Included: An experienced, local bike guide with extensive knowledge of the area 7-day Ecuador bike tour Accommodation for 6 nights in double occupancy rooms (5-star hotel in Quito, 1 night in Papallacta Resort, 3 nights in Colonial Haciendas) 6 breakfasts 2 lunches 1 dinner Bike rental — Trek X caliber, 29 inches wheels, 10-speed Shimano Deore, rock shock suspension, hydraulic brakes, bontrager helmets Hands-on cultural experience Activities as in the itinerary: Biking in Cotopaxi NP, in Cayambe Coca ER, to Otavalo, into Pulilahua Crater Hiking in Papallacta Soaking in volcanic hot springs Add-ons : Single occupancy room — available to add at checkout Not included: Flights to Ecuador Airport transfers (international flights) Required immunizations — mandatory (yellow fever, hepatitis B, malaria) Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide and driver gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This Ecuador bike tour takes place in the country’s central and northern Andes. Good fitness is required as this adventure is rated as moderate to challenging . Cycling is primarily on dirt roads and singletrack, with one day on paved roads. Most rides are flat or downhill, with optional climbs available depending on the group’s fitness level. Guests who need a break can ride in the support vehicle while still enjoying the scenery and planned attractions.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Cycling shoes Comfortable cycling clothes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Ecuador bike tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12 :1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants . Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. If there’s no one to share a room with, paying the single occupancy fee will later on be required. Ecuador bike tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Ecuador bike tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this Ecuador bike tour is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. If there’s no one to share a room with , paying the single occupancy fee will later on be required.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Ecuador bike tour is Quito. To get there, most people fly into Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) . From there, you can take a shuttle service or public transport to reach Quito. You will meet your guide at 6 pm on Day 1 at the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

What about Ecuador's entry requirements?

All travellers entering/departing Ecuador and the Galapagos must complete the Customs Registration Form (FRA) digitally and in advance. This is a mandatory requirement by Ecuador’s National Customs Service (SENAE). Failure to present the FRA may result in penalties. How to complete the FRA: Visit the official website: https://www.aduana.gob.ec/ Go to: Servicio al Ciudadano → Para viajeros: Formulario de Registro Aduanero Create an account using your ID or passport number and a password. Complete the form (entry or exit) with your personal information and, if necessary, declare any goods. Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code which you must present during customs control. The FRA can be submitted up to 3 days before your travel date.

Do I need any vaccinations?

To help ensure a safe and comfortable journey, a few health precautions are required for this adventure. A yellow fever vaccination and hepatitis B vaccination are necessary to participate, along with malaria prevention medication as advised by your healthcare provider. We also recommend that routine immunizations—such as tetanus and diphtheria —are up to date, and that you consider additional vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid . Most travelers find these precautions easy to arrange, and your doctor or travel clinic can provide personalized guidance.

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Ecuador Bike Tour: Cross-Country Cycling in the Andes

7 days | Moderate to Challenging

From $2,097 ()

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Some countries are best seen from a window, but Ecuador isn’t one of them. Here, cycling puts you right inside the best views. This 7-day cross-country ride flows through the Andes from open volcano country to misty cloud forest, linking places that rarely share the same journey. We pedal beneath Cotopaxi and Cayambe, roll into the Pululahua crater, soak in Papallacta’s hot springs, and stay in historic haciendas rooted in the landscape. Cycling brings everything closer—shared meals, market visits, easy conversations, and time spent with local communities. Led by guides who know these roads intimately, the experience feels welcoming, grounded, and unmistakably Ecuadorian.

Jorge

Adventure Highlights

True cultural experience: Share meals, visit Otavalo’s indigenous market, and take part in a hands-on experience with local women’s weaving and cooking traditions
From volcanoes to cloud forest: Cycle beneath Cotopaxi and Cayambe, descend into the Pululahua crater, and ride through páramo, farmland, and lush Andean forests
Fully guided, fully supported: Experienced local guides, quality bikes, support vehicles, accommodations, and logistics are all taken care of—just ride and enjoy

Duration

7 days

Season

Year-round

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

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This Ecuador bike tour takes us deep into the Andes on a fully guided, cross-country ride shaped by landscape and culture! We pedal beneath active volcanoes, descend into cloud forest, soak in hot springs, and roll through small towns and indigenous communities. With local guides, quality bikes, and full support in place, the focus stays on the ride, the people we meet, and experiencing Ecuador from the inside out.

Day 1: Welcome to Quito

Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on the equator in a high Andean valley beneath the Pichincha volcano, Quito is considered the cultural capital of South America. Depending on arrival time, we may explore the historic old town and surrounding areas or simply rest and acclimatize. In the evening, we meet our trip leader in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing, where we review the adventure ahead and answer any questions. This day is dedicated to acclimatization and preparation.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar

Day 2: Biking in Cotopaxi

We travel south along the Pan-American Highway through the famous Avenue of Volcanoes, enjoying views of Cayambe, Antisana, Pichincha, Illinizas, Pasochoa, and Cotopaxi. Entering the national park, we learn about the páramo ecosystem before beginning our ride at high altitude. We bike along dirt roads surrounded by volcanic landscapes, wild horses, and remnants of Cotopaxi’s last eruption. Our ride continues on singletrack to the Pucara Inca Ruins, where lunch is prepared, before we transfer to Hacienda Santa Ana in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Santa Ana Hacienda

Day 3: Papallacta Hot Springs

After breakfast, we drive west into the Andes and stop at a hummingbird reserve, where we observe numerous species while enjoying a warm drink. We then continue to Papallacta, checking into cabins located beside the volcanic hot springs. In the afternoon, we hike through nearby cloud forest in search of orchids, bromeliads, and birdlife. The rest of the day is free to relax in the thermal pools or enjoy spa treatments surrounded by cool mountain air.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Termas Papallacta

Day 4: Biking in Cayambe Coca

We ride along a remote and rarely traveled road within the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, descending from high páramo into lower elevations. Along the way, we take in sweeping Andean views, farmland, and native wildlife, including deer and rabbits. The region is known for its agricultural traditions and pristine landscapes. We arrive at our historic hacienda in the early afternoon, with the option to take a short bike ride to the Equator monument to learn more about latitude zero.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guachalá Hacienda

Day 5: Biking to Otavalo & cultural experience

In the morning, we explore the cloud forest of the Cayambe Coca Reserve on foot, with opportunities to spot orchids and birdlife. We then visit the equatorial line before heading to Otavalo’s famous indigenous market. Later, we take part in a hands-on cultural experience at the Sacha WarmiKuna women’s project, where we share a traditional lunch, learn about textile weaving, and prepare local dishes together. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our historic hacienda and enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Las Palmeras Inn or similar

Day 6: Biking into Pululahua Crater

We travel south along the Pan-American Highway, stopping in Tabacundo to learn about Ecuador’s rose industry and in Guayllabamba to sample local fruits. Our bike ride begins in Yunguilla and descends into the Pululahua Crater, one of the few inhabited volcanic calderas in the world. Riding through cloud forest and dramatic volcanic formations, we finish at the crater’s center. After lunch, there is an optional hike out of the caldera before returning to Quito.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar

Day 7: Departure

Today our journey comes to an end. After breakfast, transfer on your own to the airport, taking home unforgettable memories of Ecuador. Or continue the journey on your own!

Meals: Breakfast

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Lodging

Comfortable hotel, resort, & haciendas

During the trip, we stay in a carefully selected mix of high-quality accommodations that reflect the character of each region. Our nights include a 5-star hotel in Quito, a stay at the renowned Papallacta Hot Springs Resort, and several nights in charming colonial haciendas, each offering comfort, atmosphere, and a strong sense of place. These accommodations provide welcoming spaces to relax after active days, often featuring peaceful surroundings and thoughtful service. A single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee.

You can find day-by-day accommodations in the itinerary, but please note that these are subject to availability. If unavailable, other accommodations of the same quality and comfort will be used.

Adventure, packed to go

Ecuador Bike Tour: Cross-Country Cycling in the Andes

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Jorge

Jorge grew up climbing mountains, swimming in rivers, playing beneath waterfalls, and relaxing on the beach. Today, he is grateful to continue doing what he loves—now as his profession and the livelihood of his family—while sharing the beauty of the country he was born in and deeply loves: Ecuador.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local bike guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7-day Ecuador bike tour
  - Accommodation for 6 nights in double occupancy rooms (5-star hotel in Quito, 1 night in Papallacta Resort, 3 nights in Colonial Haciendas)
  - 6 breakfasts
  - 2 lunches
  - 1 dinner
  - Bike rental — Trek X caliber, 29 inches wheels, 10-speed Shimano Deore, rock shock suspension, hydraulic brakes, bontrager helmets
  - Hands-on cultural experience
  - Activities as in the itinerary:
    
    Biking in Cotopaxi NP, in Cayambe Coca ER, to Otavalo, into Pulilahua Crater
    
    Hiking in Papallacta
    
    Soaking in volcanic hot springs
Add-ons:
- - Single occupancy room — available to add at checkout
Not included:
- - Flights to Ecuador
  - Airport transfers (international flights)
  - Required immunizations — mandatory (yellow fever, hepatitis B, malaria)
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide and driver gratuities — optional
This Ecuador bike tour takes place in the country’s central and northern Andes. Good fitness is required as this adventure is rated as moderate to challenging. Cycling is primarily on dirt roads and singletrack, with one day on paved roads. Most rides are flat or downhill, with optional climbs available depending on the group’s fitness level. Guests who need a break can ride in the support vehicle while still enjoying the scenery and planned attractions.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Cycling shoes
  - Comfortable cycling clothes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Ecuador bike tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
  - Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. If there’s no one to share a room with, paying the single occupancy fee will later on be required.
Ecuador bike tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Ecuador bike tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Ecuador bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. If there’s no one to share a room with, paying the single occupancy fee will later on be required.
The starting point of your Ecuador bike tour is Quito. To get there, most people fly into Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO). From there, you can take a shuttle service or public transport to reach Quito.

You will meet your guide at 6 pm on Day 1 at the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
All travellers entering/departing Ecuador and the Galapagos must complete the Customs Registration Form (FRA) digitally and in advance. This is a mandatory requirement by Ecuador’s National Customs Service (SENAE). Failure to present the FRA may result in penalties.

How to complete the FRA:
1. 1. Visit the official website: https://www.aduana.gob.ec/
  2. Go to: Servicio al Ciudadano → Para viajeros: Formulario de Registro Aduanero
  3. Create an account using your ID or passport number and a password.
  4. Complete the form (entry or exit) with your personal information and, if necessary, declare any goods.
  5. Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code which you must present during customs control.
The FRA can be submitted up to 3 days before your travel date.
To help ensure a safe and comfortable journey, a few health precautions are required for this adventure. A yellow fever vaccination and hepatitis B vaccination are necessary to participate, along with malaria prevention medication as advised by your healthcare provider. We also recommend that routine immunizations—such as tetanus and diphtheria—are up to date, and that you consider additional vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid. Most travelers find these precautions easy to arrange, and your doctor or travel clinic can provide personalized guidance.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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