Ecuador by bicycle

A specialized trip to discover Ecuador riding a bicycle.  A fun tour to exercise and discover the country in a different way.  Riding from Quito to the Amazonia and, along the avenue of the volcanoes.  You will see the fab snow-capped mountains and feel that there is much more to see in Ecuador.  A trip to enjoy and be in touch with nature all through Ecuador.

Highlights • Riding through amazing and unique sceneries, the strangest on earth. • Great variety of lanscapes and views. • Meeting local people in rural areas. • On day of pure downhill with very short uphills to relax after moderate days.

Itineray 

D 1   Quito - Old town

Quito lies in a long narrow plateau of Pichincha Volcano.  A city rich in colonial art and architecture.  A UNESCO world cultural heritage site is a delightful place to explore.  You visit today the main plaza, the cathedral, La Compañia church, San Francisco Plaza and Panecillo hill (a viewpoint).

D 2   Cumbaya - El Quinche

The first day of your adventure in Ecuador.  We head off to the eastern side of Quito, starting riding down to Tumbaco Valley to join the "Chaki-ñan" (word in quichua that means where you always go on foot).  This trail is used by People of Quito on weekends.  It is a railway converted into a biking trail.  It is a pleasant part of your day.  You contiue towards El Quinche, a pilgrimage site where you get the opportunity to have a glance into one of the most traditional places of the catholic faith. that keeps so much history and life. 

Approximate biking distance: 40 km. 

D 3   El Quinche – Cayambe

Today you go back to the railway to head off to the north to get to Cayambe.  A town located at the foot of a striking, permanent snow-capped mountain. the third highest in Ecuador and also a dormant volcano. Cayambe.  This town is popular for its crispy pastry called "bizcochos" and fresh cheese "queso de hoja" (in english leaf cheese since it is wrapped in achira leaves).  It is the land of the Cayambi indians. Wonderful journey for the good range of landscapes.

Approximate biking distance:  35 km.

D 4   Cayambe– San Pablo – Zuleta - Otavalo

A day riding on paved roads first before reaching the dusty country trails.  You will be going through rural communities such as Olmedo, San Pablo, Zuleta to end up your biking in Otavalo (which means sunrise valley in quichua).  The town is, in itself, not terribly entertaining. One thing that is nice to see is the Indians dressed in their traditional garb. Now and then, you might see a mother carrying her child on her back.   Approximate biking distance: 50 km.

D 5  Otavalo - Cuicocha

Today you spend the morning browsing the busy Otavalo market.  Throughout the hiistory of the region there has been trade between regions, but the market now sells almost as many handicrafts as produce.  Although the market is on everyday the big day is saturday and you find crafts from all over the country.

The market was only really developed in the 1960s and proved to be such a great success that people from all over the country now come here to sell their goods. The inhabitants of Otavalo pride themselves on their clever business skills and their ability to continue to make a living from their crafting skills.  It's the best place for souvenirs and original hand made crafts in the country.  After lunch you set off to Cuicocha lake, a flooded crater with two small isles in the middle.  Some time to enjoy the surroundings before going back to Otavalo.

Approximate biking distance: 20 km

D 6    Otavalo – Mojanda - Quito

Early rise to head out back to Quito Via Mojanda lakes with a superb surrounding and relaxing environment. You will be riding from one of the lakes towards Quito.

Approximate biking distance: 20km

D 7   Quito – Guagua Pichincha 

This morning you will be transfered to Guagua Pichincha active Volcano.  After 1 1/2 hours you reach the refuge at 4500ms (14764ft).  It is from here you have your downhill experience with 1500ms (4921ft) of uneveness.  Good chance to relax your unkles.  Your ride finish in Lloa village from where you are transferred back to Quito.

Approximate biking distance: 10km

D 8   Quito – Pita River

In the morning you are transferred to the outskirts of Quito, south east direction.  It is one of the most wonderful riding days since you will be biking by Pasochoa volcano and towards the mythical Cotopaxi active volcano.  You will start on a paved road until you are off on a country trail and by Pita River, which has its origin in Cotopaxi gleciar.  5 to 6 hours ride.

Approximate biking distance: 20km (uphill and high)

D 9   Pita River – Limpiopungo lake – Cotopaxi refuge – Lasso

Another day in altitude.  You ride towards Limpiopungo lagoon 3862ms (12670ft) at the foot of Rumiñahui Volcano.  Along the way you will see vegetation of different altitudinal ranges from 3200m (10499ft) to 4800m (15748ft), bird wildlife, wild horses, lava flows and the cotopaxi itself.  You start riding uphill to the car park 4600m (15092ft) from where you start a hike to the refuge Jose Rivas 4800ms (15748ft).  For those who don't feel like riding uphill have the option to be transferred to the car park in the supporting private transport.  Soon after and back in the car park you take your bike to go downhill towards the Southern Pan-American highway and then, Lasso.

Approximate biking distance: 40km 

D 10   Lasso - Quilotoa

An early rise to go to Quilotoa lake 3900m (12795ft).  It takes 2 and 1/2 hours drive to get there.  This day you will be riding your bike through stunning hills, farmed fields, indian communities, furrowed large canyons. You have fantastic sceneries and views.

Approximate biking distance: 20km

D 11   Quilotoa– Baños

In the morning you are transferred to Patate, a small village, 3 1/2 hours drive from Quilotoa.  A different view of the country, a green area with many rivers and waterfalls.  you will be biking down to Baños, a 
pleasant spa town that attracts not only foreigners but ecuadoreans, who are drawn by its balmy climate and curative waters. There is no better way to end your day than gong for an invigorating soak.  The baths are fed by thermal springs at the base of Tungurahua active volcano, and the brown water (a result of mineral content) is reputedly good for one´s health.

Approximate biking distance:  20km

D 12   Baños

A full day on your bike going down to Puyo, a steamy town the doorway to the jungle.  A wonderful journey along and through the incredible beautiful and waterfalldraped canyon of Pastaza River.  Puyo is well known for the balsa handicrafts and the sugar cane spirit. 

Approximate biking distance:  66km

D 13   Baños- Quito

Relaxing day to explore downtown with its cathedral’s miraculous Virgin which supposedly protects the inhabitants from the active volcano of Tungurahua 5023m (16,479ft) which overlooks it, shops of tagua (vegetable ivory) traditonal in the place and places where the sugar cane toffee is made.  Return to Quito after midday.

 

Distances are just an indicative..

PRICES

	4	5	6-7	8-9	10
Price per person (in US$)	1 815	1 760	1 595	1 485	1 320

 Price includes
— English speaking guide.
— Price based in double rooms with private bathrooms.
— All meals (except evening meals in Quito & Baños)
— full board in the jungle
— Entrance fees to Cuicocha, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa.
  Price does not include:
— International flight to Quito
— Airport exit tax $40,70 per person
— Any travel insurance
— Tips for guides and drivers
— Anything not mentioned in the tour

— The hiring of the bycycle.

— Evening meals in Quito and Baños

 

This program can be adapted to your interests, desires and needs (Time on the bike, hotels, itinerary and many other things).  Do not hesitate to contact us for more detailed information.

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