Ecuador Bike Expedition 2026
Ride across rugged Andean highlands. Ascend into thin-aired mountain passes. Pedal through cloud forests, volcanic valleys, and untamed páramo.
October 17 - 25, 2026
Price: US$ 3695
All-Inclusive
Beautiful haciendas and cozy mountain lodges, airport transfers, daily luggage transfers, all main meals, professional guiding, packing list, and much more. Full details below.
A 30% deposit is due to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the start of the expedition.
(View the cancellation policy below in the section "Price and Details")
Your Host: Ryan Van Duzer
Ryan has been traveling the world by bicycle for 20 years and documenting his adventures on YouTube. His channel highlights the natural beauty of the world while giving viewers an intimate look into different cultures. His goal is to inspire people to get out and challenge themselves.
Wild terrain, high altitudes, and quiet places. This is a journey that works the legs and stirs the soul.
Over nine days, this expedition weaves through some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in the Andes. From the cloud forests of Mindo to the soaring volcanic slopes of Quilitoa and Cotopaxi, you will ride through places where time slows down and nature takes over.
Joining us on this adventure is Ryan Van Duzer, a passionate cyclist and storyteller, whose energy and love for exploration are contagious. With Ryan as part of the crew, expect a trip filled with inspiration, good vibes, and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after the ride is over.
Expect steady climbs, thrilling descents, and a silence that seeps into your bones. With luggage transfers, your bike will be light, so you can fully enjoy the trails without extra weight slowing you down. You will sleep in cozy mountain lodges and rural haciendas, enjoy great meals, and spend your days pedaling through unforgettable terrain.
The Ecuadorian Andes are wild and wildly diverse. You will find green valleys wrapped in mist, towering volcanoes capped with snow, and golden páramo plains. You will pass through indigenous villages, cross ancient trading routes, and see how life continues at altitude, shaped by tradition and the rhythm of the land. Around every bend, a new vista opens, one more reason to pause, breathe, and take it all in.
The altitude will humble you, the beauty will lift you, and somewhere out there, between gravel switchbacks and high alpine skies, you will feel it, that deep, quiet joy of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
Why travel with us
As a family-run business, we pour our hearts into every detail, knowing this is more than just a trip—it’s your dream, the effort you’ve put into preparing, and precious time away from your loved ones. We’re dedicated to creating unforgettable adventures at fair value, ensuring you get the most out of your journey. Your trust means everything to us, and we’re honored to be part of your adventure.
Take a look at some reviews from our past guests—we encourage you to get in touch with them to hear about their experiences.
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you are a cyclist who enjoys adventure, gravel paths, and the rhythm of long days on a bike, this expedition is for you. Our tours are more than just rides, they are immersive journeys that challenge you physically and reward you with new friends, unforgettable landscapes, and deep personal connections. If you crave movement, exploration, and growth, you have found the right experience.
Are we changing lodges each day?
This tour is designed around a Base Camp model, meaning that we spend 2-3 nights in most lodges and do day rides starting and finishing at the same lodge. This ensures that we don't have the stress of moving accommodation each day and can make sure we get time to relax, rest, and recover.
What are the lodges like?
This entire tour is lodged in beautiful haciendas and cozy mountain lodges. For more details, see the Accommodation section below.
How much gear do I need to bring on the bike?
This expedition uses a Base Camp model, meaning that we do day rides starting and finishing at the same lodge. So you only need to carry a day pack while riding—whether that’s a backpack, frame pack, saddle pack, or a combination.
What is the pace on a biking expedition?
Picture a weeklong ride with friends. This isn’t a race, it’s an adventure. You don’t need to be a pro cyclist or have expert technical mountain biking skills, but you should be able to spend 6-8 hours in the saddle every day and manage the terrain and distances outlined in the itinerary. The focus is on enjoying the journey, embracing the challenge, and experiencing the Andes up close, one pedal stroke at a time.
We've planned the trip so that when you reach the next overnight accommodation, you will have time to unwind, enjoy a beer, read a book, and savor the breathtaking views.
How technical are the rides?
Our expedition follows some of the (in)famous Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route, blended with some of our own favorite trails. While it’s not a technical singletrack challenge, it’s a true backcountry adventure that demands skill, endurance, and confidence on rugged terrain.
Most of the route traces remote dirt roads, gravel tracks, and ancient cobblestones, with occasional steep hike-a-bike sections, especially at higher elevations. Trail conditions vary widely: surfaces can be rough, loose, or muddy depending on the weather, and long climbs and descents are part of each day. You’ll frequently navigate washouts, deep ruts, and volcanic rock underfoot.
You won’t need advanced mountain biking skills, but you should be comfortable riding bikes over uneven ground, ready for long days in the saddle, and prepared to be in isolated highland terrain where help is often far away.
In short, the expedition isn’t highly technical, but it is physically demanding and remote. Riders should be confident, resilient, and ready for some push or carry moments. The payoff? Stunning, raw Andean landscapes and the deep satisfaction of crossing the mountains entirely under your own power.
What type of bike is recommended?
We recommend a mountain bike. If you are a very confident rider, then you can do the tour on a sturdy drop-bar gravel bike, too. Here’s why:
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Versatile tires: Aim for tires at least 2.1" (53 mm) wide, though wider tires around 2.3 to 3 inches will add extra comfort and control on rougher surfaces. Good tread is essential to handle dirt roads, gravel, cobblestones, and occasional rough patches.
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Low gearing: A wide-range drivetrain with low gearing is a must-have for tackling steep climbs and the varied altitudes you’ll encounter. If you're running 1x gearing, a 10-51T cassette, and a chainring with 30T or 32T is recommended.
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Packs: Since your main luggage is transported between lodges, you only need to carry a day pack while riding—whether that’s a backpack, frame pack, saddle pack, or a combination.
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Suspension: Front or full suspension is highly recommended for Ecuador, especially on longer stretches of ancient cobblestone where comfort and control matter.
Road bikes aren’t suited for this journey. You’ll need something rugged and reliable—built to handle rough terrain, steep climbs, and the remote conditions we’ll face. A road bike simply won’t get you through it.
We don’t accept e-bikes on this trip. We love the simplicity and rhythm of traditional bikes—part of what makes our journeys special is the raw connection to the landscape, the shared pace, and the rewarding effort it takes to reach each place. For that reason, we don’t accept e-bikes. On top of that, charging can be unpredictable in the remote areas we explore, and we want to keep things smooth and self-sufficient for everyone.
What is the weather like?
October is in the transition period from the dry season to the rainy season in Ecuador’s highlands (with the wet season peaking in March and April). The mornings in October typically have clear skies, dry weather, and pleasant temperatures, whereas the afternoons often see the clouds roll in. October offers fantastic riding conditions, although sometimes varied.
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In the valleys: Temperatures are mild and warm, typically ranging from 59°F to 77°F / 15°C to 25°C during the day (remember that this is close to the Equator and at altitude, so the strong sun will make those temperatures feel hot). Rain showers are not frequent, but occasional drizzle or short bursts of rain can occur. Nights are cooler but not cold.
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In the mountains: Weather can be much more changeable and cooler, with daytime temperatures often between 41°F to 59°F / 5°C and 15°C, dropping close to or below freezing at night, especially at higher elevations.
Because of this huge range of temperatures and weather, layering is key. Be prepared for mixed weather conditions at altitude, while enjoying more stable, pleasant weather down in the valleys.
What if I am traveling solo?
At least 40% of our groups consist of solo travelers. One of the best parts of these adventures is the sense of connection that forms on the trail.
I am a woman and want to come on this trip solo
You don’t need to rely on friends or a partner to travel and have fun. We understand that traveling solo can be intimidating, but it might help to know that we often see a 50/50 gender ratio on our tours. Take the leap, and we guarantee you won’t regret it! You will feel empowered, free, and you'll wonder why you haven’t traveled solo before.
Guides
You’ll be guided by some of the best and most experienced guides who know the Andes inside and out, all certified. They’re passionate about their work and committed to keeping you safe while ensuring you fully enjoy the adventure. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
Please ensure that your physical condition aligns with the itinerary below. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
Itinerary
9 Days
Total Riding Distance: 170 miles / 270 km (approx.)
Total Elevation Gain 22000 ft / 6700 m (approx.)
Base Camp Tour
This bike tour uses a base camp model, designed for comfort, flow, and daily exploration.
Instead of moving accommodation every night, we stay in several carefully selected lodges and haciendas, spending 2-3 nights at each. This allows you to ride light, settle in, and fully experience each region. Your main luggage stays put, while you head out each day on loop rides or point-to-point routes with support.
The result is less packing, better recovery, and more time to enjoy the riding, the surroundings, and the people you’re sharing the journey with.
Day 1 | Arrival Day | Quito, Ecuador
You arrive in one of the highest capital cities on Earth. The air feels thinner. The light sharper. There is an immediate sense that your body is somewhere new.
In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner. Local food, easy conversation, first laughs. Nerves mix with excitement as the group comes together and the journey begins to feel real. It becomes clear early on that this is more than just a bike trip.
To ensure a smooth arrival, airport transfers are arranged according to your flight schedule, including transport for your bike bag. A professional bicycle mechanic is available at the hotel from 2 PM to 8 PM to help assemble bikes and fine-tune setups.
Altitude: 9,515 ft / 2,900 m
Day 2 | Quito Acclimatization Ride – Transfer to Mindo
Our first ride is designed to ease you into the altitude and the rhythm of riding in Ecuador. Every Sunday, Quito closes one of its main north–south arteries to car traffic and opens it entirely to cyclists. What follows is a celebration of cycling, movement, and community. We ride through one of the best-preserved colonial city centers in Latin America, surrounded by historic architecture and local life. The pace is relaxed, but the altitude gently reminds you that you are far from sea level. We finish in the historic center and enjoy lunch featuring local specialties. In the early afternoon, we load the bikes and leave the city behind, descending toward the lush cloud forest of Mindo. On arrival, we settle into our lodge and gather again for dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Riding distance: 20.5 mi / 33 km
Elevation gain: +1,720 ft / + 524 m
Highest riding point: 11,660 ft / 3,555 m
Day 3 | Mindo – Cloud Forest Ride
This is your first true test, and one of the most memorable days of the trip. Cycling here feels immersive and alive. Cool, damp air. Drifting mist. Dense green tunnels where moss hangs from branches and orchids cling to trees. Birdsong replaces traffic noise. The terrain constantly rolls, with short, punchy climbs followed by smooth descents through the forest. This is not about speed. It’s about rhythm and awareness. We ride a mix of dirt roads and singletrack, crossing small streams and exploring all sides of the valley. The route allows flexibility for those who want to shorten the day. Midway through, we switch bikes for boots and hike down into a deep canyon to a beautiful waterfall. Here we swim, rest, and enjoy packed lunches. Afterwards, we return by bike to the lodge. The afternoon is free for rest, reflection, or a swim in the pool.
Riding distance: 26.1 mi / 42 km
Elevation gain: +2,890 ft / +881 m
Highest riding point: 5,200 ft / 1,585 m
Day 4 | Mindo – Cloud Forest Ride – Transfer to Isinliví
After breakfast, we load our main luggage into the support vehicle and set off on bikes once more, riding through deep cloud forest toward Los Bancos. The dirt roads roll, climb, and roll again. It’s long, varied, and breathtaking. At times, it is quiet enough to hear your own heartbeat. At Los Bancos, we meet the support vehicle, enjoy our packed lunches, and then settle in for a drive into the dramatic highlands of the Toachi Canyon. We end the day at a beautiful lodge perched on a plateau overlooking the canyon.
Riding distance: 24.9 mi / 40 km
Elevation gain: +4,260 ft / +1,299 m
Highest riding point: 5,905 ft / 1,800 m
Day 5 | Isinliví – Highland Ride
Today is a circular ride that unfolds slowly and stays with you. We roll out of Isinliví on quiet gravel roads and climb higher. The ride plateaus and then descends toward the Toachi Canyon. The drop is long and flowing. High páramo grasses give way to steeper canyon walls and warmer air. Crossing the canyon is the heart of the ride. It’s expansive and humbling. The climb toward Chugchilán is steady and honest, definitely beyond the limit of what a hike-a-bike is for most. Views open back across the canyon as you gain height. Reaching the village feels earned. Lunch in Chugchilán is local and grounding. Warm food, a pause, a chance to sit and breathe. The return to Isinliví completes the loop under a different light, with a different mood. Legs are tired but settled. By the time you roll back into the village, the day feels whole.
Riding distance: 22.7 mi / 36.5 km
Elevation gain: +4,255 ft / +1,297 m
Highest riding point: 10,470 ft / 3,190 m
Day 6 | Isinliví – Quilotoa Crater – Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park
From the moment we roll out of Isinliví, the gravel track climbs. Steep, steady, and scenic. We wind through deep valleys and past small Andean farms clinging to the slopes. The air is thinner now, and every pedal stroke feels earned. Near the top at 12,685 ft / 3,866 m, the landscape opens dramatically, revealing one of the most striking sights of the journey: the Quilotoa crater, an extinct volcano filled with emerald-colored water. Llamas graze nearby. Clouds drift low. Silence settles in. We enjoy a traditional high-Andean lunch at the crater rim and take time to explore on foot before loading the bikes and transferring to a beautiful lodge near Cotopaxi National Park.
Riding distance: 18.6 mi / 30 km
Elevation gain: +4,640 ft / +1,412 m
Highest riding point: 12,685 ft / 3,866 m
Day 7 | Cotopaxi National Park
Now at a higher altitude, our careful acclimatization begins to pay off. We ride into Cotopaxi National Park, where wide plains stretch beneath the massive volcano. Alpacas and wild horses dot the landscape. Condors trace slow circles overhead. We complete a beautiful loop through this high-Andean environment, stopping at a beautifully situated mountain lodge for a hearty meal before continuing our exploration and eventually returning to our base camp lodge.
Riding distance: 25.5 mi / 41 km
Elevation gain: +1,850 ft / +563 m
Highest riding point: 12,795 ft / 3,900 m
Day 8 | Cotopaxi National Park – Final Ride
Today brings the highest riding elevation of the journey and a fitting finale. If conditions allow, we focus on challenging singletrack that winds through the highlands. After rain, these trails can turn into mud baths. When conditions are wet, we have drier alternatives. Expect singletrack, dirt roads, river crossings, and expansive views. Clouds brush the ridgelines. The terrain feels wild and open. We ride above 4,000 meters, and lunch is enjoyed out in the open, far from roads and villages. In the late afternoon, we return to our lodge for rest, pack up our bikes, and have a final celebration dinner. The mood is reflective. Proud. Loudly joyful.
Riding distance: 29.8 mi / 48 km
Elevation gain: +2,350 ft / +716 m
Highest riding point: 13,170 ft / 4,015 m
Day 9 | Departure Day
After breakfast and one last look at the Cotopaxi volcano, we load the vehicles and begin the journey back to Quito. Bike bag transfer is included, so everything travels with you.
Muscles are sore. The gear is dusty. And something inside you has shifted. You’ve ridden deep into the Andes, and it shows. Airport drop-off at around 1 PM.
A note about fitness
This adventure involves physical activity for an average of 5 to 8 hours per day. To participate comfortably in the tour, you will require a good level of fitness. To make a self-assessment of whether or not this is for you, you should consider yourself to be in good shape, be accustomed to biking, and be able to do it comfortably for at least 5 to 8 hours a day. Please consult a doctor if you feel that this might be a challenge before booking.
The entire tour is done in English.
*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, National Parks regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
Accommodation
Throughout the expedition, we’ll stay in a mix of charming haciendas and cozy lodges, each offering a unique atmosphere that reflects the landscapes around them. Some even have spas, perfect for unwinding after a day on the trail. All are well-kept, comfortable, and serve delicious, hearty meals, just what you need after a day of adventure.
How Challenging ?
This expedition has a high effort rating. It is a challenging adventure where we can expect 18 - 34 miles / 30 - 55 km daily, 6 - 8 hours of biking per day, with up to +5000ft / +1500m of elevation gain and up to 13200ft / 4000m of riding altitude. This expedition is not a race; we will ride at a fun social pace. But make no mistake, the daily distances, the high altitude, and some sustained strenuous climbs will make this a challenging but rewarding ride. Previous multiday biking experience and a good level of riding fitness are required.
Price and Details
The tour includes:
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Everything described in the itinerary
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All of the scheduled activities
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Transport from Quito Airport to the first hotel (including transfer of bike bags)
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Transport from the last hotel to Quito Airport (including transfer of bike bags)
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Storage of bike bags during the tour and transport of the bike bags to the final hotel
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All accommodations during the tour. You will be lodged in twin, triple, or quadruple rooms (this is due to our lodging in remote mountain lodges).
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Luggage transfers between accommodations
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Space in the luggage transfer vehicle in case of injury or if you feel like taking a break for a day
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All main meals during the tour (starting with dinner on Day 1 and finishing with breakfast on Day 9)
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Online Safety Briefing before the tour
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Personal attention before and during your trip
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Packing List
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Guiding from a Guide
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Amazing trails & beautiful landscapes
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A bike mechanic will be available to assemble your bike on the arrival day between 2 PM and 8 PM. If you arrive outside these hours, you need to be able to assemble your bike yourself.
The tour excludes:
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Transport to Quito (e.g. flights)
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Any fees associated with Visa applications (most nationalities do not require a Visa to enter Ecuador)
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Single room supplement
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Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for outdoor sports, such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.
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Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
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Expenses for extra activities, such as massages, spas, sauna, hot tub
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Tips for the local guides
Price: USD 3695
A 30% deposit is due to secure your spot, the remaining balance is due 90 days before the start of the trip. Once the trip is confirmed, your deposit is non-refundable, however, it can be transferred to any other trip until 90 days before the start.
Participants:
Minimum 8 - maximum 14
Start: Oct 17, 2026, all-day pick-up, at Quito Airport (Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre). Please arrive before 2 PM to be able to join the welcome dinner at 7 PM.
End: Oct 25, 2026, around 1 PM, at Quito Airport (Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre)
Trip Status: Pending!
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
This tour is operated by Terra Expeditions LLC and governed by the Terms and Conditions
Cancellation policy:
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Trip pending: a 30% deposit payment is fully refundable
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Trip confirmed: The 30% deposit payment is now non-refundable. You can transfer it to another trip within the next year, as long as it's more than 90 days before your original trip's start date.
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90 days or less before the trip starts: no refunds and no transfers.
Travel insurance is required for all of our trips. Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances)