Ultimate Ecuador Mountain Biking Expedition Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome Meeting in Quito

Today you can explore the city of Quito at your leisure before you attend your welcome briefing at 6:00 pm in your hotel’s lobby. This meeting will introduce you to your guide and the rest of your group. You’ll also be able to ask any questions you might have as you hear about the adventure you’re about to embark on!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito (2,850m / 9,350’)
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Valle de La Muerte

Today we will drive up to the Pichincha volcano at 15.000 feet, along the way you will have beautiful views of Andean farms near Lloa village, once at the basecamp of this reserve you will walk our bikes to the summit of this Active Volcano, on clear days is possible to see the crater, after a safety talk you will start riding one of the most epic single tracks of this region, the first part will be on sand and then down the grassland of the Andean paramo, later you continue connecting the DH trails of the Slopes of Teleferico trails into the forest and then ending in the City of Quito.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito (2,850m / 9,350’)
Distance: 2-3 hours, about 14.1 km, average 646m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 3 Ride the Infiernillo Trail

Your day starts early this morning as you ride into the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve. This lush forest is teeming with incredibly diverse wildlife- keep one eye beside the trail in case you pass some local animals.

You’ll ride through the gorgeous green forest on a single track into the scenic river valley. Here you’ll meet your driver who will take you to tonight’s accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otavalo (2,532m / 8,307’)
Distance: 4-5 hours, about 37 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Take on the El Chota Trail

It’s a scenic drive past the impressive Ibarra and Imbabura Volcanos to get to today’s trail. The El Chota trail is rocky, so you’ll love the exciting twists, turns, and narrow passes on the bumpy terrain.

After your adrenaline-fueled ride, a car will meet you and take you back to the hacienda. This is your last night in Otavalo, so make sure you visit the incredible indigenous Otavalo Market, which is the largest of its kind.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otavalo (2,532m / 8,307’)
Distance: 2-3 hours, about 31.2 km, average 1,122m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Hot Springs and Spa

Today is to relax and recover, after a scenic drive over the eastern range of the Andes you will arrive at Papallacta, at the hots springs you can take a refreshing dip into varying pools of hot cold volcanic water, and reinvigorate your body, mind, and soul. If you so choose there are also optional services offered at the facility such as massages and facials. Within the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, where the springs reside, there are also many winding trails to explore for those of you who prefer to be more active. Along the trails, it is possible to see orchids, hummingbirds and other varying types of flora and fauna. In the afternoon you will head towards Cotopaxi province to spend the night.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Latacunga (2,700m / 8,858’)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 6 Ride the Volcanic Cotopaxi Trail

Today is another early morning as you drive down the spectacular Route of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano on the planet, and this beautiful volcano will be today’s playground!

You’ll be taking a sandy single track over the foothills surrounded by volcanic rock formations. You’ll have a picnic lunch with a view of some ancient Incan ruins. After lunch, the group can decide if you want to continue biking for a few more hours.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Riobamba (2,700m / 8,858’)
Distance: 2-3 hours, about 30 km, average 300 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 7 Los Hieleros Trail

Your destination today is the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, which is on the tallest volcano in Ecuador. Start off with a hike between the first and second basecamps which climbs 2000 meters in elevation to an incredible altitude of 5000 meters above sea level!

Now that you’re warmed up. it’s time to get on your bike and ride the Hieleros Trail. This sandy, rocky path leads into the Polylepis Forest towards Guaranda.

After a day of enjoying the contrast between the snowy peaks and the bright blue sky, you’ll be driven to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Guaranda (2,668m / 8,753’)
Distance: 2-3 hours, about 30 km, average 300m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 Ride the Mama Rumi Trail

Your last ride of this adventure is sure to be the highlight of your trip, as the Mama Rumi trail is known as one of the best mountain biking trails in South America.

You’ll get your adrenaline pumping as you descend from the switchbacks of the Andes all the way down to the coastal banana plantations. Enjoy every second! After your wild ride, you’ll be driven back to Quito for your farewell dinner.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito (2,850m / 9,350’)
Distance: 2-3 hours, about 23 km, average 2,106m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 9 Tour Ends in Quito

It’s time to check out after breakfast. Catch your flight home or continue to your next destination!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast