Ecuador by eBike

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

Welcome to Ecuador’s vibrant capital Quito! At the airport we are welcomed and driven to our cozy hotel with a gigantic view. Here we can relax in our first night in the beautiful country of Ecuador.

Accommodation: Casa Ilayaku

Day 2: Quito by bike

This morning, we enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel! Before starting our trip with we get a small introduction on the engine and the technology. We first take the bus to the Panecillo, the city’s most beautiful viewpoint. From here we cycle down to the historical city center. Via the Ciclovía – the city-bike path – we can reach most of the places in town. We’ll visit the Plaza de la Independencia, the churches Iglesia de la Compañía and San Francisco and cycle into the green lung of Quito, the park Metropolitano. Sunday is the perfect day to explore Quito, as many major roads remain closed to cars.
In the evening we have the chance to relax in the beautiful thermal springs nearby our hotel.

Accommodation: Casa Ilayaku
eBike distance: approx. 45 km / 3-4 h

Day 3: Quito - Mindo

After breakfast we leave Quito for the first time to experience the vast nature of Ecuador. Our bus will guide us to Yanacocha, the gateway to the subtropical nature reserve Mindo-Nambillo. Here we’ll start cycling along the Nono-Mindo-path into a bird’s paradise. Right at the beginning of the route the path leads us up a mountain – no problem for our eBikes! Afterwards we are heading downhill into the Tandayapa area and explore the changing vegetation zones: from pampas to highlands, mountain regions and cloud forest areas, everything is present today. Mountains, rivers and waterfalls portray our route, continuously accompanied by singing birds. At lunchtime we take a break at the Bellavista Lodge, where we can observe countless hummingbirds and other colorful birds at close range. We’ll enjoy our lunches in this gorgeous nature spot and then continue mainly downhill along the “Route of the Hummingbirds” to the valley of Mindo, where we reach our lodge surrounded by idyllic nature.

Accommodation: Sisakuna Lodge
eBike distance: approx. 70 km / 4-5 h

Day 4: Mindo

Today we continue our journey of discovery in the magnificent environment of Mindo. We cycle to a hiking trail in the cloud forest region and from here continue by foot to reach the imposing waterfalls. On the way, we keep our eyes and ears open for birds, as the region around Mindo is one of most important bird observation areas worldwide. We’ll visit an Orchideario and climb a viewpoint from which we can spot the feathered inhabitants of the cloud forest even better. Before we return to our accommodation, some sweet treats are waiting for us … During a chocolate tour in the small, local factory “los yumbos” we learn how the delicious chocolate bars are made from cocoa beans. Back at our accommodation, we can spend the afternoon relaxing or embark on one of the many excursions the area has to offer (ziplining, canyoning, tubing, …- optional).

Accomodation: Sisakuna Lodge
eBike distance: approx. 20 km / 1-2 h
Hike: approx. 3 km / 1 h

Day 5: Mindo - Tulipe - Nangulvi - Intag

Today our bus takes us to Tulipe, where we dive into the past of the indigenous Yumbo people. We learn more about their culture and the once sacred place of worship, which was opened for visitors only a few years ago. From Tulipe, our cycling path leads us mostly downhill to the region of Intag. With a nice breeze blowing into our faces, we are riding past small villages through the mountain cloud forest. In Nangulvi, where numerous thermal springs and baths are fed by the volcanic heat underground, we can relax our muscles in the warm water later on.

Accommodation: Hotel Nangulvi
eBike distance: approx. 60 km / 3-4 h

Day 6: Intag - Cuicocha - Cotacachi

Today we ride our bikes to the idyllic crater Lagoon Cuicocha, where we go for a hike around the crater rim at about 3,000 m altitude (about 2-3 hours). From the edge of the crater, we can enjoy a fantastic view of the valley of Otavalo, from which the volcanoes Cotacachi, Imbabura and Cayambe rise in the background. Indigenous shamans purify themselves each year in the approximately 200 m deep alkaline lake, when celebrating their Inti Raymi (summer Solstice). In the middle of the lagoon, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful ones in Latin America, there are two islands on which once many guinea pigs lived. This is why the lake is also known as the “guinea pig lake”. The islands are not accessible to visitors to protect the unique nature and habitat of the still rarely studied fauna. In this stunning setting, our picnic tastes even better! From Cuicocha Lake we continue to the village of Cotacachi – guided by the impressive mountain giants surrounding us.

Accommodation: Hostal Yellow House Cotocachi
eBike distance: approx. 40 km / 2-3 h
Hike: approx. 8 km / 2-3 h (optional)

Day 7: Cotocachi - Otavalo - Cayambe

Today we’ll explore some classic Ecuadorian market life in the town of Otavalo. On the plaza you can bargain for regional products and colorful souvenirs. In the charming town we have time to stroll through the narrow streets, along many small shops, cozy cafes and the lively Plaza. Afterwards we hop on our bikes, cycling towards Cayambe, passing by many idyllic small mountain villages, the lagoon San Pablo and the pretty community of Zuleta.

Accommodation: Hotel Jatun Huasi
eBike distance: approx. 60 km / 3-4 h

Day 8: Cayambe - Cunuyacu

Today, we’re riding high! To make it easier for us to acclimatize at an altitude of 4,700 meters, we are taking our escort vehicle to the Cayambe refuge center, which is located about 1,000 meters below the volcanic peak in the stunning ecological reserve around the Cayambe Volcano. Up there, we can enjoy the fascinating view while enjoying a traditional “té de coca” and embark on a short hike.

Afterwards, we get on our eBikes to jet downhill at breathtaking speed. Our private mini-van will be waiting for us in Piemonte and take us to our current accommodation, where we can terminate the day in the nearby thermal springs (optional).

Accommodation: Casa Ilayaku
eBike distance: approx. 20 km / 1-2 h
Hike: approx. 2 km / 2 h

Day 9: Cunuyacu - Cotopaxi

Today we want to dedicate ourselves to the Cotopaxi National Park. This magnificent area, which is protected since 1975 and has been declared as one of the most attractive nature reserves in the country. The mighty Cotopaxi volcano with an altitude of 5,897 m is Ecuador’s second highest mountain.

The 33,000 ha national park shelters wild horses, pumas, spectacled bears and even condors. We are riding our bikes partly off the beaten paths through this breathtaking tundra backdrop, which is littered with a variety of grasses, crimson rosettes, purple lupins and many other small colorful flowers. As we reach an altitude of 4,700 m, we can enjoy a breathtaking view and delicious picnic from the José Ribas Refuge and foot of the Cotopaxi.

Accommodation: Quinta Colorada
eBike distance: approx. 50 km / 4 h

Day 10: Lasso - Chugchilán

After breakfast, we start exploring the Andean plateaus, which lead us through a breathtaking scenery at an altitude between 3,000 and 4,000 m. Along the stunning scenery of mountains and small villages, people from the communities of Toacazo, Insilivi and Sigchos are laughing and waving as we pass by. For lunch we stop at  small, sustainable lodge in the community of Insilivi. In the nearby village shop you can buy great handmade souvenirs and support the local community. When we reach the village of Chugchilán, today’s distance final destination is close! Mama Hilda is waiting for us in her cozy lodge by the warm fireplace.

Accommodation: Hotel Mama Hilda
eBike distance: approx. 70 km / 5 h

Day 11: Chugchilán - Quilotoa - Chugchilán

Today, a very special experience is waiting for us: a visit to the turquoise-green crater lagoon in Quilotoa, which is situated at an altitude of 3,900 m in a densely vegetated volcanic basin. Instead of cycling today we will walk along the spectacular edge of the crater, which evolved due to a huge explosion in 1280. The afternoon can be spent at leisure. We can either do another excursion or spend some time relaxing in the hammock of our cozy lodge and watch the hummingbirds in the garden.

Accommodation: Hotel Mama Hilda
eBike distance: 0 – day without cycling
Hike: approx. 8 km / 3 h

Day 12: Chugchilán - Chimborazo - Riobamba

Today we are  head to the beautiful Chimborazo National Park, home to many llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. The snow-capped peak of the mighty mountain, which is stunning 6,310 meters high, is the highest peak in Ecuador. We take our eBikes on a plateau of about 3,500 – 4,000 m to the majestic giant and strengthen us on the road with a delicious picnic in this beautiful setting.

Accommodation: Hacienda Abraspungo
eBike distance: approx. 50 km / 2-3 h

Day 13: Riobamba - Chimborazo - Baños

In the morning we start through a spectacular landscape to the imposing snow-covered volcano Chimborazo. First, we are chauffeured by our support vehicle to the Carell Hut at a height of 4,800 m, where we can acclimatize comfortably with a coca tea. From there we climb the last 200 vertical meters on foot to the second refuge (Whymper Hut, 5,000 m). The view is just fantastic! With a little luck, we discover the rare vicuñas that climb along the mountain slopes in the midst of the bizarre, barren landscape. A unique place to enjoy the contents of our lunch boxes.

Then we get onto the saddle and prepare for a fast and spectacular downhill ride, which takes us from the highest mountain in Ecuador all the way down to the 1,600-meter lower village of San Juan.

In the afternoon we will reach the tranquil resort town of Baños, gateway to the Amazon rainforest, which is situated at the foot of the volcano Tungurahua (5,016 m). Here we take a bike ride through the lava-embossed river valley. The outdoor sports and leisure activities in Baños are great! Famous here are the thermal springs, which are naturally heated by the geothermal energy of the volcano, which is activated again and again.

Accommodation: Hostal Donde Ivan
eBike distance: approx. 45 km / 2-3 h
Hike: approx. 1 km / 1, 5 h

Day 14: Baños

In the morning we explore the famous “Ruta de las Cascadas” – the waterfall route – with our eBikes. On the tour we move steadily downhill from waterfall to waterfall. Between the falls, we can do a few small hikes, including the thundering Pailón de Diablo, the most powerful waterfall on the route, just a short walk away from the small town of RíoVerde.

If you’d like to make an extra round with our tour guide in the afternoon, you can join a tour to the beginnings of the vast Amazon rainforest, located only 60 km away from Baños. On a bike excursion into this unique space of life and nature, we approach the volcano Tungurahua on a rising branch line. From the viewing platform “Los Ojos del Volcan” we enjoy the incomparable view on the town of Baños in the valley.

Accommodation: Hostal Donde Ivan
eBike distance: approx. 40 km (optional + 30 km) / 2 h (+3 h)

Day 15: Baños - Departure / connecting program

Today our eBike group tour through Ecuador ends – or if you decided that two weeks weren’t enough, the optional connection program begins. We are happy to advise you on the possibilities! A private transfer to the airport is organized.