Due to the Ecuadorian topography and geographical diversity, sometimes shifting just in few hours, our country is one of the best destinations in South America for mountain biking. Our trips take visitors to the remotest sites, through beautiful natural areas, Indian villages, coastal fishing towns and jungle destinations. The designed trips range from easy scenic rides, to moderate downhill and cross country ones or the most technical routes for the experienced bike riders. We offer one day tours in the little used Andean trails or longer trips that go from the high Andes either to the lower coastal or jungle zones.  Some routes follow paved scenic roads and most offer several country yard routes and paths through forest, coast lines, highlands with snow caped volcanoes, deserts and moorlands, all these, awaiting for you.

Our trips are equipped with high quality bikes, helmets and gloves and joined by a 4 wheel drive vehicle. However, for the extremely dedicated mountain bikers, it might be advisable to bring their own bikes, equipment and gear.

See:

30 Bridges & El Cajas National Park
Biking to Ingapirca
Biking Cuenca
From High Moorland to Subtropical Desert
Cotopaxi Downhill
Biking down El Chimborazo
Biking the Sun´s Route

30 bridges & El Cajas National Park

Private, Any Day, Full Day

Early morning we drive up along the southern road into El Cajas National Park. This countryside road takes us into the mountains up to 4100m where we get off and start descending. The trip is full of beautiful landscapes carved by the Yanuncay River running next to the road, going from moorland, to cloud forest, farming land and through local villages before reaching the city. Optionally we could stop at a natural thermal spring for a relaxing hot bath. Mostly downhill. Basic to intermediate.

Visit also:

Biking to Ingapirca
Biking Cuenca
From High Moorland to Subtropical Desert
Cotopaxi Downhill
Biking down El Chimborazo
Biking the Sun´s Route

 

Biking to Ingapirca

Private, Any Day, Full Day

It is absolutely the best way to visit the main Inca complex in the country. The rural trail to Ingapirca follow part of the old train tracks combining stunning landscapes, farming areas and Cañari Indian culture. Mainly downhill. Basic to intermediate.

Shared Basis, Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun, Full Day

Both routes, 30 Bridges and Ingapirca apply for a group of minimum 4 passengers.

Visit also:

30 Bridges & El Cajas National Park
Biking Cuenca
From High Moorland to Subtropical Desert
Cotopaxi Downhill
Biking down El Chimborazo
Biking the Sun´s Route

Biking Cuenca

Shared Basis, Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun, HALF Day

Cuenca attracts visitors for its charming atmosphere, but most visitors only get to see the Old Historical town. However a lot of that charming is found in the new town too, since it has 4 rivers crossing the city, nice parks and natural sites as well as old buildings too.

So this trip intends to show the best of the new town, riding mostly along the river side trails and some secondary roads with very little traffic. The journey takes half a day and it is about 30 km long. The most interesting sites on route are: the broken bridge, Pumapungo the old Inca city, El Paraiso park with over 20 hectares of natural trails and greens, the old train tracks, Quinta Bolivar - where the liberator stayed while in Cuenca, San Joaquin the main grocery provider for Cuenca, the new architecture on private houses and El Barranco known for its hanging houses by the Tomebamba river. Basic riding.

Visit also:

30 Bridges & El Cajas National Park
Biking to Ingapirca
From High Moorland to Subtropical Desert
Cotopaxi Downhill
Biking down El Chimborazo
Biking the Sun´s Route

From High Moorland to Subtropical Desert

Private, Any Day, 2 Days / 1 Night

In the southern part of Ecuador we find several small, little used secondary roads that connect isolated villages and farming areas, which offer no interest for normal or heavy traffic. The 100Km road that drops 2000m, from Saraguro down to the Jubones dessert is a perfect example. The trip starts at high moorland ground and descends to a very fertile agricultural area inhabited by the Saraguro Indians. Then the second day we descend gradually to a dry forest, full of interesting plant and bird life and finally it crosses the Jubones inter-andean desert that drops down close to the lowlands level. The trip is full of excitement and adrenaline along the zigzagging dirt road.

Day 1: Cuenca – Nabon trails - Saraguro 
Day 2: Saraguro - Manu – Sumaypamba – Rio Jubones - Cuenca

Overview:

• 1 night at local hostel
• Moderate activities of 4 – 6 hours a day
• Intermediate biking skills required
• Highland and subtropical terrain elevations from 3000 to 1000 m
• Road conditions depending on the season could vary drastically. Some drives are along very steep cliffs.
• This trip is just an example of 1 specific route. Other routes from the highlands to the coast or jungle are also possible.

Visit also:

30 Bridges & El Cajas National Park
Biking to Ingapirca
Biking Cuenca
Cotopaxi Downhill
Biking down El Chimborazo
Biking the Sun´s Route

Cotopaxi Downhill

Private, Any Day, Full Day
Shared Basis, Any Day, Full Day

We leave Quito heading south for 80km on the famous Pan-American Highway with some spectacular photo stops on the way. Once at the National Park, we visit a small museum and then take you up on a 4 wheel drive to 4500m, from where your downhill Cotopaxi bike ride will begin.

From the high part, we could enjoy great views of 11 different surrounding mountains like the Antisana, Cayambe, and Illinizas. The bike ride brings you down to 3800m to then continue along the high Andean plains (moorland) where we will stop for a home made lunch. We continue riding through the low part of the park until we reach the Panamerican road again. The total ride length is 40km of downhill and cross country along a secondary dirt road full of excitement and adrenaline. Our most experienced riders have qualified this ride as the best one they have ever done, without being and extreme adventure, simply moderate. Intermediate riding.

Visit also:

30 Bridges & El Cajas National Park
Biking to Ingapirca
Biking Cuenca
From High Moorland to Subtropical Desert
Biking down El Chimborazo
Biking the Sun´s Route

Biking down El Chimborazo

Private, Any Day, Full Day

From the earth’s core this mountain is the highest in the world and biking it downhill is an unequalled experience. From Riobamba we drive in a 4WD vehicle to Carrel Brothers mountain refuge at 4800m of altitude. From here, if well acclimatized, you have the option of a short trek up to the glaciers at 5200m. Biking starts at 4800m down a trail not commonly used by visitors, letting us see closely the “front,” most impressive, widest and famous “face” of Chimborazo. On our way down we can spot vicuñas and other fauna in their natural habitat, observe the impressive La Chorrera canyon, ride through alternative backroads and have at our feet amazing views of Colta Lake, the Riobamba valley and great mountain ranges capped with six snowpeaks. Biking ends either in San Juan or Calpi for 44 Km and 3-4 hours of downhill. Then drive back to Riobamba. Trip for Intermediate to advanced bikers.

Visit also:

30 Bridges & El Cajas National Park
Biking to Ingapirca
Biking Cuenca
From High Moorland to Subtropical Desert
Cotopaxi Downhill
Biking the Sun´s Route

 

Biking the Sun´s Route

Private, Any Day, 5 Days / 4 Nights

The Sun’s route is definitely the nicest and most interesting part of the Ecuadorian coast. Now, imagine visiting all those highlights on a mountain bike. The paved road goes along the sea shore. However, on this trip we combine it with small inner trails going far from the coast, into the tropical forest mountains reaching hidden villages and amazing natural sites. This trip doesn’t require much experience, since it is easy riding (aprox 250 KM), but we do recommend a good physical shape. 

On route we pass several small fishing villages, which additionally to that economy, have developed a craft making culture with materials such as bamboo, straw, ceramics, limestone, recycled paper and sea shells. This coastal area has some of the most beautiful beaches with hundreds of kilometers to relax, walk and enjoy the sea side. Montañita is the surfing and social center for visitors with good food and several adventure activities offered.

Machalilla National Park extends 55000 ha, including La Plata island (home to nesting sea birds such as boobies, frigates, pelicans and albatross), great beaches like Los Frailes and La Playita, a big dry forest area, indigenous communities with archeological sites such as Agua Blanca and a big portion of tropical forest (San Sebastian) with giant trees and some mammals. Between June and September over 200 humpback whales come to this area in order to mate, offering great viewing opportunities for visitors.

Day 1: Manta – Pto Cayo
Day 2: Pto Cayo – Los Frailes beach - Agua Blanca – Pto Lopez
Day 3: Machalilla N P (La Plata Island and whale watching)
Day 4: Pto Lopez – Up Rio Ayampe - Montañita
Day 5: Montañita – Sta Elena – Guayaquil

The bike riding trip starts in Manta or Guayaquil and finishes in Guayaquil

Overview:

• Overnight at local hotels and lodges
• Moderate activities of 4 – 6 hours a day
• Intermediate biking skills required
• Entrance fee to sites in Machalilla N P

Visit also:

30 Bridges & El Cajas National Park
Biking to Ingapirca
Biking Cuenca
From High Moorland to Subtropical Desert
Cotopaxi Downhill
Biking down El Chimborazo