In Ecuador you’ll find a mountain biker’s paradise. With no fewer than 46 different eco-systems, it’s a feast for the senses at every turn of the pedal: from the immense grandeur of the Andes, to the depths of a tropical cloud forest, and the slopes of active volcanoes.
Climbs are few and challenging (thanks to the altitude), but the rewards are well worth the effort. High desert, to cloud forest, Inter-Andean Tundra, banana plantations, petrified lava, and urban trails above Quito – there’s never a dull moment on this MTB adventure in Ecuador!
To find out if this advanced mountain bike tour in Ecuador is right for you, read more on the skill and fitness levels required.
The flow of your MTB adventure Ecuador itinerary is designed to make the most of the diverse landscapes and eco-systems of this spectacular country, and build on the technical difficulty of the tour as you go.
£2,600 GBP / $3,510 USD / €3,120 EUR per person (ex. flights, based on two sharing a room)
*Single supplement is only applicable if you are travelling solo and do not wish to share a room with another rider of the same sex. If you’re happy to do that, you need not add the supplement.
We want you to have the best experience in Ecuador, so it’s important to be sure that this is the perfect mountain bike tour, with the right level of challenge, for you.
You’re a very experienced mountain biker, riding at least three times a week through the season and comfortable on: steep, fast singletrack descents; technical rock chutes; loose volcanic ash; muddy, jungle-style singletrack; and sandy trails. Read more on our advanced skill level.
Does this sound like you? Your vacation time is precious and we want to be absolutely sure that you’re making the most of it. Be honest with yourself, if this adventure isn’t right for you, we have other MTB tours [link] that may be a better fit for your mountain biking ability.
Please note: The skill level required reflects an overall rating for the trails on the trip but you should expect to find sections and obstacles that push your ability levels.
Skill level: Advanced
Fitness level: 6/7
Typical trails you’ll be riding
Training for your Ecuador MTB adventure
To get the most out of your mountain bike tour in Ecuador you should plan plenty of training in advance of your tour.
The ideal bike for the trails in Ecuador is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with 29” or 27.5” wheels, dropper seat post, and 140mm -160mm of travel front and rear. Ideal tyres for Ecuador are… [example in modal]
We recommend that you travel with your own bike, and have some handy tips on how to do this. When travelling with your own bike, you must ensure that it has been properly serviced before the trip.
If you would prefer not to travel with your bike, we can arrange rental of a good quality full suspension mountain bike for the duration of your mountain bike tour in Ecuador.
We have a fleet of…
We only run small group mountain bike tours to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, and there will be a maximum of 10 people in each group. The minimum number of people we require to run this mountain bike tour in Ecuador is four.
Our Ecuador mountain bike tour caters for a wide age range; typically between 30- and 55-years-old. Regardless of age, you must have the appropriate level of physical fitness and mountain biking skills to participate in this adventure. Please refer to clause 14 of our terms and conditions of booking to find more information on rider age.
The mountain bike tour in Ecuador is a guided mountain bike vacation, ideal for advanced mountain bikers. Riding here, amongst the world’s highest active volcanoes, you’ll experience a few tough climbs (largely because of the altitude) and steep, fast descents, as well as some lovely flowing singletrack through a huge diversity of landscapes and eco-systems.
Altitude is a factor in this trip and we have some tips for riding at high altitudes and managing the effects of altitude.
The distances we cover each day range from 15km to 50km, in accordance with the technical difficulty of the trails: the easier stages of the route are longer. The technical difficulty of the trails increases each day, so you can practise your technique and increase your confidence as you progress through the tour.
Each evening your guides will chat with you about the following day’s mountain biking and give you an idea of the sorts of trails you can look forward to. If there’s anything you feel anxious about, your guides will be happy to discuss it with you.
No, you only need to carry a 20 litre back pack with you whilst riding. We have a support vehicle and driver who will transfer your luggage to your next accommodation, and have it ready and waiting in your room when you arrive.
Your guide will be very happy to give you some bike skills training during your trip to help improve your confidence and your enjoyment of your MTB adventure in Ecuador.
If there is a section that you would prefer not to ride, then you can simply hop off your bike and walk. You won’t be the only one to walk certain sections and it’s not a competition in biking ability; it’s a mountain bike holiday!
Your mountain bike guides are local, qualified, experienced professionals who have a real passion for mountain biking in the Andes of Ecuador. Your safety is their number one priority, closely followed by your enjoyment of the tour. They will always be on-hand to answer any questions or requests you may have throughout your trip. Meet your mountain bike guide in Ecuador.
On this mountain bike tour Ecuador you’ll spend five nights in traditional working haciendas (ranch) and you will also stay in 3- and 4-star local hotels and guest houses. At the haciendas you’ll have the chance to learn about the reforestation project going on in the area.
All breakfasts and lunches, and the final night dinner are included in the tour price.
Whilst not all meals are included in the tour price, so that you can choose what you wish from the dinner menu, we will eat together as a group each mealtime.
You should budget around $50 per day for meals.
The ideal bike for the Ecuador trails is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with 29” or 27.5” wheels, dropper seat post, and 140mm -160mm of travel front and rear.
Read the full kit list to find out what you need to pack for your mountain bike tour in Ecuador.
There will be opportunities to do laundry at a couple of your accommodations.
Unfortunately not. We are working hard to provide each and every customer who rides with us an unparalleled mountain bike experience in every destination we ride. This takes years of experience, riding and planning to get right, and a drone adds a very real danger to the group’s riding experience and health & safety.
You will fly into Quito airport, which is well-served by major airlines from all over the world.
If you’re flying from the UK or Europe KLM have a direct flight from Amsterdam to Quito, and Iberia from Madrid to Quito, which is very handy! You must book your bike on to your flight in advance, otherwise you could face a heavy charge at the airport.
Visas
Visitors from most countries do not need a visa to visit Ecuador for up to 90 days, you just need a passport that is valid for at least six months after your return from Ecuador.
You must check the relevant government website to satisfy yourself of the requirements for you to travel into and out of Ecuador.
Arrival and departure details
Your mountain bike tour Ecuador will start and end in Quito.
We advise arriving in Quito a day or two before the tour start date, to adjust to local time and start acclimatising to the altitude. If you are arriving prior to the tour start date, your guide will meet you at your H+I recommended hotel in Quito Old Town on day 1 of your adventure.
We have created this handy guide to spending 24 hours in Quito before the start of your mountain bike tour Ecuador.
On the last day of your adventure we will transfer you back to Quito airport for your flight home, and would ask you to book your return flight departing no earlier than 2pm on the last day.
Our mountain bike guides in Ecuador are of the highest level.
They are qualified in first-aid, and have the knowledge and experience to lead a group safely in these remote, wild parts of Ecuador. Our mountain bike guides have years of experience in the saddle on the Ecuadorian trails and will enhance your holiday with facts and fables on local history, flora and fauna.
They’re also genuinely nice people and will go the extra mile to make sure that everyone has an unforgettable experience on our mountain bike tour Ecuador.
One of the things that set our holidays apart from other mountain bike tours in Ecuador is the quality of the accommodation we use. We understand that when you’ve had a big day in the saddle, you want a warm welcome, wash and a comfortable place to relax and unwind – because that’s exactly what we’re looking for too.
This is why we only work with accommodation providers across Ecuador whose standards of service match our own high expectations.
During your time in Ecuador you will be staying in a wide variety of accommodation from a large hotel in Quito to traditional hill cottages (haciendas).
Food is a major part of our Ecuador mountain bike adventure, and we’ve worked hard to find the best local providers that produce the most delicious home-cooked meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Whilst most dinners are not included in the tour price, so that you can choose what you wish from the dinner menu, we will eat together as a group every evening. You should budget around $50 per day for food and drink.
No vaccinations are required for visiting Ecuador.
Ecuador is generally a very safe country in which to travel. It is, however, wise to keep an eye on valuables as you travel through towns and cities.
You cannot drink water from the rivers on our tours, nor the tap water. Bottled water is widely available.
Please let us know if you have any special food requirements, allergies or pre-existing conditions your guides should know about.
You should always consult your own doctor or physician before travelling to new countries to seek their advice on matters concerning your health abroad.
The official currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD) and is the only currency that will be accepted. ATM machines are available in Quito.
Major credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa are accepted at large hotels, shops, and restaurants in larger cities and in some rural hotels. It is advisable to carry some cash with you when you go into the wilderness.
Tipping
It is not compulsory to tip your waiting staff or guides in Ecuador, however if you feel you have received good service and have enjoyed your trip you can tip at your discretion.
We recommend tipping around 5% of the cost of your tour, which will be split amongst the guiding and support team.
For service staff in cafés and restaurants we recommend tipping between 10% and 15% of your bill.
You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks. In this policy you must include cover for mountain biking and we recommend that you take out a policy which covers cancellation and baggage, including your bike.
We work with Global Rescue whose policies are specially designed for adventure travel and you can arrange your insurance cover directly with them.
To make this a private tour for you and your favourite people, complete the form and we’ll work with you to make it happen.
To make this a private tour for you and your favourite people, complete the form and we’ll work with you to make it happen.
Our local guide in Ecuador, José Jijon, is a legend on the Quito mountain bike scene. When he’s not guiding and growing his own vegetables, he’s sharing his passion for riding bikes with local kids at their jump park in the city.
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I recently embarked on a mountain biking adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Ecuador, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of spectacular. From high volcanoes desert through lush rainforests down to almost sea level (only 50 vertical meter to go!), Ecuador offers a diverse and thrilling playground for any avid mountain biker.
Our journey kicked off in the bustling city of Quito, where we were greeted by the friendly local guides Jose and Alejandro and the driving crew: Victor and Mateo. Both guides were not just experts in navigating the trails but also passionate about sharing the beauty, the history, their knowledge of flora and fauna, and geology of their country. Jose had everything under control and had bonuses in food (on and off trail), in extra descends, in extra patience and in extra smiles.
The trails we rode were a perfect blend of flowy and technical descents through rocks, dirt, dust, ash, dry, wet, tacky, roots & ruts, drops, switchbacks and some punchy climbs, keeping us on our toes and our adrenaline pumping. We got everything you can imagine. And a bonus
I have to put out the gorgeous Cotopaxi day. The sight of Cotopaxi volcano towering over us was awe-inspiring. The descent down the Cotopaxi trails was an absolute highlight. The lunar-like landscape and the exhilarating speed made it a ride to remember. To top the day was the marvelous hacienda El Porvenir with their njami food, spa, fireplace and the super friendly staff.
Our journey wasn't just about adrenaline-pumping descents; it was also a cultural immersion. We interacted with locals, indulged in delicious Ecuadorian cuisine (also for a vegan like me), and experienced the wonders of UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site, their capital Quito. The warmth and hospitality of the Ecuadorian people added a unique and heartwarming dimension to our adventure.
And what a great Yeti family! The group consisted of 9 different nationalities from 7 countries however all having the same hobby and all having the same grin at the end of the day.
In conclusion, my H+I trip to amazing Ecuador was an epic escapade that surpassed all expectations. The combination of thrilling trails, breathtaking scenery, variety of landscapes, cultural immersion, detailed logistic and team, made it an unforgettable experience. If you're a MTB enthusiast, Ecuador with H+I should be at the top of your bucket list.
Our 2nd H+I Adventure….and WOW, what a TREAT!
Ecuador offers quite the diverse adventure – riding through the high peaks of the Andes, tropical, thick forested cloud forests, combined with “surfing” down steep volcanic ash. Ecuador is visually and culturally one of the most stunning places we have been.
Trails
The Ecuador trails we rode offer a combination of steep, dry, rocky, loose, slippery, wet and tacky options ….with super fun, flowy sections followed by deep ruts, small drops and tight switchbacks. Bring extra brake pads! Only a few small cross country style trails (with short “punchy” climbs). But don’t let that fool you – we got up to 15,000ft! And even the descents can be exhausting.
Guides
Our guides, Jose & Alejandro and his driving crew, were not only incredibly knowledgeable about the trails, the culture, and the history of Ecuador, they provided details on the local flora, fauna and geology of the various ecosystems. We saw llamas, fox, wild horses, condors & more! José was also very patient and accommodating, ensuring that everything we needed was provided (including freshly sliced salami on the trail, quick snack stop for local gelato pops, and always had cold, local beers at the end of each ride).
Hotels & Haciendas
The accommodations are clean, cozy & friendly. From a family run place in Ibarra, to the primitive Hacienda near Cotapaxi (our favorite), always comfortable and welcoming. Take a moment to enjoy the spa, hand cut trails, local coffee & chocolate, and explore the local villages and markets in your down time.
Local Cuisine
Meals often included locally grown and sourced foods (amazing fruits), to create delicious prepared & presented local, traditional dishes as well as creative, more modern recipes. Let’s just say - we were never hungry! But be patient – meals take time.
Lastly, great crew of riders from all over the world. We created some pretty incredible memories. We miss you Ecuador. And a huge thanks to the entire team for putting together an amazing journey – it takes a village.
Looking forward to our next H&I Adventure!
-Turbo Barbie & Bionic (new hip) Mike
