Biking Ecuador Volcanoes - Activexpedition

Overview

Discover the Andes of Ecuador! It is mind blowing to think that you can see so many volcanoes, vastly different landscapes and experience such rich culture in such a small place! In Ecuador, anything is possible.

In this expedition you will mountain bike in carefully selected and off-the-beaten path locations. This is an active and educational exploration that takes place in the heart of the Avenue of Volcanoes, where you will visit culturally and ecologically significant areas such as crater lakes, snowcapped volcanoes, cloud forest reserves, giant waterfalls and indigenous markets.

There is also the likelihood of seeing wildlife such as hummingbirds, condors, deer, horses and vicuñas.

Accommodation is provided at charming eco-lodges and colonial Haciendas

Highlights

Bike into a Volcanic Crater
Bike on the slopes of Imbabura Volcano
Explore the Otavalo Market
Bike single tracks next to remains of the last eruption of Cotopaxi Volcano
Bike the rim of Quilotoa Crater Lake
Bike exclusive single track around Chimborazo Volcano
Road biking in Llanganates National Park
The Swing of the End of the World
Hike to Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
Learn about the Culture of the Andes
Share time with the local indigenous people
View Vicuñas in the wild
Bath at the volcanic hot springs in Baños
Stay at unique places in every location
Be led by top Activexpedition experienced guides at every step you take
Support sustainable travel to preserve culture and nature

Activities

Biking
Hiking
Culture
Wildlife

Activity level

Easy To Moderated

Skill Ratings

Skill Level 5 – Intermediate

Skill Ratings Information

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 Rating

Fitness Level 6

Fitness Ratings Information

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.

Distance & elevation

Day 2.- Biking into the Pululahua Crater

Day 3.- Biking to Otavalo Market

Day 4.- Biking Cotopaxi

Day 5.- Biking Quilotoa

Day 6.- Biking Chimborazo

Day 7.- Biking Llangatantes

Season

Year around

Minimum age

12 years old

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Day

There are no activities planned for your first day for you to be able to explore the beautiful city of Quito on your own terms, but if you feel like having a guided day tour at extra cost, do not hesitate in contacting us. We are always more than happy to send you with one of our expert guides to learn more about the city or the surrounded areas.

Please keep in mind that there is a meeting at 18:00 in the hotel’s lobby the first day to meet your guide and the rest of the group as well as learn about what’s in store for the days of your expedition!

Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar.
Meals included: none.

Day 2

Biking into the Pululahua Crater

During our first day adventure, we will go by car to the entrance of the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve where we will start biking on an old secondary dirt road surrounded by beautiful landscapes of colorful mountains. After descending for about two hours we will enter a lush forest. This area is generally cloudy as this is where the hot current coming from the Pacific reaches the cold altitudes of the sierra and condenses creating a hugely diverse ecosystem. We will have lunch at the roadside and then visit the Equator Solar Museum after which we will travel by car to the hotel.

Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 3

Biking to Otavalo Market

In the morning we will continue our biking expedition driving up to the foothills of Imbabura volcano. We will start descending on grass and dirt patched paths and roads that connect local indigenous people’s farms. Along the way, we will see corn and quinoa plantations--staples in the local diet.

Once at the base of the volcano we will continue riding along the side of San Pablo Lake, and later head over to Peguche Falls. There we will visit an indigenous family of artisans who will teach us how they weave and make their clothing. Our final stop will be the Otavalo Market, the largest indigenous market in Ecuador, where you can spend some time shopping for unique and colorful souvenirs.

Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 4

Biking Cotopaxi

After an early breakfast we will drive south down the Pan-American highway. Our ride will take place in Cotopaxi National Park named after one of the highest active volcanoes on earth, which at nineteen thousand feet, is the most beautiful volcano in Ecuador. We will bike next to the volcano’s base, on dirt roads and single tracks surrounded by an other-worldly landscape dotted by rocks strew about by the volcano during its last major eruption.

For lunch we will picnic within views of Incan ruins and then depending on how the group feels will continue on biking around for a couple of hours longer.

Overnight: Cuello de Luna or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 5

Biking Quilotoa

In the morning we will travel to the nearby Ilinizas ecological reserve. This area is known for local art and we will have some time to visit some of the painting and handicraft galleries of the local people who dedicate themselves to their craft. At Quilotoa there is the option to enter into the crater hiking to take in the stunning views and infinite masterpiece of turquoises and blues. Later, we take an epic MTB ride around the rim of the magnificent crate lake. The first part of the ride is a single track that gives you 360 views of the reserve before descending on a narrow dirt road. Ending our day, we will have a picnic in the scenic and hilly town of San Pedro Guayama before driving back to the lodge.

Overnight: La Andaluza or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 6

Biking Chimborazo

We will continue this amazing expedition driving south to the central Andes, passing Chimborazo Volcano. At over twenty thousand feet, Chimborazo is considered the highest peak in the world if measured from the center of the planet. We will take a short walk to the basecamp of the volcano at sixteen thousand feet and then start biking on an exclusive single track. Along the ride we will see wild vicunas; small relatives of the llama who make their home in the Andes and are very common at this reserve. We will have a picnic in front of the volcano and then drive to the town of Baños, a great place to go out to have a cocktail and dance salsa.

Overnight: La Floresta or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 7

Biking Llanganates

In the morning after breakfast we will go by car up the mountains of the Llanganates National Park. Legend has it there is a hidden Incan treasure in this area and although many explorers venture in trying to find it, it has yet to have been found. We will start biking on asphalt road a bit up the hill to warm up and then we will descend about five thousand feet. An impressive change from the heights of the majestic Andes to the entrance of the lush Amazon Basin. Afterwards we will visit Pailon del Diablo Waterfall so we can refresh a bit, have lunch and then drive to Quito.

Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 8

Departure

As you depart we thank you and wish you safe travels to wherever your final destination may be! If you wish to continue exploring more of Ecuador we can help you organize an extension trip to places you did not see during this trip. We thank you for choosing Activexpedition and hope to see you soon!

Meals included: Breakfast.

Let's design your adventure

Included

Experienced & Certified English-Speaking Guide
Private Transport
Accommodation for seven nights
Meals as listed in the Itinerary
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 and museums

Not Included

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)

Important Information

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

Packing list

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 and it is cheap, this helps traveling light too.

Price based on number of guests:

Deals

^$1926_{/per person}

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2 - 3 guests

^$2140_{/per person}

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Every sunday

4 or more guests

^$1500_{/per person}

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Every sunday

Go private

We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.

Biking Ecuador Volcanoes $2140