8-day Biking Ecuador’s Volcanoes

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. This quick meeting will introduce you to your guide and fellow travellers and outline the adventure you’re about to embark on!

Embark on an exhilarating journey from Quito to the foothills of the active Pichincha Volcano, beginning with a scenic drive through stunning Andean landscapes. Hop on bikes to navigate dirt and gravel paths across the paramo, taking in panoramic views of Pichincha and surrounding volcanic peaks. The adventure continues with a descent into the lush Tandayapa cloud forest, a hotspot for birdwatching, where colorful species like hummingbirds and toucans fill the canopy.

Midday brings a homemade lunch at a local family reserve, supporting conservation efforts while enjoying authentic cuisine immersed in nature. Afterward, explore the fascinating world of agave at Casa Agave, complete with tastings that celebrate its cultural significance. Return to Quito in the late afternoon, concluding a day rich with biking, wildlife, cultural connections, and breathtaking Ecuadorian landscapes.

The journey pushes north from Quito toward one of Ecuador’s most spectacular regions, stopping first at the Equator Line to explore the meaning of Parallel Zero while sampling warm bizcochos with cheese and caramel. The adventure continues at the foot of the sacred Imbabura Volcano with a thrilling ride over gravel, grass, and dirt trails, revealing sweeping views of the volcano, San Pablo Lake, and farmlands cultivating quinoa, potatoes, lupin beans, and corn.

A smooth descent leads to San Pablo Lake for a lakeside picnic filled with local flavors before the route shifts to paved and cobblestone roads en route to the legendary Otavalo Market. This vibrant cultural center welcomes encounters with artisans, traditional crafts, and colorful textiles. The day wraps with a relaxing drive back to Quito.

Southbound travel enters the Avenue of the Volcanoes and the dramatic landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, home to the snow-capped giant of the same name. Dirt and grass trails set the stage for an exhilarating ride through volcanic terrain, with opportunities to spot roaming bulls, wild horses, foxes, and the soaring Andean condor. Ancient ruins punctuate the route, adding depth to the surrounding highland scenery.

A hearty Ecuadorian lunch fuels the afternoon retreat to a nearby hacienda, where a hands-on cooking class spotlights regional ingredients and traditional culinary techniques. The day ends with a shared dinner crafted during the class and fireside relaxation surrounded by Andean tranquility.

The day launches early at a traditional Thursday market bursting with vivid produce, local specialties, and ancestral trading customs. Livestock areas featuring guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, cows, llamas, and alpacas offer an authentic window into highland culture.

From the market, the route winds toward the awe-inspiring Quilotoa Volcano. A challenging ride along the crater rim demands grit over steep, rugged sections before transitioning to dirt and sand trails used by rural communities. Panoramic views of the turquoise crater lake elevate this ride into one of the region’s most unforgettable experiences.

The adventure climbs to the lofty slopes of Chimborazo, the closest point on Earth to the sun. Inside the reserve, preparations lead into a spectacular descent through sandy single-track, shifting high-altitude landscapes, and occasional snow depending on the season. Grassy fields, dirt paths, and gravel tracks frame dramatic views of the massive volcano.

A traditional meal awaits before heading to Baños, where soothing thermal springs offer a well-earned break. Evening brings a craft beer tasting tour through local breweries, featuring distinctive flavors inspired by the surrounding Andean-Amazon landscapes.

The final day ventures into the mysterious Llanganates Forest, legendary home of hidden Inca treasure. A scenic drive through misty highland cloud forest leads to the starting point of a rewarding descent toward the Amazon gateway, with sweeping views of the imposing Mama Tungurahua Volcano along mostly paved terrain with light gravel sections.

A visit to the powerful Pailón del Diablo waterfall adds a refreshing burst of spray and incredible photo opportunities. A final lunch overlooking the cascades sets the tone for the return journey to Quito, offering one last look at Ecuador’s extraordinary natural beauty.

Your tour ends after breakfast. Check out of the hotel and continue on your journey or begin your travels home. Your airport transfer is included today.