Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel 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.
Ecuador Cycling Adventure
Prices
Highlights
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.
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
Ecuador Cycling Adventure Price and Dates
This guided cycling tour in Ecuador is run either as a group tour or a private tour. The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Private tour:
$1,350USD per person-Now $1,125USD per person
Dates and Prices to Join a Group Tour:
| Day Of Week | Price Per Person * | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Not Available | |
| Tuesday | Not Available | |
| Wednesday | Not Available | |
| Thursday | Not Available | |
| Friday | $925USD | Book Now |
| Saturday | Not Available | |
| Sunday | Not Available |
Accommodation 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).
Night 2-4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHacienda 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.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel 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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
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
Frequenty Asked Questions about Ecuador Cycling Adventure
How hard is the Ecuador Cycling Adventure?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour is primarily road biking, and riders should be comfortable cycling up to 50km per day with elevation gains that can be as much as 600 meters.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador Cycling Adventure?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Ecuador Cycling Adventure?
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner, snacks, and water are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Quito to start this tour?
The best way to reach Quito is to fly to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). You will need to arrange your own transportation to the hotel.
Is the Ecuador Cycling Adventure guided?
Yes, you will have an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour.
Where does the Ecuador Cycling Adventure end?
This tour begins and ends in Quito. You will need to arrange your own ride to the airport.
Are equipment rentals included?
Aluminum frame road bikes, helmets, and gloves are included. Please bring any additional equipment desired.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own bike if you notify the tour company in advance. Please ensure it’s a road bike appropriate for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ecuador?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Ecuador?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Ecuador for this tour?
The best time to visit Ecuador for this tour is between June and September when the northern region experiences less rain.
Reviews
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What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10A route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10A made that happen.
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Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
When can I do this tour?
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour is primarily road biking, and riders should be comfortable cycling up to 50km per day with elevation gains that can be as much as 600 meters.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Local guide
Cesar Romero
Quito, Ecuador
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