Fitness & riding
A reasonable level of fitness is enough — the riding is essentially downhill and the jeep takes the strain on climbs and transfers. Road riders and casual mountain bikers both thrive here.
The classic Ecuador crossing
5-Day Ecuador Bike Trip: Andes to Amazon
One week, four worlds: volcano páramo, the country's highest peak, cloud-forest orchid avenues and an Amazon river lodge — linked by Ecuador's finest traffic-free descents.
The Route at a Glance
- Day 1 — Cotopaxi National Park: a wild ride down to Lake Limpiopungo, wild horses and llama herds; night in a mountain chalet at Urbina.
- Day 2 — Chimborazo to Baños: descend from the 6,310 m giant's base camp through patchwork Andean villages; overnight in Baños, town of hot springs.
- Day 3 — Avenue of the Orchids: pedal east into the steamy Amazon basin to Puyo and Archidona; dinner and night in a jungle lodge on the river bank.
- Day 4 — Amazon basin: a rainforest walk with a Quichua guide — parrots, macaws, toucans — then cycle to Baeza and soak in the Papallacta thermal baths.
- Day 5 — Papallacta to Quito: the final 4,200 m pass and a spectacular ride down to Pifo. Farewell dinner energy in Quito.
Is This Ecuador Bike Trip for You?
Guaranteed departures
The trip is guaranteed with three or more riders, with meals (B, L), accommodation, bikes, transport and bilingual guides included. Private departures for two can be arranged on request.
When to ride
Ecuador rides well in every month — pack layers for the passes and rain gear for the jungle. Our packing list covers both worlds.
Five days, two worlds
From a volcano snowline to an Amazon river bank — reserve your place on Ecuador's classic bike crossing, or extend it with a Galapagos stay.