day at a relaxed pace, as long as there are several breaks.
You can handle one or two easy climbs of up to 330 vertical feet (150 m) total.
You exercise on average 2 hours per week (including riding a mountain bike).
FITNESS LEVEL 4
You are capable of climbing up to 650 vertical feet (200 m) in a day.
You exercise on average 3 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 5
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 2-3 hours of pedal time each day.
You are confident climbing up to a total of 1,000 vertical feet (300 m) in a day.
You exercise on average 4 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 6
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.
You can handle moderately steep climbs of up to a total of 1,650 vertical feet (500 m) in a day.
You exercise on average 5 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 7
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.
You can handle moderate climbs up to 2,450 vertical feet (750 m) total in a day.
You exercise on average 6 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 8
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.
You have little trouble climbing 3,280 vertical feet (1,000 m) in a day on moderate to steep terrain.
You exercise on average 6-10 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 9
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.
You can handle steep, sustained climbs of up to 4,920 vertical feet (1,500 m) in a day.
You exercise over 10-hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
Day 2.- Mountain to Mist – Biking the Trail from Pichincha to the Cloud Forest
Day 3.- Biking to Otavalo Market
Day 4.- Biking Cotopaxi
Day 5.- Biking Quilotoa
Day 6.- Biking Chimborazo
Day 7.- Biking Llangatantes
Year around
12 years old
Full Itinerary
Arrival day
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.
Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar
Mountain to Mist – Biking the Trail from Pichincha to the Cloud Forest
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.
Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Journeying from Imbabura's Heights to Otavalo’s Artisan Market
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.
Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Cotopaxi Volcano Biking and Cooking Class Adventure
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 dinner featuring the dishes we prepared, and to conclude the day, we’ll relax by the fireplace, enjoying drinks and sharing stories from our adventure.
Overnight: Family-run Farm Hacienda
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking the Quilotoa Loop and Discovering Indigenous Markets
After exploring the market, we will drive to the stunning Quilotoa Volcano, famous for its breathtaking turquoise waters and incredible landscape views. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a challenging bike ride along the crater's rim, navigating steep sections that may require us to carry or push our bikes. This adventurous ride will transition to dirt and sand trails used by local residents, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and interactions with the land.
Following our bike ride, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Ecuadorian dishes that reflect the region's flavors. In the afternoon, we will relax at the hacienda known for its unique spa services, providing an opportunity to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
Overnight: Historical Spa-Hacienda
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Epic Biking at Chimborazo and Relaxation in Thermal Waters
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.
Overnight: La Floresta Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Baños Adventure Ride
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.
Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Departure
Meals included: Breakfast
Let's design your adventure
Experienced & Certified English-Speaking Guide
Airport transfers
Private Transport
Accommodation for seven nights
Meals as listed in the Itinerary
Wine and beer tasting
Cooking class
Water and snacks available whenever
Biking gear: (Trek quality bikes, front Rockshox suspention with hydraulic brakes, 1 x 10 speeds), certified helmets and gloves.
All fees to reserves, museums, spa
International or domestic flights
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Upgraded biking gear (Trek Fuel EX5 full suspension with Hydraulic brakes, 1 x 10 speed / 200usd for the whole trip)
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.
Accommodation: We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service.
Single Supplement Costs: Generally this fee is not incurred as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room, but if you prefer not to share and have your own room, then there will be an associated fee
Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
Gear: We always make sure our guests have top of the line gear from well-known and reputable international brands as we understand that the best gear gives extra confidence to our riders. For biking we use Trek Xcaliber, Trek Fuel EX5, and for protection we use Bontrager and Fox.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 3 out of 5, meaning you need to have a bit of experience, however your guides will teach you every day how to ride on the varying terrain. The whole trip involves a mix of trails and roads, some on dirt, grass and gravel. Every ride is about 20 miles, and the elevation gain can be 1000 feet a day, if people want to do more elevation gain, our guides will be happy to do longer rides. There will always be transport support in the case that someone wants to take a break or just wants to avoid the uphill. Our drivers will be happy to show you the landscapes from the car.
Weather and Elevation: In Ecuador the weather can be very variable depending on which side of the Andes you are traveling to, so it is highly recommended to come ready for all kinds of weather. When they say “Ecuador, All in One Place” they mean it! The altitude determines the temperature and the higher you go the colder it gets. Don’t let the geographic location of the country fool you. Even at a mere 15,000 feet the temperatures can feel like those of a winter in the northern United States. The coastal lowlands in the western part of Ecuador are typically warm with temperatures in the region of 25 °C (77 °F). Coastal areas are affected by ocean currents and between January and April are hot and rainy. The weather in Quito is consistent with that of a subtropical highland climate. The average temperature during the day is 70 °F (21 °C), which generally falls to an average of 50 °F (10 °C) at night. The average temperature annually is 64 °F (17.8 °C). There are only really two seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season runs from June to September and the wet season is from October to May.
Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University, this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
Heath Advisory: No vaccinations needed for this trip
We do recommend travelling light for this expedition. A duffel bag of 50 litters for your luggage and a backpack of 20 litters for daily activities should be sufficient. In Ecuador, the weather can change drastically especially when you are moving from the Andes to the Amazon.
Passport
Credit card
Two pairs of lightweight hiking pants
Two pairs of shorts
Three pairs of biking shorts
One bathing suit
Four non-cotton T-shirts
One cotton T-shirts
One water T-shirt
One winter warm jacket
One fleece
One rain jacket
One pair of rain pants
Two buffs
One pair of tennis shoes
One pair of biking shoes
One cap or hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Head lamp
Optional binoculars
Weather bottle
NOTE: Laundry is available almost at every location, this helps traveling light too.
Regular Season Price:
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Price
$2000/per person
All premium features
Every sunday
Go private
We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.
