Lodge Class
Andean hacienda
Program Duration
5 Days
Community/Zone
Andes
Activity Level
Challenging
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Lodge Class
Program Duration
Community/Zone
Activity Level
The perfect combination of moderate & extended biking days, a wide range of biodiversity, and charming hacienda stays. Adventurous travelers will feel Ecuador’s natural energy while gliding down Andean slopes, cruising the cloud forest, riding forgotten railways, and soaking in the mist of a tropical jungle.
The landscapes are unforgettable. We will encounter active volcanoes, crater lakes, wildlife, and visit remote indigenous villages. Adventure seekers will find all of their senses peaking on this biodiverse excursion.
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
Our last day has visiting the stunning surroundings of Mojanda, where we visit three crater lakes. Today’s ride will be more labor-intensive than the previous days. A lot of riding, and steep downhill, will be rewarded with beautiful landscapes that change from dry forest to cloud forest along the way.
We will grab a traditional lunch in the town of Guayllabamba on our way back to Quito.
Overnight at Andean Hacienda Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Rates – Per Person | Haciendas |
2 Passengers | $ |
3 Passengers | $ |
4 Passengers | $ |
5+ Passengers | $ |