ULTIMATE ECUADOR MOUNTAIN BIKING 2025

Arrival Day

Today, we will warmly welcome you upon your arrival at Quito Airport and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. This day is dedicated to your acclimatization and personal exploration of the city. Feel free to wander at your own pace, soaking in the rich culture, stunning architecture, and local cuisine that Quito has to offer.

In the evening, at 6 PM, we invite you to join us for an important briefing session. This will be an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow adventurers, as well as to gather essential information and tips for the exciting days ahead.

Mountain Biking Adventure in Quito / Green and Blue Trails

Welcome to the first day of our mountain biking adventure! We will begin by exploring the vibrant trails near Quito, starting with a visit to the Metropolitan Forest Park. This park features a network of trails with dirt paths, roots, and thrilling drops, providing an exciting opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude and assess your biking skills.

Following our morning ride, we’ll drive to a local organic farm just outside Quito. Here, you'll learn about sustainable farming practices and enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Lumbici Bike Park, located in a beautiful eucalyptus forest. The park offers a variety of trails for different skill levels, with shuttles available to take you back to the top after each ride, maximizing your time on the trails. After a full day of biking and exploration, we'll return to our hotel in Quito to relax and prepare for the next adventure.

Teleférico Downhill and Equator Line Exploration / Blue and Black Trails

Today is filled with adventure as we start with a short drive to the foothills of Pichincha volcano. We’ll board the Teleférico “Cable Car”, designed for both passengers and bikes, to ascend close to the volcano's crater. This ride offers stunning panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

At the top, we’ll embark on a thrilling descent along high-elevation single tracks, featuring grassy landscapes, small jumps, and steeper sections that lead into a native Andean forest. The trails transition into flowy paths through forests of towering pine and eucalyptus trees. Although the ride is short, it’s packed with excitement, allowing us the chance to repeat the course a few times based on the group's enthusiasm.

In the afternoon, we will head north into the Ecuadorian highlands, stopping for a traditional lunch to experience local cuisine. Our next stop will be at the equator line, where we’ll learn about its historical significance to ancient civilizations.

By late afternoon, we’ll reach our guest house to relax after an adventurous day, concluding with a delicious homemade dinner that highlights regional flavors.

Northern Andes and El Chota Valley Adventure / Blue and Black Trails

Today, we will journey by car to the high mountains of the Northern Andes in Ecuador. Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Cayambe and Imbabura volcanoes, learning about their cultural significance from our guides.

Our biking adventure begins in the unique paramo ecosystem, where we’ll take in scenic vistas of the Yaguarcocha lagoon and ride along fast, flowy single tracks next to local farms.

After a brief stint on a road, we will enter the El Chota dry valley, experiencing a dramatic shift in landscape from lush greenery to arid terrain filled with cacti and agave. The trails here are more technical, featuring loose dirt and rocky sections, with steep areas that provide stunning views. Our guides will tailor the trail selection to the group’s skill level to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

The ride concludes in the lower part of El Chota Valley, home to the Afro-Ecuadorian community. We will visit a local artisan workshop to learn about their craftsmanship and cultural traditions.

In the afternoon, we will return to the guest house and have a cooking class using local products with our family host.

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Cultural Exploration and Relaxation Day

Today is dedicated to cultural exploration and relaxation, starting with a visit to the famous Otavalo indigenous market, one of the largest in South America. Here, you can browse colorful handicrafts, textiles, and traditional artwork made by local artisans, all within a lively and aromatic atmosphere.

After our market experience, we will head to the Papallacta hot springs spa, where you can unwind in natural thermal waters surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. This peaceful environment offers various therapeutic pools, with optional spa treatments available for those seeking extra relaxation.

Later, we will travel by car to a charming hacienda near the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano, enjoying breathtaking landscapes along the way. As evening approaches, we’ll gather for a social hour by the fireplace, where you can enjoy a selection of wine and other drinks while sharing stories and reflecting on the day’s experiences, providing a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow travelers.

Cotopaxi Volcano Trails / Blue and Black Trails

Today, we embark on an exciting adventure in the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi, which stands at an impressive 19,347 feet (5,897 meters). This protected reserve boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including bulls, horses, foxes, and condors, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts.

Our day starts with a short drive into the park, where we will ascend to the parqueadero, located at nearly 15,000 feet above sea level. Here, we will prepare for our thrilling descent along sandy and rocky trails that lead us back to the base of the volcano. Depending on the group's preferences and energy levels, we may have the opportunity to shuttle back up a couple of times to experience more exhilarating rides down these picturesque trails.

Please keep in mind that access to certain trails may vary based on seasonal conditions and decisions made by the reserve authorities. If the trails are closed during our visit, we will head to the nearby Cotopaxi Bike Park, which offers an exciting alternative with a variety of flowy trails suitable for different skill levels, ensuring everyone has a great time.

In the afternoon, we will travel to a historic hacienda, where we will spend the night.

Chimborazo Iceman Trail / Blue and Black Trails

Today, we embark on an exciting journey to the Chimborazo Reserve, home to the remarkable Chimborazo Volcano, the highest point on Earth when measured from the center of the planet.

Upon reaching the reserve, we will ascend to nearly 16,000 feet, the highest elevation of our trip, where stunning views await. Our biking adventure will vary depending on the season, featuring either sandy trails or snow-covered paths for a thrilling experience.

We’ll ride along the Iceman Trails, named after local communities that collect and transport ice from the volcano to sell in nearby markets using donkeys. As we descend, we'll learn about this unique cultural tradition while enjoying the exhilarating ride.

Surrounded by the stunning vistas of the Central Andes and fertile volcanic farmland—responsible for producing about 40% of Ecuador's vegetables—we'll navigate diverse terrains, including rocky sections and flowy single tracks, with incredible views of deep canyons and the volcanic landscape. As the day winds down, we will arrive at a cozy, family-run mountain lodge, where we will have the opportunity to create our own pizzas from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. This delightful culinary experience not only results in a delicious meal but also fosters a sense of community and connection with local culture, making it a perfect end to our adventurous day.

Mamarumi Downhill Trail / Black Trails

On the final day of our adventure, we’ll embark on an exhilarating ride down the Mamarumi Downhill Trail. After a short drive to the trailhead, we’ll be ready to experience one of the top downhill trails in South America, known for its thrilling descents and vibrant scenery. This trail has hosted numerous competitions, making it a favorite among downhill enthusiasts.

The Mamarumi Trail is steeped in history, as it follows ancient culuncos once used by the Incas and other civilizations for trade, connecting the Andean regions to the coast. As we ride, you’ll navigate through tunnels formed by lush vegetation, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

The trail features steep sections with numerous switchbacks, providing a fluid and exhilarating ride. The first part of our descent takes us through a native Andean forest, eventually leading us into the coastal region, where we’ll ride through expansive banana and sugarcane plantations. We aim to complete our ride before midday to allow for our long drive back to Quito.

It's important to note that access to the Mamarumi Trail may be affected by seasonal weather conditions. If the trail is closed during your visit, we will instead explore the Quilotoa Volcano trails. These trails offer a unique experience, including stunning single tracks along the rim of the crater lake and ancient paths that lead into picturesque canyons. Regardless of the route, today promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to our adventure!

Departure day

As our incredible journey comes to an end, we will prepare for your departure. Transfers to the airport will be arranged based on your individual flight schedule. To ensure a smooth departure process, we recommend scheduling your pick-up at least three hours prior to your flight.