Ecuador Biking Adventure

We start off just 20 minutes from the capital city of Quito, in Tumbaco Valley. Here we find the entrance to an abandoned railway, which winds through some traditional neighborhoods and natural areas. This is not a strenuous ride, as we want to acclimatize a bit the first day. There are some slight ascensions, but this is mostly a level ride with gradual downhills.

If we are feeling okay with the altitude, and our energy permits, we will bike to Quitoloma in the afternoon. Here we find the ruins of a pre-Inca fortress. This ride has some uphill but is quite moderate overall. After the ruins we descend past Cayambe volcano for a stop at the equator, where we learn about the Imbaya culture.

Overnight at Hacienda Meals included: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast we ride our bikes through farmlands, where we can catch a glimpse of the daily tasks of the indigenous community Zuleta. The area is famous for cheese-making. We will get a chance to learn about their traditions and sample their product.

Afterwards, we will ride along a path taking us through the spiritually important village of Peguche, and arriving to Otavalo. This town brings together a large part of Ecuador’s indigenous community, and is full of culture and tradition. Here we will encounter South America’s largest handicraft market.

In the later afternoon we will head to a majestic hacienda, which is over three centuries old.

Overnight at a Hacienda Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Today our biking begins with a ride to Ibarra. This is an arid ecosystem, full of cacti and high-altitude crops. We descend on the Chota Valley, an area famous for its soccer culture.

In the afternoon we trade our trail for a rail. We climb aboard for a scenic and relaxing ride to the town of Salinas, where we will spend the night at the cozy Polylepis Lodge.

Overnight at Polylepis Lodge Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Today we will change things up a bit, and enjoy some hiking. There are some great trails through the El Angel Reserve, which is home to a well-preserved Polylepis forest. These tangled trees look like something from a storybook. Eventually, we find ourselves at a beautiful waterfall and a new ecosystem. After a break at the falls, we will hike out of the enchanted forest and enjoy lunch back at the lodge.

We will take a little break after lunch then mounts the bikes for a ride along the forest and eventually arrive to the small farming town of Ingueza. From here we will drive to the hacienda for a hearty meal and a deep slumber.

Overnight at Termas de Papallacta Spa & Resort Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner