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.
Northern Ecuador Bike Tour
Prices
Highlights
Bike through the spectacular scenery of the Ecuadorian Andes on this guided tour
This 8-day guided bike tour explores the foothills region north of Quito. On your first day of cycling, you’ll see what makes this area so special as you ride from the Quito city streets into the Cloud Forest. Be on the lookout for wildlife and unique plants as you ride through an incredibly biodiverse region!
The Northern Ecuador Bike Tour includes big panoramic views, waterfall visits, and rides through different parks and reserves. You’ll also have a chance to learn about the indigenous culture and enjoy a traditional lunch. A visit to the Otavalo market, the largest indigenous market in the country, is a great way to practice sustainable tourism! Any souvenirs purchased here support the community directly and help to preserve the local culture and traditions. During your final bike ride of the trip, you’ll experience all the ecosystems in one ride. You’ll descend from the high altitude forests all the way down into the valley before returning to Quito.
Cruising through lush green foothills, pedalling up to expansive mountain views… The Northern Ecuador Bike Tour is not one to miss!
Northern Ecuador Bike Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Quito
Today is yours to explore Quito at your leisure. Just make sure you’re back at your hotel in time for your 6:00 pm welcome meeting in the lobby!
During the meeting, you’ll meet your guide and the rest of the group and hear all about the exciting adventure that awaits you.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Quito
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Ride into the Cloud Forest
Today your cycling tour begins! You’ll leave the busy city streets of Quito behind you as ride through back roads and into the countryside. As you continue towards the foothills of Pichincha, you’ll notice changes as the pastures melt into the cloud forest. Take in the incredible biodiversity of the area as you ride through the misty paths.
After a delicious locally-provided lunch, you’ll ride to your lodge and have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel near Mindo
- Distance
- About 4 hours of cycling, 30 km
- Meals
- Lunch
Day 3 Visit a Butterfly Farm and Local Chocolate Factory
Your morning will begin with a bike ride up to the Mindo-Nambillo reserve. Once you arrive you’ll take a short break from your bike by taking a quick hike to visit a nearby waterfall.
Next, you’ll be riding to a butterfly farm to learn about these colourful creatures. After lunch, you’ll ride to a local Quetzal chocolate factory. This family-run establishment will teach you all about their sweet product. This is a great time to pick up some delicious souvenirs to bring home with you!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel near Mindo
- Distance
- About 3 hours of cycling, 30 km
- Meals
- Lunch
Day 4 Cycle to Otavalo Market
Today you’ll ride north through the mountains towards Otavalo. Take a quick break from cycling through quinoa fields and pastures and sample some local biscotti!
As you arrive in the market, you’ll notice the beautifully embroidered traditional wool outfits being worn by the locals. The Otavalo Market is the largest indigenous market in Ecuador, and you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the stalls of locally-produced sweaters, carvings, and jewelry.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel near Otavalo
- Distance
- About 7 hours of cycling
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch
Day 5 Enjoy a Traditional Lunch in the Salinas Valley
After breakfast, you’ll take your included transfer to the town of Urcuqui. This is where you’ll hop on your bike and start riding down the hill through the rolling fields of sugar cane, wheat, and corn.
Continue cycling into the Salinas Valley, where you’ll have a chance to meet some indigenous people. Learn all about their culture and history while you enjoy a traditional lunch. Tonight, relax at the lodge immersed in nature.
- Overnight Location
- Lodge near the El Angel Eco Reserve
- Distance
- About 3 hours of cycling, 30 km
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 Explore the El Angel Ecological Reserve
You have a little break from your bike today, as you’ll be exploring the El Angel Ecological Reserve. Take a hike through the moors, lagoons, and flowers of the park. You may even get lucky and spot a condor or Andean bear!
Spend the afternoon exploring on your own or relaxing at the lodge.
- Overnight Location
- Lodge near the El Angel Eco Reserve
- Distance
- About 3 hours of hiking
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7 Ride Down the Mountains into el Chota
Today your adventure will be a challenging bike ride through the vastly different landscapes of Ecuador. You’ll begin in the lush mountain forest and descend all the way to the warm, dry valley below. You’ll have gorgeous views along your way as you experience the quintessential Ecuadorian countryside.
Enjoy lunch before being driven back to Quito for the night.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Quito
- Distance
- About 3 hours of cycling, 30km
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch
Day 8 Departure
This morning, your tour is officially complete as you check out after breakfast. So long!
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Northern Ecuador Bike Tour 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:
$1,800USD per person-Now $1,495USD 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 | Not Available | |
| Saturday | $1,250USD | Book Now |
| Sunday | Not Available |
Accommodation on the Northern Ecuador Bike Tour
This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels and lodges. The hotels offer comfortable rooms in charming and convenient locations. 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). We can try and match single travellers up where possible.
Night 2-3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsSeptimo Paraiso Lodge in Mindo
Surrounded by the plants and wildlife of the cloud forest, this lodge is the perfect nature lover’s hideaway. You’ll love relaxing at the gorgeous pool.
Night 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 5-6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsPolylepis Lodge in El Angel Ecological Reserve
Enjoy modern rooms that are inspired by the natural surroundings here. Sitting in the eco reserve, you’ll find this hotel is beautiful inside and out!
Night 7
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 Northern Ecuador Bike Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners, water, and snacks are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 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 per the itinerary.
Also Included
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Bike (Trek X-Caliber), certified helmets and gloves
- Water bottle
- All fees to reserves and museums
- Van support during bike rides
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Ecuador
- Airport transfers
- Lunches and dinners not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Optional activities
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- Gratuities for tour guides and drivers
Optional Extras
- Bicycle upgrade to Trek Top-Fuel model is available for $200USD
- Extra nights in Quito before or after the tour
Frequenty Asked Questions about Northern Ecuador Bike Tour
How hard is the Northern Ecuador Bike Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This adventure is for cyclists with some experience. The trails vary in their difficulty, with some hill climbs. The averages ride is about 30 kilometres per day.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador?
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 Northern Ecuador Bike Tour?
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners, water, and snacks 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 a ride from the airport to your hotel.
Is the Northern Ecuador Bike Tour guided?
Yes, you will have an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour.
Where does the Northern Ecuador Bike Tour end?
The tour ends when you check out of your hotel in Quito. You will need to arrange a ride to the airport.
Are equipment rentals included?
Your bike, helmet, and glove rentals are included in this tour. Please bring any additional equipment desired.
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
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.
5.0
61 ratingsWritten Reviews
There are no written reviews yet.
61 total ratings, 0 with reviewsAdd a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you!
Thank you for submitting your review!
If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.
Google ReviewPrices
What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures 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 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
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?
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This adventure is for cyclists with some experience. The trails vary in their difficulty, with some hill climbs. The averages ride is about 30 kilometres per day.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Local guide
Cesar Romero
Quito, Ecuador
Get in touch
Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures
Hassle-free Adventure Travel
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
No Hidden Fees
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
Happiness Guarantee
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Personal Adventure Travel Concierge
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Vetted Local Guides
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.