The Andes of Ecuador

This is my third trip with H+I and, just like the others, it was exceptional in every way. The moment we landed in Quito we had friendly and convenient transportation waiting that brought us to a beautiful, modern hotel in the heart of Quito. José, our guide, was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the trails, culture, and history of Ecuador, he also shared with us tips that helped us all ride safely and improve our skills on the mountain bike. José was also very patient and accommodating, ensuring that everything we needed was provided. While he does not readily talk about it, José is also a mountain bike champ and following him down trails was incredibly fun.

The haciendas and hotels H+I organized for us along the way were incredible. Each was unique, and all were very comfortable, safe, and conveniently located along our route. The food was amazing!! Meals often used locally grown and sourced foods to create exquisitely prepared and presented dishes that were not only delicious, but also gave us a chance to sample both traditional and more modern recipes.

The biking was absolutely stunning; unlike anything I have ever ridden. From lush forested tracks to higher alpine riding in the highlands, the terrain, landscape, and trails were amazing. José ensured we had the chance to ride purpose-built single track that flowed through forested ravines, volcanic rock, and high desert tracks. Each ride was accompanied by a capable support vehicle and highly-skilled driver carrying our gear, as well as plenty of water and food.

In sum, another 5-star trip with H+I. I'm already thinking of my next trip, which I am sure will be every bit as exceptional as the three I have done thus far. Thanks so much to everyone who worked so hard to make this experience so incredible.

I feel like this is a tradition now. Sitting in an airport waiting on a connection and reflecting on the past week or more of our trip and writing a review. No surprise here, Ecuador with H+I was simply amazing.



Jose, our guide, was great. Lots of coaching and tips on tackling the incredibly steep and technical terrain. We just don’t get to ride terrain like this for the most part in the US. The Ecuador trails were a wonderful combination of steep, rocky, loose and tacky options usually all on the same ride. Flowy sections followed by deep ruts that might open into a wide open face of the mountain. These mountains eat brake pads like candy and are perfect for a playful bike with plenty of travel. The elevation is definitely a factor and you will feel even the slightest climb, but the trip builds you up for the 15,000ft high point on Cotopaxi. That said, even the descents can be exhausting, in a good way.



Beyond the trails, Jose has a wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna, geology and history of Ecuador. Condors, eagles, fox, llamas, wild horses, the list of animals we encountered goes on and on. The landscape is defined by the volcanic nature of the region, yet wears many faces. On the same ride you may find yourself plunging down a volcanic cinder slope and then transition into terrain that can feel like Scotland. I felt like we visited half a dozen different countries just based on the terrain.



The Cotopaxi region is utterly stunning. After several days of overcast, our first morning in Cotopaxi broke clear with a sharp view of the volcano from our room. Wow! Glaciers hanging much like in the Mustang Valley in Nepal, but this singular mountain rising from the highlands in a perfect cone. In every direction is a different volcanic peak to stare at.



The local people were always welcoming and friendly and with Jose and our driver Luis, I always had backup for when my meager Spanish started to fail me. In addition to the locals, the clientele of H+I makes for a really fun trip. Generally like-minded people, flexible to the needs of the day or exploring options, it’s often easier than traveling with long time friends though I leave these trips with new friends every time.



Lastly, the accommodations are first rate. Beautiful Haciendas that you might not even know existed are at your disposal. From a family run place in Ibarra to the primitive Hacienda in Tambo, always comfortable and welcoming. The food was very good, though I would prefer even more local cuisine. Don’t pass up a grilled Pincho de Pollo (marinated chicken on a stick).



All in all, another 5 star trip with excellent riding, logistics and cultural experience.

H+I has done it again. What an amazing time in Ecuador, our fourth H+I adventure. We had the most diverse and spectacular collection of riding adventures. From thick, forested tight single track to wide-open scree surfing on the sides of a volcano, you couldn’t find more varied and challenging riding. It was both visually and culturally one of the most stunning places we have ever gone.



H+I has the best guides! Jose was incredibly supportive and informative. He made the trip that much more special. He puts everyone at ease and was spot-on with recommendations.



The food and lodging were oh so good. From the comfort and character of a family-run hacienda, the luxury of El Porvenir and the surrounding natural beauty and animals of El Tambo, the experiences were unique and super fun. We will have to make our own signature aji now!



As always we had a great crew of fellow riders who were super fun and interesting. We can’t recommend this trip enough!

This was my third H+I adventure and it was the best yet. Despite the fact that some of the riding was a bit above my skill level, I enjoyed every minute of it. As always, all the details were figured out by the team at H+I and I just had to show up and enjoy.


This was the smallest group I had experienced so far, and it was perfect. The five of us got along quite well and the riding was paced well so we all stayed together and had plenty of time for photos and enjoying the beauty of Ecuador.


Every area that we rode was so different from the last in terms of the terrain, vegetation, and animal life. We saw condors, eagles, deer, and so many llamas and horses it was impossible not to smile the whole time.


Jose used his weather-god powers to summon perfect weather, with the exception of one very rainy and cold afternoon that was still a fun adventure. The lodges were beautiful and comfortable with excellent food. No need to bring snacks on this trip, as the box lunches were like three meals.


It’s difficult to pick my favorite part of the trip. Each day was packed with activity and I felt like we were exposed to some of the true culture of Ecuador. After a full day of riding (and crashing), I rather enjoyed rolling into a hacienda with a pack of excited, happy, and sweet dogs to pet and get a little love from.


If you enjoy the challenge of technical riding and want to improve your skills, I highly recommend this trip. You will not be disappointed!

Completely blown away from start to finish! The sights, culture, people, food, etc... Then we started riding bikes and I cannot even explain how amazing and challenging the terrain is. Our guide Jose and our driver Victor are both awesome and made sure we had the most incredible experience possible.

I can't recommend H+I more. My buddies and I were absolutely speechless on multiple occasions. We are already planning our next trip with H+I, can't wait!!!

Ecuador...my 5th H+I Adventure! This is a trip where you get to really embrace the culture and people of Ecuador. José and Andres were great guides and Victor/driver/outstanding utility man. They were all very fun, happy to share their country in all aspects...riding, stopping for local food, markets, and other experiences along the way...the children who love to run to greet you...love chocolate...just sayin’.

José, Andres and Victor care deeply for their country and the environment. On this tour, it is important to relax and go with the flow, things can move at a slower pace, but patience is good because when you start flying down from 15K on deep volcanic soil...you may wish for some slow motion so you you can take in every minute before arriving at the bottom wishing to fly back up to do it again!

This trip has a lot of downhill aspects but don’t be fooled...traversing across what seems to be flat is augmented by very high altitude...you will hear your heart beating :). There were some beautiful views, lovely animals...Alpacas, Llamas and Toros everywhere. I loved the Ecuadorin people. Food was delicious! Once again, made some new fantastic friends, lots of fun and laughter! Loved the horseback riding too even though it was raining!

I got a lovely taste of a country I am not yet finished exploring. Get out there!

This trip has the perfect balance of challenging terrain and flat out fun. The food and accommodations are first rate. Our guide was the best and enhanced every part of the trip. If flying full speed down the side of a volcano doesn't put a smile on your face then there's something wrong with you.

Simply fantastic! My third trip with the H+I team and once again they more than delivered on every element. The organisation, the accommodation, the food, the guides and most importantly the trails......oh the trails! How long were those descents??? So much fun and so much variation. The scenery was simply stunning and the itinerary allowed perfectly for acclimatisation to the altitude. Phenomenal. Special thanks also to all our guides and driver, you know who you are. What a beautiful country! I will be back.

An awesome trip in a country of various very beautiful landscapes, great rides - several times very technical 🙂 -, amazing people to meet, good food, full of so many different impressions ... Sooner or later I have to return to that place!

I can only reiterate what the previous comments have said about this trip. It's a must do trip for any budding mountain biker who's looking for adventure and challenging trails in an amazing country. It will be an experience you will not forget !

Amazing trip and perfect trails at the very beautifull country Ecuador. Unbelivable how different the trails are: form jungle trails to sandy trails at desert area, up to Highlands and downhills at the slope of Cotopaxi. Perfect bike trip with lots of culture and gorgeous landscape!!!!

megarides...without too long uphills. you will be happy to ride volcanoes and in the jungle.

The Ecuador Trip was just brilliant. One of the best things a mountain biker can do, especially in November.

Trails as diverse as the landscape. And simply just perfect fun. Breathtaking, not only because of the height, but as well because of the amazing sceneries. I absolutely enjoyed every day out there.

The overnights in pretty, traditional Haciendas and good local food complete an excellent trip in the Andes.