Ecuador MTB Enduro – Activexpedition

Overview

A mountain biker’s dream, this expedition is truly exhilarating and one-of-a-kind! Explore the best-of-the-best trails in Ecuador. From amazing single-track in varying ecosystems to bumpy and adrenaline pumping ascents with panoramic views—this is one adventure you don’t want to miss. Cross the country from the high and brisk Andes, deep into the Cloud Forest, and meander down towards the sunny Coast. Take the ride of your life while learning about Ecuador’s vibrant culture.
Accommodation is provided at charming eco-lodges and colonial Haciendas.

Highlights

Bike the lost trails of the Ecuadorian Andes
Use quality gear including full suspension bikes
Visit some of the most beautiful Volcanoes of Ecuador
Discover many ecosystems including dry valleys, high volcano land, and cloud forest!
Learn about the Culture of the Andes
Soak in volcanic hot springs
View Vicuñas in the wild
Wine and beer tasting
Enjoy delicious gastronomy
Stay at unique places in every location
Be led by top Activexpedition experienced guides
Support sustainable travel to preserve culture and nature

Activities

Mountain Biking
Culture
Wildlife

Activity level

Challenging

Skill Ratings

Skill Level 7 – Advanced

Skill Rating 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

Valle de la Muerte

Infiernillo trail

El Chota trail

Mamarumi trail

Hieleros trail

Season

All year (Best time: from June to October)

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: Dann Carlton or similar
Meals included: none.

Day 2

Valle de La Muerte

Today we will drive up to the Pichincha volcano at 15.000 feet, along the way we will have beautiful views of Andean farms near Lloa village, once at the basecamp of this reserve we will walk our bikes to the summit of this Active Volcano, on clear days is possible to see the crater, after a safety talk we will start riding one of the most epic single tracks of this region, the first part will be on sand and then down the grassland of the Andean paramo, later we continue connecting the DH trails of the Slopes of Teleferico trails into the forest and then ending in the City of Quito.
Overnight: Dann Carlton or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 3

The Infiernillo Trail

From bed to bike our ride starts in the morning from our hotel near the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve. Pululahua is one of the few calderas in the world where people reside. The area is generally cloudy as this is where the hot current from the pacific reaches the cold altitude of the sierra creating a hugely biodiverse ecosystem. We pedal alongside the breeze leisurely downwards on single track and into a rich green forest. Ending with a beautiful view of the river valley, we will continue down a dirt road to meet up with our transport to the lodge.
Overnight: Yellow Guest House or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4

El Chota Trail

Fueling up with a healthy breakfast, we will drive north on the Pan-American Highway passing Ibarra and the stunning Imbabura volcano. Our days’ adventure begins near Laguna Yahuarcocha on the El Chota trail through rocky terrain, narrow passes, and dry forest. The valley where the ride will take place is generally breezy and dry as the mountain ranges that line its sides act as a shield for oncoming storms. After hours of twists, turns, bumps, and loads of adrenaline we will head back to the hacienda by car to unwind. For those interested in shopping for souvenirs to take home, our driver is readily available to take guests to the Otavalo Market, located a mere 10 minutes from the hacienda.
Overnight: Yellow Guest House or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5

Hot Springs and Spa

Today is to relax and recover, after an scenic drive over the estern range of the Andes we will arrive to Papallacta, at the hots prings you can take a refreshing dip into varying pools of hot a cold volcanic waters, and reinvigorate your body, mind, and soul. If you so choose there are also optional services offered at the facility such as massages and facials. Within the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, where the springs reside, there are also many winding trails to explore for those of you who prefer to be more active. Along the trails it is possible to see orchids, hummingbirds and other varying types of flora and fauna. In the afternoon we will head towards Cotopaxi province to spend the night.
Overnight: Hato Verde or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 6

Cotopaxi Volcano Trails

In the morning we will have a short drive, once we check in at the entrance of the reserve we continue by car to the Parqueadero at 14.000 feet, there we get ready for our fist ride down the Owls canyon trail, a mix of sandy and rocky single tracks with a great view of the northern side of the Cotopaxi Volcano, at the end of these trail our driver will pick us up to take us back to the Parqueadero, our second trail will be the Holy Ridge with an steep start on a sandy trail, we continue with a grassy section with some small fun jumps and end into a narrow ravine. Our driver will take us one more time to the top and we will ride The Flight of the Condor trail, a very fast trail next to an impressive canyon, this trail ends with a single track next to the rocky volcanic material from Cotopaxi last eruption. After a picnic and some drinks, we will drive south to Chimborazo province.
Overnight: La Andaluza Hacienda or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 7

Los Hieleros Trail

To the heights we go southbound to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. Chimborazo is the tallest volcano in the country as well as the closet point to the sun if measured from the center of the earth! Warming up with a trek, we ascend up from the first basecamp at 16.000 ft (4.800m), to the second basecamp at almost 17,000 feet (5.000m). After getting our hearts pumping, we will then go back down to start our day of biking. Named after the dying tradition of collecting ice from the glaciers of Chimborazo, the Hieleros trail makes its way through sandy and rocky terrain and into the Polylepis forest ending near the city of Guaranda. The snowy peaks, multi-colored paths of volcanic sediment, and endless sea of blue Ecuadorian sky on this ride make it a real treat for those seeking to be left breathless.
Overnight: La Gulena Hotel or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8

Mama Rumi Trail

They say to save the best for last and our last ride of this expedition surely checks that box! Mama Rumi Trail is considered one of the top trails for mountain biking in South America and is home turf to the world-renowned Mami Rumi Downhill Race— a heart-pumping, wild ride filled with switchbacks from the high and breezy Andes mountains down to the humid banana plantations of the coast. This trail follows a centuries old Incan footpath used to transport goods and even the local hooch to avoid taxation. Spend the day riding the expanse of the trail ending in between the banana trees on our final day of this adventure.
Overnight: Dann Carlton or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 9

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 us and hope to see you soon!
Meals included: Breakfast

Included

Experienced & Certified English-Speaking Guides
Private Transport
Accommodation 8 nights
Meals as listed in the Itinerary
Water and snacks available whenever
- Biking gear: (Trek Fuel EX5, “full suspension” whit Shimano SLX brakes), helmets, pads and gloves
All fees to reserves and museums

Not Included

International or domestic flights
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel Insurance – mandatory
Airport Transfers

Important Information

Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or for safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned in 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 date of 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, 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: At Activexpediton 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 Top Fuel, and for protection we use Bontrager and Fox.
- Level of Activity: This trip is considered as challenging and technical, meaning you need to have 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, rocks, 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 close to the trails, and guides will be in contact with the driver by radio.
- 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.
Health 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 into the cloud forest.

Passport
Credit card
Two pairs of lightweight hiking pants
One pair of cold weather hiking pants
Two pairs of shorts
Three pairs of biking shorts
One bathing suits
Four non-cotton T-shirts
One cotton T-shirt
One water T-shirt
One winter warm jacket
One fleece
One rain jacket
One pair of rain pants
Two buffs
One pair of hiking shoes
One pair of sneakers
One pair of water sandals or similar
Optional – personal clips and shoes
Optional – pads for extra protection
One- or two-night outfits
One cap or hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Head lamp
Optional binoculars

NOTE: Laundry is available almost at every location and is quiet cheap, this helps traveling light too.

Price based on number of guests:

Deals

^$2100_{/per person}

All premium features
Apply on these dates

2 - 3 guests

^$2990_{/per person}

All premium features
Every sunday

4 or more guests

^$2300_{/per person}

All premium features
Every sunday

Go private

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

Ecuador MTB Enduro $2990