Biking the Amazon Itinerary

Day 1 Ride Towards the Amazon

Your tour begins in Quito as you cycle south through lush pastures with the spectacular volcanic peaks in the background. You’ll be riding to Baños for a quick stop at the Swing at the Edge of the World. If you’re feeling brave, take on the ultimate treehouse swing experience!

From here you’ll ride to the lovely Bridal Veil Falls, and then finish the day off with a dramatic cable car ride over the Pastaza River Canyon. What a first day!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Baños
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, about 30 km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: None

Day 2 Bike through Llanganates National Park

This morning, a driver will take you up to Llanganates Park, where you’ll begin your bike ride for the day. The ride starts with an uphill stretch on a paved road, but soon you’ll be soaring down from the heights of the Andes into the Amazon Basin. Enjoy the fresh air and incredible views as you descend over 1500 meters!

At the end of the ride, you’ll visit the Pailon del Diablo. This impressive waterfall is the tallest in the country and is a beautiful place to relax after your ride.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Baños
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, about 30 km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Hola Vida Falls and Visit the Locals

Today you’ll be dropped off after an hour’s drive into the Pastaza Province. You’ll take a relaxed ride through the lush Amazon Basin towards a local fish farm. Here you’ll take a short tour to learn about the Paiche (Arapaima) fish, which can grow to over 10 feet and 500 pounds, making it the largest freshwater fish in the world.

Then you’ll ride out to Hola Vida Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the emerald green pool at its base. Lunch will be a taste of fresh traditional cuisine provided by a local family.

In the afternoon you’ll visit with Shuar indigenous community to learn about how they are preserving their culture and traditions. After such a busy day, you’ll enjoy the relaxing drive along the river to the hotel.
Overnight Location: Ecolodge in Tena
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, about 30 km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4 Bike and Hike to Meet Local Wildlife

This morning, you’ll ride to the AmaZoonico Animal Rehabilitation Center. Here you’ll learn about their efforts to return animals to the wild after they have been illegally taken from their homes. Take a jungle hike to meet the animal residents including monkeys, tapir, ocelots, and many more.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit with a local family from another indigenous group, the Kichwa. Learning about their traditions and hearing the stories of their ancestors will be a highlight of your Ecuadorian experience.
Overnight Location: Ecolodge in Tena
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, about 30 km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5 Hot Springs and Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the last morning of your tour. Then you’ll take a drive back up into the Andes for a visit to the Papallacta Hot Springs. Enjoy the healing volcanic hot springs and relax at the beautiful mountain spa. You can purchase treatments if you’re in the mood to indulge in a massage or facial while you’re here.

After your visit, you’ll be dropped off in Quito, which concludes your tour.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast