Day 1 | Arrival in Quito, Ecuador

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You land in one of the highest capital cities on Earth. The air feels thinner, the light sharper. In the late afternoon, we gather for a welcome dinner - laughs over local food, early signs of camaraderie, and perhaps a first sense that this will be more than just a bike trip. The nerves are real, but so is the excitement.

To ensure a smooth arrival, a transfer from the airport to your hotel will be arranged based on your flight schedule, including transportation for your bike bag.  A bicycle mechanic is available at the hotel from 2 PM to 8 PM to help assemble bikes and fine-tune setups. There will also be a shorter shake-out ride at 4 PM.

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• Altitude: 8202 ft / 2500 m

• Shorter shake-out ride of approx. 12.4 mi / 20km on easy trails

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Day 2 | Latacunga Valley

 

After breakfast, we leave Quito behind and journey into the shadow of the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes. This is where the expedition truly begins and your acclimatization to the high Andes gets underway. After checking into our charming rural hacienda, we head out for our first ride, exploring the park's scenic gravel roads and volcanic landscapes. In the afternoon, we return to the hacienda to unwind, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

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• Riding distance: 28 mi / 45 km approx.

• Elevation gain/loss: +2,657 ft / +810 m | -2,657 ft / -810 m approx.

• Highest riding point: 12,795 ft / 3,900 m

 

Day 3 | Cotopaxi National Park​

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Morning ride up to Cotopaxi National Park. Our first ride here takes us across the park's vast volcanic landscapes, following quiet gravel roads through the windswept páramo beneath the towering snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi. Wild  horses, llamas, and soaring Andean birds are common sights as we settle into the rhythm of riding at altitude.

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The altitude is noticeable, but the scenery more than rewards the effort. After the ride, we settle into our accommodation inside the park, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest up for the adventures still to come.

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• Riding distance: 28 mi / 45 km approx.

• Elevation gain/loss: +2,953 ft / +900 m | -2,953 ft / -900 m approx.

• Highest riding point: 13,170 ft / 4,015 m

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Day 4 | Cotopaxi National Park​

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Today is dedicated to exploring more of the incredible landscapes that make Cotopaxi National Park one of South America's premier cycling destinations. We spend the day riding a network of quiet gravel roads and remote tracks that wind through the vast páramo.

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The terrain is a mix of flowing sections, gentle climbs, and rewarding descents, offering plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and soak in the scenery. 

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By late afternoon, we return to our comfortable ecolodge, where a warm meal and a well-earned rest await. With panoramic views of Cotopaxi Volcano right outside your window, it's the perfect place to relax, reflect on the day's adventure, and prepare for the journey ahead.

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• Riding distance: 25.0 mi / 40.3 km approx.

• Elevation gain/loss: +2,520 ft / +768 m | -2,520 ft / -768 m approx.

• Highest riding point: 13,170 ft / 4,015 m

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Day 5 | Latacunga to Isinliví

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Today we leave the volcanic landscapes behind and ride into the heart of Ecuador's rural Andes. After a short transfer to the day's starting point just after Latacunga, we begin pedaling along quiet backroads that wind through rolling farmland, traditional indigenous communities, and deep green valleys.

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The route is a mix of gravel roads, steady climbs, and exhilarating descents, with beautiful views everywhere. Along the way, you'll experience a slower pace of life, passing markets, grazing livestock, and fields that have been cultivated for generations.

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By afternoon, we arrive in the charming mountain village of Isinliví, a hidden gem perched high above the surrounding valleys. We settle into our cozy lodge, enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner, and unwind as the sun sets over the Andes.

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• Riding distance: 27.6 mi / 44.4 km approx.

• Elevation gain/loss: +5,315 ft / +1,620 m | -1,952 ft / -595 m approx.

• Highest point: 13533 ft / 4125 m 

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Day 6 | Toachi Canyon

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One of the advantages of spending two nights in the same place is the freedom to explore without packing up each morning. Today, we ride into the spectacular Toachi Canyon, following a mix of quiet gravel roads, rugged double track, and sections of singletrack. There will even be a few short hike-a-bike sections, adding a touch of adventure to the day. Expect incredible canyon views, remote rural communities, and an unforgettable ride that perfectly captures the wild spirit of the Ecuadorian Andes.

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• Riding distance: 22.7 mi / 36.5 km approx.

• Elevation gain/loss: +4,255 ft / +1,297 m | -4,255 ft / -1,297 m approx.

• Highest point: 10500 ft / 3200 m ​

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Day 7 | Isinliví to Quilotoa

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From the moment we roll out of Isinliví, the route climbs—steep, steady, and scenic. We wind through deep valleys and past tiny Andean farms clinging to the slopes. The air is thinner now, and every pedal stroke reminds you you’re earning this. Midway, the landscape opens up with sweeping views of the highlands and one of the entire journey's most spectacular views, the Quilotoa crater - an extinct volcano filled with emerald colored waters. Llamas graze, clouds drift low, and silence wraps the hills.

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After celebrating the day's ride, we load the bikes and transfer south toward the mighty Chimborazo Volcano, where a new landscape and the final chapter of our adventure await.

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• Riding distance: 18.8 mi / 30.3 km approx.

• Elevation gain/loss: +4,633 ft / +1,412 m | -1,604 ft / -489 m approx.

• Highest point: 12,684 ft / 3,866 m

 

Day 8 | Chimborazo Easy Ride

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As Ecuador's highest peak rises above the surrounding plains, you'll begin to appreciate the scale of tomorrow's adventure. We will head our for a shorter ride to make the most of the area, but make no mistake...this is a day of well deserved recovery before we test our endurance on the highest altitudes as we ride the Chimborazo area on the following morning. SPA

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By now, the altitude feels more familiar, allowing you to fully enjoy the rhythm of the ride and the incredible scenery that surrounds you. It's a fitting final day on the bike, with wide-open landscapes and endless mountain views accompanying every kilometre.​​

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• Riding distance: 21.7 mi / 35 km approx.

• Elevation gain/loss: +2,090 ft / +637 m | -2,090 ft / -637 m approx.

• Highest point: 11,509 ft / 3,508 m approx.

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Day 9 | Chimborazo Highlands & Farewell Ride

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Our final day begins with a morning transfer higher onto the slopes of Chimborazo, placing us deep in one of the most dramatic alpine landscapes in the Andes. From here, we set off on a memorable ride through wide-open volcanic terrain, where quiet gravel roads, grazing vicuñas, and breathtaking mountain vistas create the perfect finale to the expedition.

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With Ecuador's highest peak towering above us, the ride offers one last opportunity to soak in the beauty and solitude of the high Andes. The thin air, vast landscapes, and sense of remoteness make this a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable journey.

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After completing the ride, we return to our comfortable mountain lodge near Chimborazo for a final evening together.

 

• Riding distance: 34.3 mi / 55.2 km approx.

• Elevation gain/loss: +4,127 ft / +1,258 m | -4,934 ft / -1,504 m approx.

• Highest point: 14,393 ft / 4,387 m

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Day 10 | Departure Day

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It's time to load the vehicle for the journey back to the airport in Quito. After a delicious breakfast and one last look at the volcano, we load up and begin the long descent, this time by vehicle, and back to Quito. Bike bag transfer is included, so everything will travel with you. By now, the muscles are sore, the gear is dusty, and something inside you has shifted. You’ve ridden deep into the Andes, and it shows on your face.​

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A note about fitness: This adventure involves physical activity for an average of 6 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 6 to 8 hours a day. Please consult a doctor if you feel that this might be a challenge before booking.

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The entire tour is done in English.

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*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, National Parks regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.

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This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions