Cycling in Colombia and Ecuador

All participants are expected to arrive at Hotel Ibis Chía, located north of Bogotá (approximately one hour from El Dorado International Airport).

The hotel is conveniently situated next to a shopping center featuring a Decathlon store—ideal for picking up any last-minute gear that couldn’t be brought on the flight—as well as reliable currency exchange services, allowing participants to organize everything before the tour begins.

Arrival transfers from El Dorado Airport are included.

In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner (included), where we’ll introduce the itinerary, go over key details, and get everyone ready for the adventure ahead.

Please note: the airport transfer service is only provided for participants arriving on the first day of the tour. We are happy to assist in arranging transportation for those arriving earlier, but this cost is not included in the tour package.

We depart at 9:00 AM for a short 30-minute transfer to Zipaquirá, home to Colombia’s largest salt mine. Internationally renowned for its history and the impressive underground cathedral carved within the mine, this unique site offers a fascinating introduction to the region. (Entrance not included. The visit inside the mine takes approximately 1.5 hours.)

After the visit, we continue by transfer (around 1 hour) to Guasca, a small Andean town located north of Bogotá. Surrounded by rolling mountains and crisscrossed by quiet dirt roads, it provides the perfect setting to begin our cycling journey in a scenic valley of the Eastern Andes.

Following lunch (included), we will set up and adjust our bikes before heading out for an introductory ride in the afternoon. This first ride is designed to gently test our legs and see how our bodies respond to the altitude, at approximately 2,800 meters above sea level.

After breakfast, we will leave our main luggage at reception and set off by bike toward Guatavita. For the ride, we recommend carrying only the essentials in a small daypack, while valuables can be safely stored in the support vehicles.

Today’s route takes us along scenic countryside roads toward this charming colonial-style town, beautifully located on the shores of the Tominé Reservoir. It’s a rewarding ride through classic Andean landscapes, with a steady mix of climbs and rolling terrain.

Meanwhile, our support team will transfer the main luggage from Guasca and meet us in Guatavita. From there, we continue by vehicle on a 2.5-hour transfer to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most iconic heritage towns, known for its preserved colonial architecture and cultural significance.

After breakfast, we take a short 25-minute transfer to Ráquira, a colorful town famous for its traditional pottery and artisan crafts. We’ll have around 30 minutes to explore on foot, browse the vibrant shops, and soak in the local atmosphere.

From here, we begin our ride across the striking landscapes of the Desierto de la Candelaria. This stage includes the most challenging climb of the entire tour, rewarded with unique scenery and a real sense of adventure. Along the way, we’ll visit intriguing sites such as the Patio de Brujas and the Mano del Artesano (entrance not included).

We then cycle back to Villa de Leyva, where lunch is included.

The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace—wander through the cobbled streets, admire the colonial architecture, or simply relax in one of Colombia’s most charming towns. We recommend a visit to the Museo del Chocolate (not included) for a fun and interactive experience.

After breakfast, we set off cycling north from Villa de Leyva into a lush and increasingly mountainous landscape. The route gradually climbs along quiet roads leading to the hidden village of Gachantivá, offering a beautiful contrast to the previous day’s desert scenery.

Along the way, we pass through farms, cultivated fields, small streams, and stretches of native forest, riding at the foothills of Parque Natural Regional Iguaque. This region is rich in biodiversity and Andean charm, making for a varied and rewarding day in the saddle.

A highlight of the day is a fun and memorable sky-bike experience, followed by a relaxing picnic lunch in nature.

We then complete a scenic circular route back to Villa de Leyva.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a Colombian coffee tasting, a perfect way to unwind while learning more about one of the country’s most iconic products.

After breakfast, we check out and leave our luggage at reception before setting off on a scenic ride through the surrounding farmland of Villa de Leyva.

Our first stop is El Infiernito, a fascinating pre-Columbian astronomical site once used by the Muisca civilization. We then continue cycling to the historic Monasterio del Ecce Homo, where we’ll pause for a short visit and a light refreshment.

From here, we ride on to Viñedo Ain Karim, where we’ll enjoy a tasting of locally produced Colombian wines followed by lunch (included).

In the afternoon, we transfer back to Bogotá (approx. 3 hours).

Arrival day and group meeting at the hotel in Quito, Ecuador. A single group transfer from the airport to the hotel will be provided.

Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, you may leave your luggage at reception and enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services while waiting for your room to be ready. Lunch is not included. 

Quito’s historic center is a must-see destination, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The best way to get there is by using the new and modern Quito Metro.

We will stay in touch to arrange the bike fitting in the afternoon. One of our guides will accompany you from the hotel to the fitting location.

After the fitting, we will head to a welcome dinner (included), where you will meet the team and receive an introduction to the adventure ahead. Overnight in Quito.

We depart very early from Quito and, after about an hour and a half along the Pan-American Highway, we arrive at Cotopaxi National Park, where we begin our ride at 3,500 meters.

From here, there are two riding options. The first follows a rustic trail that will appeal to riders comfortable handling small obstacles such as rocks and shallow streams. The second option is an easier dirt road with stunning views of the volcano, accompanied by the support vehicle. We will meet at a natural spring for a snack before descending to the base of Cotopaxi. This first ride covers approximately 15 km, offering a true connection with nature. The ride ends at a mountain refuge, where we will enjoy a typical local dish.

For this day, we recommend wearing long cycling pants (not shorts or padded liners), along with two base layers and a windbreaker. Neck protection, full gloves, and sunglasses are also advised.

Transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon to explore the area. Overnight in Riobamba.

After breakfast, we begin the day with a 1-hour transfer to the starting point of our ride.

Our first descent begins at the refuge, riding down to the base through a striking lunar-like landscape, where rocky trails and the imposing presence of Cotopaxi Volcano create an unforgettable setting.

We then continue with a 25-minute transfer to the southern side of the volcano, where the second ride begins—a thrilling 30 km descent through a canyon, following a river along a quiet secondary paved road.

After the ride, we enjoy a typical lunch in Ambato, before transferring to our hotel in Baños de Agua Santa, widely known as Ecuador’s adventure tourism capital.

The afternoon and evening are free to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, we set out on a bike-based city tour, exploring the vibrant surroundings of Baños de Agua Santa while getting a feel for its unique blend of nature and adventure culture. From there, we continue our ride on a scenic 20 km descent toward the iconic Pailón del Diablo, one of the most emblematic waterfalls in the country. Along the way, we pass lush vegetation, waterfalls cascading from steep canyon walls, and viewpoints that invite us to pause and take in the landscape.

After visiting the waterfall, we enjoy a typical local lunch before beginning a 2-hour transfer toward the Amazon region, where the scenery gradually transforms into dense tropical rainforest. Upon arrival, we are welcomed by the sounds and sights of the local fauna, a clear sign that we have entered a completely different ecosystem.

From here, we hop back on our bikes for a final 13 km ride along jungle paths leading to our lodge, beautifully set in the heart of the rainforest. Surrounded by nature, this is the perfect place to unwind—whether relaxing by the pool, listening to the jungle, or simply enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Amazon.

After breakfast, we set out by canoe, navigating along the river until we reach a small island where we will learn about—and taste—artisanal chocolate prepared with a local indigenous community.

We then continue by boat to a hidden river port deep in the jungle. Here, we enjoy a typical lunch by the riverside (included), surrounded by the sounds and scenery of the rainforest.

In the afternoon, we begin a 30 km ride combining paved and dirt roads, gradually making our way back to our lodge for a second night in this unique setting.

The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore. You may choose to take a guided walk through the jungle or unwind at the lodge’s spa, where optional massages are available.

After breakfast, we begin a 2-hour transfer to Baeza, where we stop to enjoy a traditional tortilla.

We then continue with a 40-minute transfer to Papallacta Hot Springs, the most famous thermal complex in Ecuador (entrance optional), where you can relax and enjoy the therapeutic and rejuvenating properties of its mineral-rich waters. A typical lunch is included.

In the afternoon, we drive for approximately 1 hour to Cumbayá, where we begin a scenic 30 km ride along an ecological trail built on a former railway line, now transformed into a cycling path. This route offers beautiful Andean landscapes, passing through tunnels, viewpoints, and areas of pleasant, temperate climate.

End of Itinerary - want to add Galapagos Islands to the tour? Get in touch with us!