Challenge your cycling skills while you discover beautiful northern Ecuador
The thrilling Ecuador Cycling Adventure lets you ride in the high altitude training grounds of Ecuador’s elite cyclists. Discover the unbelievable beauty of the volcanic peaks and lush fields of northern Ecuador as you challenge your cycling ability!
Allow the presence of champion athletes to inspire you to push your limits on each ride during this road-biking adventure, cruising the same routes that the country’s top cyclists train on. Aside from the incredible scenery, you’ll get to immerse yourself in Ecuador’s culture as you indulge in traditional meals and visit indigenous markets. Every break will be a stop someplace new and exciting, including a visit to the house belonging to Ecuador's recent cycling champion Richard Carapaz! The Ecuador Cycling Adventure is an inspiring way to push your cycling skills to the next level while you enjoy incredible Ecuador.
Highlights of the Ecuador Cycling Adventure
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Ecuador Cycling Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Quito
Upon arriving in Quito, you can check-in at your hotel and then the day is yours to explore. Make sure you’re back at the hotel for your 6:00 pm welcome meeting in the lobby. T
his quick meeting will introduce you to your guide and fellow travellers and outline the adventure you’re about to embark on!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito (2,850m / 9,350’)
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle the Volcanic Foothills
Your bike ride today begins travelling north to Cayambe, the third-highest volcanic peak in Ecuador. You’ll take a break for coffee and a local sweet treat before continuing on to Olmedo.
Take in the beautiful pastoral fields of wheat, potatoes, and corn that lay at the foot of the volcano. You’ll be stopping for lunch at Zuleta Hacienda, a former presidential residence in a gorgeous building set in an even more beautiful location. You’ll enjoy an Ecuadorian lunch made from fresh local ingredients.
After lunch, you’ll be riding through the Imbabura province, cycling through lush indigenous farmlands.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otavalo (2,532m / 8,302’)
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, average of 30 to 50 km, maximum 600m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Bike the Training Routes of Champion Richard Carapaz
Today’s ride will take you further north towards the border between Ecuador and Colombia, on roads that serve as the training grounds for champion Ecuadorian cyclists. Challenge yourself on these high-altitude routes alongside some of the best cyclists in the country!
After pushing your limits on today's ride, reward yourself with a stop at the home of Richard Carapaz, Ecuador's first champion of the international competition the Giro d’Italia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otavalo (2,532m / 8,302’)
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, average of 30 to 50 km, maximum 600m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Ride to the Famous Otavalo Market
Your route today has many stops meant to introduce you to the local culture. Beginning in San Antonio de Ibarra, you’ll have time to peruse the local markets famous for wood carvings.
Then, you’ll bike along the road to the indigenous village of Peguche where you’ll learn about traditional weaving techniques. As you admire the iconic patterns and beautiful woven crafts you’ll also have time for a traditional lunch.
Then you’ll ride on to the Otavalo Market, which is the largest indigenous market in the country. You’ll be amazed by all the incredible crafts, clothing, carvings, and jewelry that have been handcrafted by the locals. You’ll end the day here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otavalo (2,532m / 8,302’)
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, average of 30 to 50 km, maximum 600m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Cycling in the Dry Valleys
The climate today will vary widely as you ride through the fresh mountain air and down into the warmer cloud forest. You’ll witness incredible lush vegetation as you descend to lower altitudes.
Enjoy a break during a visit to a rose plantation in San Jose de Minas, where you’ll learn about this important Ecuadorian export. Once you’ve had a chance to stop and smell the roses, you’ll embark on the toughest part of your ride as you navigate hills and valleys on your way to the river.
Once you arrive at the Pisque River, you’ll be picked up and driven to Quito, where you’ll head out for your farewell dinner with your new friends.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otavalo (2,532m / 8,302’)
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, average of 30 to 50 km, maximum 600m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 Departure Day
Your tour ends after breakfast. Check out of the hotel and continue on your journey or begin your travels home.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This guided tour is run as a private tour for your group only.Prices below are per person:
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip, as well as your group size. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on the Ecuador Cycling Adventure
This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels and lodges. The hotels offer comfortable rooms with great locations and local charm. 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 Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel (please inquire for the pricing).
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Dann Carlton in Quito ★★★★
This Quito hotel has lovely welcoming rooms, but you’ll want to spend all your time at the indoor pool, fully equipped gym, or the charming garden.
Hacienda Pinsaqui, Otavalo ★★★
You'll love the historical atmosphere and lovely gardens of this charming hacienda. Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian mountain culture during your stay here.
Hotel Dann Carlton in Quito ★★★★
This Quito hotel has lovely welcoming rooms, but you’ll want to spend all your time at the indoor pool, fully equipped gym, or the charming garden.
What’s Included in the Ecuador Cycling Adventure?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner, snacks, and water are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 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 are included as outlined in the itinerary. Airport transfers before and after the tour are not included.
Also Included
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Bike rental includes an aluminum road bike with carbon forks, 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 Ecuador
- All meals, drinks, or snacks 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Ecuador Cycling Adventure
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.