Discover Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest on this 5-day guided biking tour
The Biking the Amazon takes you on a guided biking tour that starts in the heights of the Andes, all the way into the Amazon jungle of Ecuador. Experience the rush as you descend from the mountain towns into the lush jungle, discovering wildlife, waterfalls, and amazing views on your way.
On this biking tour, you’ll have daily rides that take you to local sights and communities. You’ll have a chance to see and experience local culture by visiting indigenous communities and indulging in fresh local cuisine. You’ll love being completely immersed in nature while staying at your jungle lodge, and will have plenty of opportunities to see local wildlife. After unforgettable days of riding, relax with a trip to the volcanic hot springs.
The Biking the Amazon is the perfect active way to experience the unbelievable Amazon!
Highlights of the Biking the Amazon
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Biking the Amazon Itinerary
Day 1 Ride Towards the Amazon
Your tour begins in Quito as you cycle south through lush pastures with the spectacular volcanic peaks in the background. You’ll be riding to Baños for a quick stop at the Swing at the Edge of the World. If you’re feeling brave, take on the ultimate treehouse swing experience!
From here you’ll ride to the lovely Bridal Veil Falls, and then finish the day off with a dramatic cable car ride over the Pastaza River Canyon. What a first day!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Baños
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, about 30 km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: None
Day 2 Bike through Llanganates National Park
This morning, a driver will take you up to Llanganates Park, where you’ll begin your bike ride for the day. The ride starts with an uphill stretch on a paved road, but soon you’ll be soaring down from the heights of the Andes into the Amazon Basin. Enjoy the fresh air and incredible views as you descend over 1500 meters!
At the end of the ride, you’ll visit the Pailon del Diablo. This impressive waterfall is the tallest in the country and is a beautiful place to relax after your ride.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Baños
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, about 30 km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hola Vida Falls and Visit the Locals
Today you’ll be dropped off after an hour’s drive into the Pastaza Province. You’ll take a relaxed ride through the lush Amazon Basin towards a local fish farm. Here you’ll take a short tour to learn about the Paiche (Arapaima) fish, which can grow to over 10 feet and 500 pounds, making it the largest freshwater fish in the world.
Then you’ll ride out to Hola Vida Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the emerald green pool at its base. Lunch will be a taste of fresh traditional cuisine provided by a local family.
In the afternoon you’ll visit with Shuar indigenous community to learn about how they are preserving their culture and traditions. After such a busy day, you’ll enjoy the relaxing drive along the river to the hotel.
Overnight Location: Ecolodge in Tena
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, about 30 km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4 Bike and Hike to Meet Local Wildlife
This morning, you’ll ride to the AmaZoonico Animal Rehabilitation Center. Here you’ll learn about their efforts to return animals to the wild after they have been illegally taken from their homes. Take a jungle hike to meet the animal residents including monkeys, tapir, ocelots, and many more.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit with a local family from another indigenous group, the Kichwa. Learning about their traditions and hearing the stories of their ancestors will be a highlight of your Ecuadorian experience.
Overnight Location: Ecolodge in Tena
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, about 30 km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 5 Hot Springs and Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the last morning of your tour. Then you’ll take a drive back up into the Andes for a visit to the Papallacta Hot Springs. Enjoy the healing volcanic hot springs and relax at the beautiful mountain spa. You can purchase treatments if you’re in the mood to indulge in a massage or facial while you’re here.
After your visit, you’ll be dropped off in Quito, which concludes your tour.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This guided tour is run as a mixed group on a scheduled departure. Private departures are available on request.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on the Biking the Amazon
This tour is based in 3-star hotels and wilderness lodges. You’ll split your stay between a charming mountain village and a rustic ecolodge nestled right in the Amazon. Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel (please inquire for the prices). We can try and match single travellers up where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
La Floresta Hotel in Banos ★★★
Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful gardens at this mountainside hotel. Here you'll find traditionally decorated rooms and warm hospitality.
Selina Lodge in Tena ★★★
Fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle at this rustic wilderness lodge. You’ll love being surrounded by nature and meeting your animal neighbours!
What’s Included in the Biking the Amazon?
Meals
4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, snacks, and water are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Quito are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you, your luggage, and your bike as outlined in the itinerary are included. Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Bike rental, including Trek bike, certified helmets, and gloves
- Reusable water bottle
- All fees to reserves and museums
- Support vehicle during bike rides
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Quito
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, servers, or hotel staff
Optional Extras
- Spa treatments at the hot springs (can be arranged in advance with your tour guide)
- Extra nights in Quito before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Biking the Amazon
The creation of Activexpedition is to inspire adventure travelers to explore our world from a different perspective. At Activexpedition they prioritize eco-friendly activities in every destination they go, as well as support local people and traditions through sustainability efforts.
Activexpedition's mission is to deliver educational experiences of a lifetime with stellar service and provide human powered holidays that go beyond typical adventure travel.
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Local Guide
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Q&A
Q: What is the best part of guiding tourists in your country?
A: Very difficult question, but Mountain Biking along the Andes is my favourite part of my country.
Q: What are guests most surprised about when visiting Ecuador?
A: The people, how friendly we are, the biodiversity that Ecuador has. Here you can have breakfast on the coast then have lunch in the mountains and finally have dinner in the Amazon basin.
Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should do?
Galapagos is the main highlight, but all of the visitors have to do the mainland multisport because this is an active tour where we mix with local gastronomy and the most important thing we share with local people.
Q: What is your most unforgettable moment when guiding?
A: When your guests don’t tell you anything, but you can see how excited they are in their faces.
Q: What is one local dish or drink that tourists must try on a visit to your country and why?
A: I love our local food, well the first dish fritada with tortillas that is fried pork with potato patties then empanadas.
Q: Where would you want to go on holiday?
A: Utah to ride the Whole Enchilada!
Q: What is the most challenging adventure you’ve ever done?
A: When I finished high school, I took my bike and rode it through Ecuador for 1 year, and I climbed almost all of our snowcap mountains along the way.
Q: What do your guests say is best about the trips you lead?
A: The diversity of our country and how the people are. They say also that the activities that we have are the best option to learn about our country.