Shared and Private Tours
Mountain biking is a great source of fun and exercise for people of all ages and abilities, but like any activity, there are different levels of difficulty and fitness. These range from novice or inexperienced tours that can be managed by anyone, to advanced or very experienced, reserved only for truly experienced riders.
Do you want to be alone with your couple or group? Private tours are possible! Please contact us through the Whatsapp button or send us an email at biking.dutchman@gmail.com
1 Day Tours
Cotopaxi
You tell us when!
The tour that made us famous. Enjoy our unique biking routes made possible by our fully equipped 4×4. Even on a crowded day we will have the Northern side of the park to ourselves. No one else takes you where we take you.
Mindo
Explore the best Bird Watching destination in the world by bike. Enjoy the beauty of the Ecuadorian Cloud-forest and spend the afternoon bathing in the river or tasting chocolate. The best ride we got!
Papallacta
Bike from high up in the Andes to the Amazon gateway in one day. Relax in Ecuador’s most famous natural hot-springs, high up in the clouds. After the swim, bike in what has been declared Latin America’s best bike trail: El Chaquiñan
Antisana
Want to see Condors? This is your best chance. The biking is awesome too.
Pichincha
Only for experienced bikers and not for the faint hearted. This will be your adrenaline rush for the month.
Otavalo
You tell us when!
Be amazed by South America’s largest Indigenous Market. Bike through forests, lakes, and natural reserves.
Days
1 Day
Location
Cotopaxi
Lenght
22 km/13 miles
Max. Altitude
4.500 meters/15.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
COTOPAXI
One day bike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
At 08:00 AM we leave Quito and after driving south for 1 and a half hours on the Pan-American highway we reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We drive through pine forest and soon reach the Visitors’ center of the park. After visiting the Center we continue the ascent in our 4-wheel drive vehicle until we reach the highest point of the tour, 4.800 meters/15.000 feet. The view from this point is stunning and on a clear day we are able to see 8 volcanoes.
We then put on helmets, gloves and protective pads and the bike adventure on the world’s highest active volcano can begin. The first 8 km will take us down 700 meters on dirt roads through volcanic ash and tundra landscape. At 3.800 meters you actually have to do some pedalling while we head down another 8 km between volcanic rocks and wild horses to our lunch spot by an Inca ruin at 3.700 meters. With some luck we might see a condor or a caracara. We put the bikes back on the jeep and head for the lake of Limpiopungo at 3.800 meters. After this the bike adventure is over for now and around 16h00 we are back in Quito.This is the standard itinerary that we always try to respect. Please keep in mind that due to the nature of this tour we sometimes have to be flexible because of weather conditions, or biking skills of other participants.
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes (hard tail), all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
1 Day
Location
Mindo
Lenght
40 km/25 miles
Max. Altitude
3.500 meters/11.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
MINDO
One day bike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
This is an ideal 1-day trip, which starts on the slopes of Guagua Pichincha active volcano and descends towards the coast into the Cloud Forest of Mindo.
When the trip begins, passing a northern neighborhood of Quito, you’ll never dream what lies ahead!
We’ll drive for a while on the quaint old road from Quito towards the Pacific Ocean coast. Drive until the highest point of the trip (3200 meters of altitude (10.500 feet)) where we switch to human power. You’ll descend on bike 10 kilometers (6 miles) on a paved yet quiet road, surrounded by Andino flora until we reach the village of Nono, located at 2900 meters (9500 feet) meters of altitude above sea level. From this point the ride continues on a quaint dirt road until Tandayapa (located at 1800 meters (5900 feet)) for 26 kilometers (16 miles).
The exuberant cloud forest is full of bromeliads, palm trees and orchids. At your right there is a mountain stream which soothing sound will accompany you. And very often small waterfalls will bedazzle you Every once and then, you simply have to stop to take pictures of a flower, that you have never seen before!
Keep one eye on the road and the other peeled on the sky: there’s a good chance to see parrots, hummingbirds, toucans and caciques. At the end of the dirt road we can visit a hummingbird sactuary, were you can have hummingbirds feed from your hand!
After a tasty lunch, we will continue the ride towards Mindo, world famous for its diversity, were we can visit the butterfly farm.
At the end of the afternoon we head then towards Quito. Or you can stay in Mindo on your own.
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes (hard tail), all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (e.g. hummingbird sanctuary and butterfly farm), other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
1 Day
Location
Papallacta
Lenght
35 km/22 miles
Max. Altitude
4.300 meters/14.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
PAPALLACTA
One day bike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
This is an excellent way to see a cross section of Ecuador’s ecosystems in just one day. As we travel, we are dwarfed by the striking Andes Mountains that surround us. If we are lucky and have a clear day, we can see all the snow capped volcanoes of the Eastern Cordillera (Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Antisana, Chimborazo). You will pedal across the paramo – the Ecuadorian equivalent of the arctic tundra – and down through stunning cloud forest, traversing steep Andean slopes as you descend down into the Amazon basin.
The terrain for this leg of the journey is a combination of dirt and paved roads of scenic rolling hills.
Drive to the high pass “Paso de la Virgen” at 4200 meters (13300 ft) . From here the descent begins by mountain bike all the way to Cuyuja, the Gateway to the Amazonian rainforest.
On the way, stop for a nutritious lunch. We will then drive you back to 3300 meters. Stop to have a swim in the best hot springs of Ecuador.
Papallacta has crystal clear water at ten different temperatures. If the day is clear, views of Antisana Volcano will bedazzle you!
After a relaxing dip, we drive to the Ave Maria Pass (4200m). From here we bike back towards Quito along the Chiche river basin. This is a great ride. The last 18 kilometers will be on the famous railroad line going through five tunnels, one of which is 322 meters long. The spectacular ride takes us speeding through wide stretches of paramo, cloud forest and the canyon of the river with the Andean sun illuminating the way. Some days can be chilled by occasional fog, so don’t forget your mittens and fleece. In Tumbaco we pile the bikes on the jeep’s roof and head back to Quito.
Return by jeep to Quito around 5 p.m. (L)
Departure time: 07h00 in the morning.
Each day we ride approximately 60 kilometers by bike (4 hours) Clients can choose to do more biking, if desired!
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes, all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (hot springs), other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
1 Day
Location
Antisana
Lenght
30 km/19 miles
Max. Altitude
3.500 meters/12.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
ANTISANA
One day bike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
Antisana (5705 meters (18.700 feet)) is the fourth highest and one of the most beautiful snow capped volcanoes in Ecuador. It has huge extensions of paramo which has endemic plants and endangered animals, such as the Condor which is the national emblem of Ecuador.
The tour starts early with a departure from Quito at 8:00 am, where we head east for 45 minutes by jeep, until we reach the town of Pintag. Once in the Protected area, we continue for approximately one hour along the plains of this outstanding volcano, up to an altitude of 4.000 meters (13.000 feet) towards La Mica Lake to enjoy beautiful surroundings and sights.
In La Mica we start biking back to Pintag for about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). The first 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) is mainly plain and the last 2 kilometers (1.3 miles) before reaching the highest point of the pass will be uphill.
When we reach the pass there will be an awesome downhill through different landscapes until we reach the Entrance, where the bike tour ends.
We’ll serve a hearty box lunch en route.
There will be some up hills but it will be mainly down hills or plain stretches and always accompanied by a 4-wheel-drive in which you are welcome to hop on and off at any time!
The bike ride is approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
Jeep ride back to Quito.
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes (hard tail), all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
1 Day
Location
Pichincha
Lenght
30 km/19 miles
Max. Altitude
4.784 meters/15.700 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
Pichincha
One day bike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
- Courage
We start our biking journey near the top of the still very active Guagua Pichincha Volcano. The views are spectacular: look east on a clear day and you’ll see the sprawling metropolis of Quito back-dropped by numerous snow-capped volcanoes. Look towards each of the other three compass points and you will be awed by great expanses of paramo (tundra like vegetation). We will trek to the edge of the crater to peer over its rim and into the throbbing heart of this rumbling, belching sulfuric being. Then we mount our bikes and race downwards to Lloa on an abandoned dirt road. At Lloa we head west into the cloud forest, where the flourishing forest awaits you.
Packed lunch en-route. By early afternoon we return to Quito by jeep.
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes, all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
1 Day
Location
Otavalo
Lenght
25 km/16 miles
Max. Altitude
3.500 meters/11.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
OTAVALO
One day bike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
Dirt and paved roads will lead you on your bike through striking landscape in the area of volcanoes Imbabura and Cotacachi.
The scenery en route is striking with views of the Cayambe Volcano and the mountainous villages located north of Quito.
As we approach Otavalo, you will notice an area rich of culture. Indigenous people in their traditional clothing come from all over the country to sell their handmade artefacts. Once we have had time to fill our bags with artisanal goods we drive to Cuicocha Lake and through quaint villages back to the Pan-American Highway. Return to Quito by jeep.
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes (hard tail), all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Other drinks, personal expenses and tips)
2 Day Tours
Cotopaxi-Quilotoa
Experience our Cotopaxi 1 day and then be amazed in the second day by the incredible cultural diversity of the Andean Quechua indigenous community of Quilotoa. Turquoise colored lakes, massive canyons, incredible biking. This trip will enamor you!
Cotopaxi-Chimborazo
Enjoy our Cotopaxi 1 day and then travel to the closest place on Earth to the sun! Experience the most beautiful stretch of the Ecuadorian Andes, and the highest! The biking on the second day will take you through a fantastic canyon which follows the Ambato River. Literally breathtaking!
Cotopaxi – Baños
Be part of two of the most iconic locations in Ecuador in one amazing trip! Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, followed by the town of Baños in the cloud forest, where its famous hot springs give the town its name. Baños is the town in Ecuador with the most adventure activities and a wonderful night life of amazing restaurants and bars.
Mindo and its amazing activities
On the first day bike from the high altitude Andes to the amazing Ecuadorian Low Altitude Cloudforest. On your way try to keep count of the amount of birds you see, we promise you cant! This is a fantastic ride for nature and animal lovers. Also, there is chocolate, river-bathing, and other amazing adventures.
Days
2 Day
Location
Cotopaxi-Quilotoa
Lenght
55 km on average per day/19 miles on average per day
Max. Altitude
4.500 meters/15.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
COTOPAXI-QUILOTOA
Two day bike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
Day 1)
At 08:00 AM we leave Quito and after driving south for 1,5 hours on the Pan-American highway we reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We drive through pine forest and soon we arrive to the Visitors Center of the park. After visiting the Center, we continue the ascent in our 4-wheel drive vehicle until we reach the highest point of the tour, 4.800 meters (15.000 feet). The view from this point is stunning and on a clear day we are able to see 8 volcanoes.
We then put on helmets, gloves and protection pads and the bike adventure on the world’s highest active volcano can begin. The first 8 kilometers (5 miles) will take us down 700 meters (2300 feet) on dirt roads through volcanic ash and páramo landscape. At 3.800 meters (12.500 feet). you actually have to do some pedaling while we head down another 8 kilometers (5 miles) between volcanic rocks and wild horses to our lunch spot by a natural spring. Be prepared to refill your water bottle with the most delicious water as you see it coming out of the earth! In this area of the park, you will come across nobody as we are the only tour operator that brings its passengers here. You will be flabbergasted as to why, as this is the most beautiful area the park has to offer! With some luck we might see a condor or a caracara. We put the bikes back on the jeep and head for the lake of Limpiopungo at 3.800 meters (12.500 feet).
We then ascend by jeep in a Southwest direction into the western Cordillera arriving at Quilotoa to spend the night. The night’s retreat is a simple but clean inn located in Quilotoa run by an indigenous family.
DAY 2) Quilotoa
The next day, we start with an early hike down to the deep jade colored Quilotoa Crater Lake. The hike downhill to the Laguna takes about 30 minutes and about twice as long to climb back up. But, you can hire a mule or donkey for 10 dollars, to carry you back to the top, where your breakfast will be awaiting you to charge your batteries for this day’s adventure!
After breakfast we descend on mountain bikes to Zumbahua. Many years ago, an earthquake destroyed this area. The land has transformed into a rugged formation resembling what you might imagine as terrain from another planet. Lunch is a picnic at a location where we have the opportunity to intermingle with the Quechua Indians or test your artistic skills with the locals painting landscapes of the area.
After lunch, we enjoy a 30-minute drive until we reach 4,200 m (13.400 ft.) We switch then to human power and the downhill bike ride begins down a long and winding road all the way back to Latacunga located at 2400 m. (7,600 ft.) where the cycle trip ends. We then return by jeep to Quito.
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes, all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (e.g.Quilotoa $2 per person), other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
2 Day
Location
Cotopaxi-Chimborazo
Lenght
55 km on average per day/19 miles on average per day
Max. Altitude
5.000 meters/16.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
COTOPAXI-CHIMBORAZO
Two day bike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
DAY 1) Cotopaxi National Park
At 08:00 AM we leave Quito and after driving south for 1,5 hours on the Pan-American highway we reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We drive through pine forest and soon we arrive to the Visitors Center of the park. After visiting the Center, we continue the ascent in our 4-wheel drive vehicle until we reach the highest point of the tour, 4.800 meters (15.000 feet). The view from this point is stunning and on a clear day we are able to see 8 volcanoes.
We then put on helmets, gloves and protection pads and the bike adventure on the world’s highest active volcano can begin. The first 8 kilometers (5 miles) will take us down 700 meters (2300 feet) on dirt roads through volcanic ash and páramo landscape. At 3.800 meters (12.500 feet). you actually have to do some pedaling while we head down another 8 kilometers (5 miles) between volcanic rocks and wild horses to our lunch spot by a natural spring. Be prepared to refill your water bottle with the most delicious water as you see it coming out of the earth! In this area of the park, you will come across nobody as we are the only tour operator that brings its passengers here. You will be flabbergasted as to why, as this is the most beautiful area the park has to offer! With some luck we might see a condor or a caracara. We put the bikes back on the jeep and head for the lake of Limpiopungo at 3.800 meters (12.500 feet).
We trade mountain bikes for our support vehicle and travel down south along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to our night’s retreat in Ambato.
DAY 2) Chimborazo
Drive for just over an hour to Mount Chimborazo (6310meters (20.700 feet)), the highest and most impressive of Ecuador’s volcanoes. We park at the lower refuge (4800 meters (15.800 feet) and continue on foot to the Edgar Whymper Refuge. Located at 5000 meters (16.400 feet) this is the highest refuge in the world! From here, it’s all downhill- first on foot and then by bike we descend all the way to Ambato(2800meters (9.200 feet).
This is an amazing bike ride through the highlands, with vicuñas being the sole inhabitants of these wild stretches. On this tour, cyclists enjoy a breathtaking 70 km ride through varying landscapes in just one day. This trip is by far a favorite ride of previous customers. Seldom does one have the chance to ride from the snow line of a volcano, through rural Andean patchwork fields, picnic with vicuñas and at the end of the ride arrive in a modern city. In Ambato, we load up the bikes and return to Quito by jeep.
Departure time: 07h00 in the morning.
Each day we ride approximately 4 hours on bike. Clients can choose to do more biking, if desired!
Included: Support Vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes, all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
2 Day
Location
Mindo and surroundings
Lenght
55 km (19 miles) on average on the first day/Depends on passsengers on the second day
Max. Altitude
3.500 meters/13.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
MINDO AND ITS AMAZING ACTIVITIES
A combination of mountain bike tour and many thrilling optional activities
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
Day 1:
This is an ideal 2-day trip, which starts at 3200 and descends towards the coast into the Cloud Forest.
When the trip begins, passing a northern neighborhood of Quito, you’ll never dream what lies ahead!
We’ll drive for a while on the old road Quito-Nono, before riding our bike on a road void of traffic.
You’ll ascend on the jeep with Cayambe and Guagua Pichincha Volcanoes in clear view. We drive 20 Km until the highest point of the trip (3200 m of altitude). Then we switch to human power. You’ll descent on bike, surrounded by Andino flora experiencing the sudden changes to exotic, verdant tropical forest.
The exuberant cloud forest is full of bromeliads, palm trees and orchids. At your right there is a mountain stream which soothing sound mingles with the birds’ singing.
We’ll pass Nono (located at 2900 m) and ride all the way down to Tandayapa (located at 1800 m) where the picnic lunch will be served!
After lunch we continue to Mindo, a town Meca for all nature lovers! Keep one eye on the road and the other peeled on the sky: there’s a good chance to see parrots, hummingbirds, toucans and caciques. At the end of the dirt road we can go to a hummingbird sancuary (optional) where you can have hummingbirds eat while resting in your hand, or be so close you can feel the buzz of their flaping wings on your finger tips! We then ride down to Mindo cloudforest were we will spend the night.
Day 2:
We spend the night in a cozy little hostel in Mindo. The next morning we wake up early and hop on the truck to the beautiful Waterfalls of Mindo, we hike down for approximately 45 minutes, and then we stay in the waterfalls, swimming, relaxing and having lunch. After that we hike up, get our bikes and descend to the other side of the mountain. The road is beautiful and you can expect to see many hummingbirds, variation of flora and beautiful birds. Once finished you have the rest of your time free to choose what you would like to do! Mindo is one of the best spots in Ecuador for all types of adventure sports. Here you can hire many activities such as canopy, canyioning, tubing, ATV and motorcycle ride. This is all optional but highly recommended. It is not included in the price of the trip though, so if you also just wish to walk around Mindo and do some relaxing that is fine as well. Important to remember is that at 4 pm we meet again and head back to Quito!
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes, all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (hummingbird feeding, butterfly farm), other drinks, optional acyivities in Mindo offreded by third parties, personal expenses and tips.
3 Day Tour
3 Day Tour
4 Day Tour
Cotopaxi-Quilotoa-Chimborazo
This trip will show you the most important highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes with the expertise of the Dutchman. You will remember the astonishing beauty of our mountains for the rest of your life. This trip is the best the company offers.
Cotopaxi-Baños-Misahualli
From the highest active volcano in the world to the lush Amazon Forest. You will experience so many different scenes and adventures, it will seem like a week when you are finished. Snow, hot springs, cliffs, waterfalls, jungle trips on canoe and 90% downhill through amazing roads, make this trip a dynamite package of what Ecuador has to offer in three days!
Cotopaxi-Chimborazo-Baños-Misahualli
This tour will showcase Ecuador’s incredible diversity. Go to the highest point in Ecuador and the closest point on Earth to the sun and descend to the Amazonian Basin where you will see an ocean of green inhabited by a vast array of mammals and insects. Spend one day in Ecuador’s premier adventure town and enjoy what only the Ecuadorian Amazon can offer. Mountains and Jungle in one trip. How cool is that?
5 Day Tour
Cotopaxi-Chimborazo-Baños -Misahualli-Papallacta
Bike in the Andes, hike in the Amazon, relax somewhere in between. This is our most comprehensive adventure. We cover all of TripAdvisor’s must-sees with the experience and touch of the Dutchman. Warning: You might not want to leave Ecuador after this.
Days
3 Day
Location
Cotopaxi-Quilotoa-Chimborazo
Lenght
55 km per day on average/19 miles per day on average
Max. Altitude
5.000 meters/16.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
COTOPAXI-QUILOTOA-CHIMBORAZO
Three day bike and hike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
- Extra Clothes
DAY 1: QUITO – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
At 08:00 AM we leave Quito and after driving south for 1,5 hours on the Pan-American highway we reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We drive through pine forest and soon we arrive to the Visitors Center of the park. After visiting the Center, we continue the ascent in our 4-wheel drive vehicle until we reach the highest point of the tour, 4.800 meters (15.000 feet). The view from this point is stunning and on a clear day we are able to see 8 volcanoes.
We then put on helmets, gloves and protection pads and the bike adventure on the world’s highest active volcano can begin. The first 8 kilometers (5 miles) will take us down 700 meters (2300 feet) on dirt roads through volcanic ash and páramo landscape. At 3.800 meters (12.500 feet). you actually have to do some pedaling while we head down another 8 kilometers (5 miles) between volcanic rocks and wild horses to our lunch spot by a natural spring. Be prepared to refill your water bottle with the most delicious water as you see it coming out of the earth! In this area of the park, you will come across nobody as we are the only tour operator that brings its passengers here. You will be flabbergasted as to why, as this is the most beautiful area the park has to offer! With some luck we might see a condor or a caracara. We put the bikes back on the jeep and head for the lake of Limpiopungo at 3.800 meters (12.500 feet).
We then ascend by jeep in a northwest direction into the western Cordillera arriving at Quilotoa to spend the night. The night’s retreat is a simple but clean inn located in Quilotoa run by an indigenous family.
DAY 2: QUILOTOA
The next day, we start with an early hike down to the deep, jade-colored Quilotoa Crater Lake. The hike downhill to the lake takes about 30 minutes, and about twice as long to climb back up. But, you can hire a mule or donkey to carry you back to the top, where breakfast will be awaiting you to charge your batteries for the day’s adventure! After breakfast, we descend on mountain bikes to Zumbahua. Many years ago, an earthquake destroyed this area. The land has transformed into a rugged formation resembling the terrain from another planet. Lunch is a picnic at a location where we have the opportunity to intermingle with the Quechua Indians or test your artistic skills with the locals painting landscapes of the area.
After lunch, we enjoy a 30-minute drive until we reach 4,200 m (13.400 ft). We switch then to human power and the downhill bike ride begins down a long and winding road all the way back to Latacunga, located at 2400 m. (7,600 ft.).
DAY 3: CHIMBORAZO
We drive for just over an hour to Mount Chimborazo (6310meters (20.700 feet)), the highest and most impressive of Ecuador’s volcanoes. We park at the lower refuge (4800 meters (15.750 feet)) and continue on foot to the Edgar Whymper Refuge. Located at 5000 meters this is the highest refuge in the world! From here, it’s all downhill-first on foot and then by bike we descend all the way to Ambato (2800 meters (9.800 feet)). This is an amazing bike ride through the highlands, with vicuñas being the sole inhabitants of these wild stretches. On this tour, cyclists enjoy a breathtaking 70 kilometers (44 miles) ride through varying landscapes in just one day. This trip is by far a customer favorite. Seldom does one have the chance to ride from the snow line of a volcano, through rural Andean patchwork fields, picnic with vicuñas and at the end of the ride arrive in a modern city. In Ambato, we load up the bikes and return to Quito by jeep.
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes, all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (e.g. Quilotoa $2 per person), other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
4 Days
Location
Cotopaxi-Chimborazo-Baños-Puyo
Lenght
55 km per day on average/19 miles per day on average
Max. Altitude
5.000 meters/16.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
COTOPAXI-CHIMBORAZO-BAÑOS-PUYO
Four day bike and hike tour
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What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
- Extra Clothes
DAY 1: QUITO – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
At 08:00 AM we leave Quito and after driving south for 1,5 hours on the Pan-American highway we reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We drive through pine forest and soon we arrive to the Visitors Center of the park. After visiting the Center, we continue the ascent in our 4-wheel drive vehicle until we reach the highest point of the tour, 4.800 meters (15.000 feet). The view from this point is stunning and on a clear day we are able to see 8 volcanoes.
We then put on helmets, gloves and protection pads and the bike adventure on the world’s highest active volcano can begin. The first 8 kilometers (5 miles) will take us down 700 meters (2300 feet) on dirt roads through volcanic ash and páramo landscape. At 3.800 meters (12.500 feet). you actually have to do some pedaling while we head down another 8 kilometers (5 miles) between volcanic rocks and wild horses to our lunch spot by a natural spring. Be prepared to refill your water bottle with the most delicious water as you see it coming out of the earth! In this area of the park, you will come across nobody as we are the only tour operator that brings its passengers here. You will be flabbergasted as to why, as this is the most beautiful area the park has to offer! With some luck we might see a condor or a caracara. We put the bikes back on the jeep and head for the lake of Limpiopungo at 3.800 meters (12.500 feet).
We then ascend by jeep in a northwest direction into the western Cordillera arriving at Quilotoa to spend the night. The night’s retreat is a simple but clean inn located in Quilotoa run by an indigenous family.
DAY 2: QUILOTOA
The next day, we start with an early hike down to the deep jade colored Quilotoa Crater Lake. The hike downhill to the Laguna takes about 30 minutes and about twice as long to climb back up. But, you can hire a mule or donkey to carry you back to the top, where your breakfast will be awaiting you to charge your batteries for this day’s adventure! After breakfast we descend on mountain bikes to Zumbahua. Many years ago, an earthquake destroyed this area. The land has transformed into a rugged formation resembling what you might imagine as terrain from another planet. Lunch is a picnic at a location where we have the opportunity to intermingle with the Quechua Indians or test your artistic skills with the locals painting landscapes of the area. After lunch, we enjoy a 30-minute drive until we reach 4,200 m (13.400 ft.) We switch then to human power and the downhill bike ride begins down a long and winding road all the way back to Latacunga located at 2400 m. (7,600 ft.).
DAY 3) CHIMBORAZO
Drive for just over an hour to Mount Chimborazo (6310m), the highest and most impressive of Ecuador’s volcanoes. We park at the lower refuge (4800 m) and continue on foot to the Edgar Whymper Refuge. Located at 5000 meters this is the highest refuge in the world! From here, it’s all downhill- first on foot and then by bike we descend all the way to Ambato(2800m).
This is an amazing bike ride through the highlands, with vicuñas being the sole inhabitants of these wild stretches. On this tour, cyclists enjoy a breathtaking 70 km ride through varying landscapes in just one day. This trip is by far a favorite ride of previous customers. Seldom does one have the chance to ride from the snow line of a volcano, through rural Andean patchwork fields, picnic with vicuñas and at the end of the ride arrive in a modern city. In Ambato, we load up the bikes on the jeep roof and drive to Baños, a small town famous for its hot springs, and spend the night there.
DAY 4) ROAD BAÑOS-PUYO AND BACK TO QUITO
We take a pre-breakfast dip in the thermal baths of Baños (optional) before ascending by car to the highest point in Baños. Here the adrenaline starts as we descend through a tarmac road which is steep and full of tight curves for approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles). On our way we stop in a magnificent view point overlooking the town of Baños where you will have the chive of going in a giant swing over the cliff (fee not included)! Once at the bottom of the mountain we start pedaling east toward Puyo. You’ll notice the dramatic temperature and vegetation changes as we descend into the steamy Amazon basin. A fun stop we always recommend for those thrill seekers is Ecuador’s longest zip line, consisting of three lines going over the cliff and along the river. This optional activity never seems to disappoint! Finally, we stop in the village of Rio Verde where you will go visit one of Ecuador’s most spectacular sites, The Pañon del Diablo, a huge waterfall you can actually stand behind, inches away from billions of gallons of water going by every second! After this (wet) adventure we have lunch and return by jeep to Quito.
Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes (hard tail), all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (e.g. Quilotoa $2 per person, Baños hot springs), adventure activities offered by third parties, other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Days
5 Day
Location
Cotopaxi-Chimborazo-Baños-Misahualli-Papallacta
Lenght
55 km per day on average/19 miles per day on average
Max. Altitude
5.000 meters/16.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
COTOPAXI-CHIMBORAZO-BAÑOS-MISAHUALLI- PAPALLACTA
Five day bike adventure
What to bring:
- warm clothes
- rain/wind jacket
- Extra Clothes
DAY 1) Cotopaxi National Park
At 08:00 AM we leave Quito and after driving south for 1,5 hours on the Pan-American highway we reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We drive through pine forest and soon we arrive to the Visitors Center of the park. After visiting the Center, we continue the ascent in our 4-wheel drive vehicle until we reach the highest point of the tour, 4.800 meters (15.000 feet). The view from this point is stunning and on a clear day we are able to see 8 volcanoes.
We then put on helmets, gloves and protection pads and the bike adventure on the world’s highest active volcano can begin. The first 8 kilometers (5 miles) will take us down 700 meters (2300 feet) on dirt roads through volcanic ash and páramo landscape. At 3.800 meters (12.500 feet). you actually have to do some pedaling while we head down another 8 kilometers (5 miles) between volcanic rocks and wild horses to our lunch spot by a natural spring. Be prepared to refill your water bottle with the most delicious water as you see it coming out of the earth! In this area of the park, you will come across nobody as we are the only tour operator that brings its passengers here. You will be flabbergasted as to why, as this is the most beautiful area the park has to offer! With some luck we might see a condor or a caracara. We put the bikes back on the jeep and head for the lake of Limpiopungo at 3.800 meters (12.500 feet).
We trade mountain bikes for our support vehicle and travel down south along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to our night’s retreat. Overnight in Ambato.
Day 2 Chimborazo to Baños
We drive for just over an hour to Mount Chimborazo (6310meters (20.700 feet)), the highest and most impressive of Ecuador’s volcanoes. We park at the lower refuge (4800 meters (15.750 feet)) and continue on foot to the Edgar Whymper Refuge. Located at 5000 meters this is the highest refuge in the world! From here, it’s all downhill-first on foot and then by bike we descend all the way to Ambato (2800 meters (9.800 feet)). This is an amazing bike ride through the highlands, with vicuñas being the sole inhabitants of these wild stretches. On this tour, cyclists enjoy a breathtaking 70 kilometers (44 miles) ride through varying landscapes in just one day. This trip is by far a customer favorite. Seldom does one have the chance to ride from the snow line of a volcano, through rural Andean patchwork fields, picnic with vicuñas and at the end of the ride arrive in a modern city. In Ambato, we load up the bikes on the jeep roof and drive to Baños, a small town famous for its hot springs, and spend the night there.
Day 3 Puyo and the Avenue of the Orchids
We take a pre-breakfast dip in the thermal baths of Baños (optional) before ascending by car to the highest point in Baños. Here the adrenaline starts as we descend through a tarmac road which is steep and full of tight curves for approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles). On our way we stop in a magnificent view point overlooking the town of Baños where you will have the chive of going in a giant swing over the cliff (fee not included)! Once at the bottom of the mountain we start pedaling east toward Puyo. You’ll notice the dramatic temperature and vegetation changes as we descend into the steamy Amazon basin. A fun stop we always recommend for those thrill seekers is Ecuador’s longest zip line, consisting of three lines going over the cliff and along the river. This optional activity never seems to disappoint! Finally, we stop in the village of Rio Verde where you will go visit one of Ecuador’s most spectacular sites, The Pañon del Diablo, a huge waterfall you can actually stand behind, inches away from billions of gallons of water going by every second! After this (wet) adventure we have lunch and head towards the amazon basin.
Day 4 Amazon Basin
We arrive in Sinchi Warmi a hotel run by only Quechua woman (indigenous group) who started this project twelve years ago but it only started getting international attention the latfive. Here you will have an amazing experience of seeing up close the traditional way of living and cooking, while sleeping in absolute comfort in their traditional wooden cabins! During the day we can go visit a waterfall and travel is by foot as we explore pristine Amazon rainforest. On this hike, we will walk through a botanical reserve, called Jatun Sacha, where you can see exotic flora and sometimes fauna. We stand a good chance of spotting flocks of Amazon parrots, macaws and toucans, monkeys and other jungle wildlife.
A second option for this day is to participate in our JUNGLE ACTIVITIES which have an additional cost of $70 per person and $40 per person for groups larger than five passengers.
Jungle activities include transport by canoe with the bicycles up the river Napo (over an hour), visit a Quechua community and the process ok making fresh chocolate the traditional and milenial way , feeding wild caimans and a jungle hike with climbing a 100 foot bird watching observation tower. You will then return to the hotel bybicycle.
Any other jungle activity outside of what Biking Dutchman has to offer will not be covered as part of the price. If you book with another tour and wish for our guide to go with you, this fee requested by the third party will not be assumed by us.
Day 5 Back to the Andes through Papallacta
We begin by driving by jeep up into the Andes (Guaguamayos Pass). We cycle to the town of Baeza at the base of the Andes. We enjoy a picnic lunch, and then drive up to the Papallacta thermal baths for a well-earned soak in the toasty hot springs. From the Ave Maria Pass (4200m), we then bike back towards Quito along the Chiche river basin. This is one of the longest downhill rides in the world, about 45 kilometers (28 miles). The last 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) will be on the famous railroad line going through five tunnels, one of which is 322 meters (1.055 feet) long. The spectacular ride takes us speeding through wide stretches of paramo and cloud forest, with the Andean sun illuminating the way. Some days can be chilled by occasional fog, so don’t forget your mittens and fleece. In Tumbaco we pile the bikes on the jeep’s roof and head back to Quito.
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Included: Support vehicle, lunch, mountain bikes hard tail), all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (e.g hot springs at Baños), adventure activities offered by third parties, other drinks, personal expenses and tips.
NOTE ABOUT GUIDES:
- Our guides must be expert cyclers in all types of terrain with a particular focus on mountain biking.
- They must be fluent in English and Spanish
- As a minimum, every guide must be a nationally accredited guide with the corresponding license. We give priority to guides that have not only national accreditation but international certificates as well.
- Guides must be effective communicators.
- They must have people skill and be highly sociable.
- They must be aware of all operational details before, during, and after the tours.
Days
2 Day
Location
Cotopaxi- Baños
Lenght
55 km on average per day/19 miles on average per day
Max. Altitude
4.500 meters/15.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
COTOPAXI – BAÑOS
Two day bike tour
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Day 1)
At 07:30 AM we leave Quito. After driving south for 1,5 hours on the Pan-American highway we reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We continue the ascent in our 4-wheel drive vehicle until we reach the highest point of the tour, 4.500 meters/15.000 feet. The view from this point is stunning and on a clear day we can see eight volcanoes.
We then put on helmets, gloves and protection pads and the bike adventure on the world’s highest active volcano can begin. The first 8 km will take us down 700 meters (2.300 feet) on dirt roads through volcanic ash and páramo landscape. At 3.800 meters (12.500 feet) you have to do some pedaling while we head down another 8 km between volcanic rocks and wild horses to our lunch spot by an Inca ruin at 3.700 meters (12.000 feet) With some luck we might see a condor or white tail deer. We put the bikes back on the jeep and headed for the lake of Limpiopungo where we start the 16 km downhill biking on dirt roads and the bike adventure is over for this time. Depending on the day we cycle between 35-40 km (22 -25 miles).
We then ascend by jeep in a Southwest direction into the western Cordillera arriving at Baños to spend the night. Here you will be able to soak your muscles in natural spring water pools and enjoy the night life of one of the liveliest towns in Ecuador. There seem to be restaurants and bars competing for your attention everywhere you look, with amazing food from Ecuador but also from the rest of the world. The energy this town has is something you will remember forever.
Day 2) Baños – back to Quito
After a healthy breakfast we headed towards the top of the top of the mountain east of town to the highest point. Here we have different activities such giant swing, zipline with your bicycle and a tree house on the edge of a cliff, all with spectacular views! We start an amazing decent through a winding road all the way to the bottom through an amazing landscape. Now it’s time to take the main road down to Puyo to one of the main attractions of Baños, and Ecuador – El Pailon del Diablo (the devils pot), and incredible waterfall which you will be able to see from so close, it will not be a dry experience! You’ll notice the dramatic temperature and vegetation changes as we descend into the steamy Amazon basin as we bike along the Avenue of the Orchids. After Lunch we start our trip back to Quito, or if you like we say goodbye and you continue your adventure in Ecuador from this point, up to you!
Included: Lunch, mountain bikes, all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (e.g. Cotopaxi, currently free of charge), other drinks, personal expenses and tips)
Days
2 Day
Location
Cotopaxi- Baños – Misahualli
Lenght
55 km on average per day/19 miles on average per day
Max. Altitude
4.500 meters/15.000 feet
Min. Altitude
Difficulty Level
COTOPAXI – BAÑOS – MISAHUALLI
Three day bike tour
Click Anywhere to Hide This Content
Day 1)
At 07:30 AM we leave Quito. After driving south for 1,5 hours on the Pan-American highway we reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. We continue the ascent in our 4-wheel drive vehicle until we reach the highest point of the tour, 4.500 meters/15.000 feet. The view from this point is stunning and on a clear day we can see eight volcanoes.
We then put on helmets, gloves and protection pads and the bike adventure on the world’s highest active volcano can begin. The first 8 km will take us down 700 meters (2.300 feet) on dirt roads through volcanic ash and páramo landscape. At 3.800 meters (12.500 feet) you have to do some pedaling while we head down another 8 km between volcanic rocks and wild horses to our lunch spot by an Inca ruin at 3.700 meters (12.000 feet) With some luck we might see a condor or white tail deer. We put the bikes back on the jeep and headed for the lake of Limpiopungo where we start the 16 km downhill biking on dirt roads and the bike adventure is over for this time. Depending on the day we cycle between 35-40 km (22 -25 miles).
We then ascend by jeep in a Southwest direction into the western Cordillera arriving at Baños to spend the night. Here you will be able to soak your muscles in natural spring water pools and enjoy the night life of one of the liveliest towns in Ecuador. There seem to be restaurants and bars competing for your attention everywhere you look, with amazing food from Ecuador but also from the rest of the world. The energy this town has is something you will remember forever.
Day 2) Baños – Misahualli
After a healthy breakfast we are headed towards the highest point of the mountain east of Baños. Here we have different activities such giant swing, zipline with your bicycle and a tree house on the edge of a cliff, all with spectacular views! We hop on our bicycles and start an amazing descent along a winding road all the way to the bottom through a breathtaking landscape. Now it’s time to continue cycling on the main road down to Puyo, to one of the main attractions of Baños, and Ecuador – El Pailon del Diablo (the devils pot), and incredible waterfall which you will be able to see from so close, it will not be a dry experience! You’ll notice the dramatic temperature and vegetation changes as we descend into the steamy Amazon basin as we bike along the Avenue of the Orchids. After Lunch we start our trip by car back down to the amazon basin to the town of Misahualli. We stay in a lovely hotel on the Misahualli riverbanks where you can take a swim on its crystal-clear waters. On this day we cover 40 km (25 miles) of downhill roads on our bicycles.
Day 3) Misahualli – Back to Quito
After breakfast in this lush nature spot our Amazon adventure begins! We cycle to the town of Misahualli where we take a local canoe – bikes and all included – to cross the river. Here we cycle to our first destination, a canoe trip on a lake known for its Paiche fish, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. This fish species is an obligated air breather so needs to come to the surface regularly to gulp air, where we will have plenty of chances to see it and in some cases even stroke it. After observing different local birds with an expert bird watcher (who also transports the canoe), we continue to cycle to Jatun Sacha nature reserve. Here we do an incredible jungle hike while learning about the different species of birds and plants we see along the way. We will reach a 40-meter (130 foot) bird watching tower that extends above the canopy.
After the jungle tour, we are back on our bicycles, this time to the port town of Ahuano, were boat ferries carry cars and huge buses across the river, its quite a site to see some of these enormous vehicles crawl into a tiny canoe like ferry to take them across. After lunch we climb with our bicycles onto the canoe and go down the river to a Quechua (local indigenous tribe) community to visit their cacao plantation. Everything grown here is organic and they are also the suppliers to large chocolate companies who make chocolate from organic cacao while helping small communities. After showing us around the farm (and seeing local cinnamon and vanilla plants as well), they will prepare a thick chocolate syrup from scratch (roasting the cacao beads first of course). This is followed with a large bowl of fruit fresh from their farm served with melted chocolate on top, yummy! What a dessert! We are now back on the canoe with our bicycles where we travel about one hour upriver through the lush amazon forest back to the hotel, where the driver is waiting to take us back to Quito, after a three-day incredible adventure! We cycle around 35km (22 miles) on this day.
Included: Lunch, mountain bikes, all transportation, all safety gear (helmet, hand gloves) and veteran bilingual guides.
Not included: Entrance fees (e.g. Cotopaxi, currently free of charge), other drinks, personal expenses and tips)