Cross Country Cycling in Ecuadorian Andes

Cross Country Cycling in Ecuadorian Andes

Cross Country Cycling in Ecuadorian Andes

Prices

From $1,450USD

Difficulty

Hotel

Guided

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Highlights

Experience 7 adventure-packed days on this guided cycling tour of the Ecuadorian Andes

Cycle through the countryside, with incredible views of some of the biggest volcanoes in Ecuador.

View wildlife on this bike tour, such as spectacle bears, deer, hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, flycatchers and even condors.

Discover the traditions of the indigenous people in the Ecuadorian Andes by visiting local villages and markets.

Enjoy the relaxing volcanic hot springs and spa after a wonderful cycling through the Ecuadorian Andes.

This guided Ecuador bike tour will give you the opportunity to explore volcanoes, lakes, charming villages and the unique wildlife that makes this part of Ecuador so special. Throughout your guided bike tour you'll immerse in the diverse and hospitable culture and traditions of the Ecuadorian people. If you are seeking thrill and adventure, this fantastic guided bike tour is for you!

This bike tour allows you to experience majestic volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Imbabura and see the beauty of their craters and the diversity of environment they create.   For those who love nature, visiting the Cayambe Coca eco-reserve will allow you to try to spot Spectacle Bears! Enter the cloud forest of Pululahua crater and explore the wildlife of this beautiful geo-botanical reserve.  And for those who love history, this guided Ecuador bike tour will let you immerse into the diverse culture and traditions of Ecuador. Walk in the colorful local markets and learn the ways of the indigenous people in Otavalo, or continue the local ritual to relax in the volcanic hot-springs right in the Andes mountains.

Cross Country Cycling in Ecuadorian Andes Itinerary

Day 1 Arriving at Quito

Your guided cycling tour begins in Quito, the largest and best-maintained colonial city of America. The city is viewed as the Cultural Capital of Latin America and is situated on the equator in a valley at the bottom of the Pichincha Volcano.

Depending on your arrival time, you can either explore the city and the old town of Quito or get a guided day tour. At night, one of our tour guides will meet you at the reception for a briefing at 6 PM. You will be informed about the cycling tour and will be able to ask questions regarding it. This day will also help you to get used to the new environment.

Overnight
Hotel in Quito
Meals
none

Day 2 Biking in Cotopaxi

Today begins with a transfer south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes on the Pan-American highway. During the drive, you can savor the sights of majestic volcanoes such as Antisana, Pichincha, Cayambe, Pasochoa, Illinizas, and Corazon.

After you enter Cotopaxi National Park, your guide will lead you on a cycling trail high on the alpine border where you will learn about the indigenous animals and plants local to the Paramo Ecosystem. This 20-mile ride will take 2-4 hours, and the trail will be a mixture of gravel track and dirt roads, where wild bulls and horses wander through the slopes. Enjoy a thrilling dirt road all the way to the Inca Ruins of Pucara. After lunch, continue to the beautiful Hacienda Santa Ana for the night.
Bike: 2-4 hours, 20-miles

Overnight
Guesthouse near Cotopaxi
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Papallacta Hot Springs

Today is a day to explore the Andes on foot, bike and in the hot springs! After a hearty breakfast transfer to the western side of the Ecuadorian Andes, with a stop at the Guango Hummingbird Reserve. This location gives you the best opportunity to watch around 20 species of amazing native birds. Next check in to your cabin at the Papallacta resort, which is situated right in front of the restorative volcanic hot springs.

After lunch, go for a hike to a cloud forest and see rare plants like local orchids, bromeliads and some other types of unique vegetation. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the native bird species, such as condors, tanagers, warblers or flycatchers.
During the rest of the day, you will be able to enjoy the relaxing and recuperating volcanic hot springs and Spa therapies right in the Andes.
Hike: 2-3 hours, 3.2km
Overnight: Hotel in Papallacta

Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Biking in Cayambe Coca

Transfer to the remote Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve in the high Ecuadorian Andes and get ready for a trail without any other traffic. The great bike ride today will take 2-4 hours and covers 56km. Along the way, keep your eyes open as this is the habitat for the only species of bears in South America - the Spectacle bear. You will be able to see the fields of potato, corn, fava beans and lupin, on which the natives strongly depend on in their daily lives.

We will arrive at our hacienda for the check-in. You will have the chance to do an optional 40 min bike ride to the equator monument and find out more about latitude 0.
Bike: 2 - 4 hours, 56 km

Overnight
Guesthouse in Cayambe
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Biking to Otavalo

Start with a 1-hour transfer and then get on your bike for a wonderful ride on a beautiful, paved road. Along the ride, you will see the Imbabura Colvano and the beautiful San Pablo Lake. You will also pass through many indigenous villages and stop to visit a local weaver workshop and discover how they use still use their old traditions to do their tapestries.

After lunch, you will be able to spend in Otavalo’s indigenous market, which boasts some of the best local crafts at the best prices. Look out for amazing hand-made souvenirs, including jewelry, blankets, and other products. In the early evening, we will all join for a lovely meal at our hacienda.
Cycling time: 2 - 4 hours, 29 Km

Overnight
Guest House in Otavalo
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Biking into Pululahua

On the last day of this great cycling tour in Ecuador‘s highlands, start with a 2-hour transfer on the Pan American highway. Along the way stop in Tabacundo and the famous rose shops. Later, head to the valley of Guayllabamba, where you will have an opportunity to try some of the local fruits. Today‘s cycling will start in the small village of Yunguilla. From here, ride into the crater of Pululahua into a beautiful cloud forest, which is also a geo-botanical reserve. Riding down into the center of the caldera, you will have a chance to savor some amazing scenery.
Lunch, made by your driver and guide, will be waiting for you right at the center of the caldera. In the afternoon, you will have the option to hike out of the volcano, otherwise, continue back to Quito by bus.
Biking time: 2 - 4 hours, 24 Km

Overnight Location
Hotel in Quito
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 End of Ecuador Cycling Tour

Wake up and enjoy your memories while savoring your breakfast. Many guests choose to stay a few extra days and explore the stunning city of Quito or move on to other parts of Ecuador. If you’re going home this day, you can book an airport transfer during the booking process.

Overnight Location
None
Meals
Breakfast

Cycling in Ecuador Tour

This guided tour in Ecuador is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you).

Make new friends and join a guided trekking tour in Ecuador. This tour is available weekly and the prices are per person:

Day Of WeekPrice Per Person *
MondayNot Available
TuesdayNot Available
WednesdayNot Available
ThursdayNot Available
FridayNot Available
Saturday
$1,450USD
Book Now
SundayNot Available
* Single Supplement may apply

Accommodation on Cross Country Cycling in Ecuadorian Andes

This tour provides 4-star or similar Hotel accommodation which allows the travelers to comfortably rest in-between the adventures. Many guests feel the highlight of this cycling tour are the stunning, colonial Haciendas that welcome them after a day cycling. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $450USD to have a private room as a solo travelers. In some cases, there may be other solo travelers, and we can match you with participants of the same sex.

Wyndham Garden Quito

Located in the heart of bustling downtown, this hotel is a 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award winner.

Hacienda Santa Ana

Hacienda Santa Ana is set in a charming house combining modern and antique design and features a beautiful garden overlooking the Pasochoa Volcano, it is located 7 km from Cotopaxi National Park.

Termas de Papallacta

Termas de Papallacta is a Hot Springs SPA, Resort & Convention Center nestled in a majestic valley of the high Andes. Featuring a spa, a restaurant, and a hot spring bath, Termas de Papallacta offers rooms and bungalows.

Hacienda Guachala

Hacienda Guachalá welcomes guests with a restaurant and a children’s playground. Some rooms at the property feature a patio with a mountain view or patio colonial. Rooms come with a private bathroom and fireplace.

Hacienda Pinsaqui

Set in a charming colonial-style house built 300 years ago, Hacienda Pinsaqui features 2 restaurants, where you can order the typical regional specialties. Decorated with stylish furnishing, rooms at Hacienda Pinsaqui have wooden floors and all of them have private bathrooms.

Wyndham Garden Quito

Located in the heart of bustling downtown, this hotel is a 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award winner.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What's included on Cross Country Cycling in Ecuadorian Andes

Meals

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner. Budget of around $120 USD for meals is not included.

Guiding

Fully licensed, certified English-speaking adventure leader and local guides on all days.

Travel

All transport starting from Quito is included.

Bikes

Trek X Caliber, 29 inches wheels, rock shock suspension, hydraulic brakes, Bontrager helmets.

Also Included

  • Accommodation based on double occupancy: First Class hotel in Quito, 1 night in Papallacta resort, 3 nights in Colonial Haciendas.
  • Bikes and cycling gear
  • Activities:
    • Biking in Cotopaxi NP
    • Biking in Cayambe Coca ER
    • Biking to Otavalo
    • Biking into Pulilahua Crater
    • Hiking in Papallacta
    • Soaking in volcanic hot springs

Not Included

  • International flights to Quito
  • Airport transfer in Quito
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Required immunizations (mandatory and done in your home country)
  • Meals not described in the itinerary - estimated budget $120 USD
  • Tips for guides and drivers - estimated budget $100 USD

Optional Extras

  • Extra night in Quito - $120USD per room
  • Airport Transfer - $65USD per taxi (max 2 guests, one-way)

Optional day trips from Quito:

  • Quito City Tour + Equator Line - $85USD per person
  • Quito City Biking Tour - $75USD per person

Frequenty Asked Questions about Cross Country Cycling in Ecuadorian Andes

How hard is this tour?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. While the days aren’t particularly long, the elevation makes these days more difficult than they would be at lower elevation.

Do I need a Visa?

Check with your local country about visa requirements for travel to Ecuador.

Are meals included?

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner are included. You will have to purchase the rest of the meals separately. Some of the meals are group meals and some you can go explore on your own.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Quito to start this tour?

Make your way to Quito, Ecuador yourself. The transport between the airport and Quito is not included. You can book transfers to and from the airport during the booking process.

Are the tours in English?

Yes, there will be a certified English-speaking tour leader and guide.

Where does the tour end?

This cycling adventure tour ends in Quito. Many guests stay in Quito to explore this incredible city. There are also many other very good tours in Ecuador, such as mountain biking or hiking tours in the Volcanoes.

Can I rent gear?

You don’t need to, as you will be provided with Trek X Caliber, 29 inches wheels, rock shock suspension, hydraulic brakes, Bontrager helmets.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, please let us know in advance

Do I need vaccines?

Yes, visit a travel specialist in advance of leaving for this tour to determine which vaccines are required. In many cases Yellow fever, Hepatitis B and Malaria Medication are mandatory for this trip. We strongly recommend ensuring that routine immunizations such as tetanus and diphtheria are up to date and to consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. Please ask your doctor for advice.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $1,450USD

Difficulty

Hotel

Guided

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. While the days aren’t particularly long, the elevation makes these days more difficult then they would be at lower elevation.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Local guide

Paul

Quito, Ecuador

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

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