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