The grand Ecuador circuit
12-Day Mountain Bike Trip Itinerary
The complete Ecuador experience by mountain bike — Indian markets, a jungle lodge, the Avenue of Orchids, two 5,000-metre volcanoes and two days of white-water rafting. Trip rating: moderate.
The Route Day by Day
Ecuador is small enough to see everything in twelve days — and varied enough that every day feels like a new country. The itinerary below is the classic grand circuit; the support jeep and veteran bilingual guides take care of the rest.
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Quito, the colonial capital at 2,850 m. |
| Day 2 | After exploring the colorful market in Otavalo, we head to the crater lake of Cuicocha. The afternoon ride leads us back to Otavalo through quaint villages and striking views of the surrounding volcanoes. |
| Day 3 | Often taking advantage of the support vehicle on the uphill legs, we head eastwards to the jungle and the hot-springs town of Papallacta. Volcanoes Cayambe and Antisana watch over our every move. |
| Day 4 | A four-hour ride through lush rainforest to Punta Ahuano, gateway to the Amazon, and a canoe ride to the jungle lodge at the river bank. |
| Day 5 | A jungle hike accompanied by a Quechua Indian guide, deep in Amazon rainforest. |
| Day 6 | Bike from Punta Ahuano to Baños through the famous "Avenue of Orchids". |
| Day 7 | Free day in Baños — a chance to rest tired muscles in the hot springs, hike the surrounding hills, or relax in one of the town's lovely cafes. |
| Day 8 | Jeep to Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador, for far-reaching views. Ascent on foot to the refuge at 5,000 m, then a fine descent on the bike through patchwork fields. Night in hotel. |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park and the chance to bike down from the car park at 4,500 m. Ride the highlands to the Inca ruins. |
| Days 10/11 | After a night in Quito, the Río Toachi is our destination for a couple of days of white-water rafting. Transfer back to the colonial capital. |
| Day 12 | Transfer to the airport. Flight home. |
Thank you for a fun once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Ecuador! We were so lucky to have the Flying Dutchman himself as our guide. Everything else was amazing as well, especially the brownies.Laura Mittels Love, the "hard-core", although not Dutch, giggling mountain bikers
What the Tour Includes
This tour includes accommodation, a trip leader, full board on camping sections and breakfast throughout. Contact us for any additional information — and remember:
WE SPECIALIZE IN TOP QUALITY MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS!
See all of Ecuador — by bike
Twelve days, five volcano regions, one jungle river and a lifetime of stories. Reserve your spot on the grand tour.