Introduction to Ecuador Guided Tour
99% PAVED
<1% unpaved
SERVICE LEVEL
Upscale hotels
A la carte dining
GROUP SIZE
1-10 Motorcycles
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE
Tour Overview
- Tour Starts and Ends: Quito, Ecuador. Airport Code: UIO
- Tour Duration: 12 Days / 11 nights
- Time Needed: 13-14 days (arrive a day before the tour, stay a day after to explore Quito)
- Riding Days: 10
- Rest Days: 2 (Manta and Baños)
- Total Distance Covered: 2,811 kilometers / 1,747 miles
- Average distance per riding day: 280 kilometers / 174 miles (10 riding days)
- 99% asphalt road / 1% dirt, gravel or cobblestone roads
- Elevation gain/loss: 16,385 meters / 55,232 feet
- Accommodations: including unique hacienda, wilderness lodge, and boutique luxury hotel accommodations
- Single occupancy (your own private hotel room at no extra charge)
- Guided Tour: Experienced, multilingual, local resident tour guide
- Chase vehicle: for groups of 5+ riders
- All-inclusive pricing includes meals, gas, entrance fees, etc. No pulling out your wallet!
- Minimum participants: 1 (guaranteed departure) we do not cancel tours if there are not enough participants
- Maximum riders: 10 (keeps things fun and easy!)
- Pricing: please see the bottom of this page for pricing (which depends on the bike chosen).
- Includes: See the bottom of this page for inclusions under the Pricing section
Ecuador is one of the most geographically, culturally, and biologically diverse countries in the world. Amazing landscapes encompassing rainforests, Andean mountain ranges, coastal ranges, deserts, and tropical grasslands make this South American country a haven for astonishing motorcycling.
This guided motorcycle adventure tour will take you to all of the best that continental Ecuador has to offer on this unforgettable motorcycle adventure.
We will visit all of the major regions of continental Ecuador - the Andes, the Coast, and the Amazon Basin. We will have time to explore the major cities of Quito, Loja, Manta, Esmeraldas, and Cuenca, including many places, declared "World Heritage Sites" by the United Nations. We'll visit the famous "gringo" hangouts such as Canoa, Vilcabamba, Otavalo, and Baños. We will experience the various cuisines of Ecuador such as the Criolla cuisine in Esmeraldas, fresh coffee from plantations in Loja, pure fresh chocolate from a cacao plantation in Guayas, hearty potato soups of the Andean highlands, and steamed fish wrapped in Amazonian jungle leaves.
One of the things that sets a motorcycle trip apart from other types of tourism are the scents, fragrances, and aromas that you can experience while riding a motorcycle. You can't experience these the same way while traveling in a bus or car. Ecuador provides you with a feast for all your senses. You will pass through brilliant fields of multi-colored roses, see wild orchids in the rainforests, smell the eucalyptus and pine forests, ripening bananas, and ride through the salty mist along the shore. You'll smell the fresh, wood-oven baked bread in colonial cities.
The motorcycle tour will also take you off the beaten track to explore some of the wild areas of Ecuador. It is one of the most adventurous motorcycle tours that you can do. It will give you access to untouched wildlife and unforgettable insight into how native Ecuadorians have lived for centuries.
Motorcycle | Single Occupancy
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
---|---|
Hero Xpulse200*
| $6,020
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Honda XRE 300*
| $6,260
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
SWM Gran Milano 440
| $5,780
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Honda XR650L
| $6,620
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Suzuki DR650*
LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches REGULAR: 34.8 inches | $6,500 |
Suzuki DR650 LOW*
LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches REGULAR: 34.8 inches | $6,500 |
SWM RS650S*
| $6,500
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Suzuki V-Strom 650
REGULAR: 32.9 Inches LOWERED: 31.7 Inches | $6,860
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Suzuki V-Strom 650 LOW
REGULAR: 32.9 Inches LOWERED: 31.7 Inches | $6,860
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Aprilia Tuareg 660
| $7,220
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Yamaha Tenere 700
| $7,100
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Husqvarna 701 Enduro*
| $7,100 |
BMW F750GS
| $7,100
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Triumph Tiger 800 XC
| $7,220
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
BMW F800GS
| $7,220 |
Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
| $7,220 |
BMW F850GS
| $7,340 |
Moto Guzzi V85 TT
| $7,340 |
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally
| $7,340
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Husqvarna Norden 901
| $7,340 |
Suzuki V-Strom 1000
| $7,220 |
Honda Africa Twin 1100 DCT
| $7,580 |
Passenger Sharing Room
If you are traveling with someone who will be riding a separate motorcycle and sharing your room (1 or 2 beds), take 10% off the price of each bike! | $2,995
If you are traveling with someone who will be riding a separate motorcycle and sharing your room (1 or 2 beds), take 10% off the price of each bike! |
2 Vehicles Sharing Room
If you are traveling with someone who will be riding a separate motorcycle and sharing your room (1 or 2 beds), take 10% off the price of each bike! | 10% Discount
If you are traveling with someone who will be riding a separate motorcycle and sharing your room (1 or 2 beds), take 10% off the price of each bike! |
* Bikes marked with an asterisk are not configured to take a passenger.
All prices are in United States Dollars (USD) - the official currency of the Republic of Ecuador
Route Map
Elevation Profile
TIMELINE OVERVIEW
Travel day to Quito
Arrival in Quto
Fly to Quito's airport (code UIO) and transfer to one of the recommended hotels near our shop in tn the heart of the fashionable La Carolina neighborhood, and explore the nearby galleries, shopping, museums, and cafés.
Travel day to Quito
1 or 2 days prior to the tour start date
Pre-Tour Registration and Tour of Qutio
Day 1
Quito - Otavalo
Elevation gain/ loss: 4198 m / -4446 m 13,773 ft/ -14,587 ft
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Inti-ñan Equator Museum, Mojanda Lake, Otavalo Market, Evening Music performance
Accommodations: Hacienda Pinsaqui
Day 1
Day 2
Otavalo - Galera
Distance: 388 km | 241 miles
Elevation gain/ loss: +2344 m / -4999 m | +7690ft/-16,400 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Otavalo Animal Market, Cotacachi Leather Maker, Exotic Fruit Markets
Accommodations: Cumilinche Club Cabins
Day 3
Galera - Manta
Distance: 339 km / 211 miles
Elevation gain/ loss: +977 m/-940m | +3205 ft/-3084 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DInner
Activities: Shrimp farm, Black Beach, Mompiche Beach
Accommodations: Balandra Hotel
Day 3
Day 4
Rest Day in Manta
Distance: ? - motorcycle available for you to explore on your own if you wish.
Elevation gain/ loss: ?
Meals: Breakfast
Available Activities: Parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surf lessons, surfing, kite surfing, deep-sea / tuna fishing, kayaking, shopping, museums, swimming, whale watching (seasonal) and nightlife
Accommodations: Balandra Hotel
Day 5
Manta - Hacienda La Danesa
Distance: 375 km / 233 miles
Elevation gain/ loss: +350 m / -330 m | +1148 ft / -1083 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: "Panama" Hat Maker, Cacao and dairy farm
Accommodations: Hacienda La Danesa
Day 5
Day 6
Hacienda La Danesa - Zaruma
Distance: 276 km / 171 miles
Elevation gain/ loss: +2659 m / -1608 m | +8724 ft / -5276 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Pineapple Plantation, Dairy Farm, Tour of Zaruma
Accommodations: Roland Hotel
Day 7
Zaruma - Vilcabamba
Distance: 263 km / 163 miles
Elevation gain/ loss: +6517 m./ -6124 m | +21,383 ft / -20,092 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Gold Mine Tour
Accommodations: Descanso del Toro Lodge
Day 7
Day 8
Vilcabamba - Cuenca
Elevation gain/ loss: +5131 m / -3130m | +16,834 ft / -10,259 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Saraguro Market, Colonial Cuenca
Accommodations: Hotel Victoria
Day 9
Cuenca - Baños
Riding Time: 420 km | 261 miles
Elevation gain/ loss: +7176 m / -7926 m | +23,543 ft / -26,004 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Ingapirca Ruins, Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge, Hot Springs
Accommodations: Posada del Arte
Day 9
Day 10
Rest Day in Baños
Riding Time: ?
Elevation gain/ loss: ?
Meals: Breakfast
Activities: Available activities include rafting, canyoning, rapelling, swing jump, canopy zip lines, horseback riding, ATV rentals,
Accommodations: Posada del Arte Bed & Breakfast Inn
Day 11
Baños - Puerto Misahuallí
Distance: You may use the motorcycle to explore on your own
Elevation gain/ loss: +2910 m /-4442 m | +9547 ft / -14,574 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DInner
Activities: Tibetan Bridge, Zip Line, Waterfalls
Accommodations: El Jardin Misahuallí Lodge
Day 11
Day 12
Puerto Misahuallí - Quito
Elevation gain/ loss: +7339 m / -4933 m | +24,078 ft / -16,184 ft
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Activities: Motorized Canoe Expedition, Hike with Native Guide, Swim in Waterfall, Tubing on Napo River, Guapulo Church
Return to Quito
Return home
Return to Quito
Highlights
Tubing in the Napo River
Adventure Sports
Cuenca
The Equator
Pacific Coast
Termas de Papallacta
Quito
Tungurahua Volcano
Chimborazo
Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge
Pack for a Purpose
Otavalo Animal Market
Otavalo Textile Market
Banana Plantation
Gold Mine
Canoe Ride in the Amazon
Cotacachi Leather Market and Artisans
Baños de Agua Santa
Saraguro Indigenous Market
Ceibo Trees
Chocolate Farm
Pre-Tour Briefing
Amazon Community Visit
Hike in the Amazon Jungle
Cobblestone Roads
Playful Monkeys
Cascada de las Latas
Cheese Maker
Roadside Pig Roasts
Traditional Farming
Small Towns
Vinces
Canoa, Manabi
Boat Builders
Roast Guinea Pig
Laguna Mojanda
Shaman Healing
Volcan Cotopaxi
Zaruma, El Oro
Jerusalem Dry Forest Reserve
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Elevation Profile - Day 1
You’ll begin your twelve-day “Introduction to Ecuador Motorcycle Tour" from our shop in Quito, Ecuador - 2850 meters (almost 2 miles above sea level) in the Andes Mountains. Quito is Ecuador's capital city, with about 1.5 million residents and has some of the best examples of Spanish colonial architecture in Latin America. Quito was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the 1970s for having the best-preserved and least altered historic center in all of Latin America.
On the morning of the tour departure, we will outfit you with the motorcycle of your choice. We will provide a thoughtful presentation that will answer all your questions concerning local customs, rules of the road, etc.
Our first stop is in the middle of the world. Inti-ñan means “path of the Sun” in the Quechua language, and the Inti-ñan Museum is situated directly on the Equator. The indigenous peoples have revered this site for thousands of years. We will learn how ancient people came to understand that this was the center of the world, centuries before the advent of modern geography or GPS devices. Standing on a red line that shows the exact Equator, we will experiment with gravity. We will witness how water drains either clockwise or counter-clockwise, depending on which side we are standing. We also have the opportunity to see how the indigenous populations of Ecuador live when visiting their homes. These models will enable us to understand better the cultures seen as we pass through various regions over the next few days. Departing the Inti-ñan Museum, we officially leave the Quito metropolitan region and begin riding in the Northern Hemisphere.
We carefully selected a route to acquaint you with a taste of the wide variety of different kinds of roads in Ecuador and to allow you the time to get acquainted with your bike. The fun starts with a newly paved road that dives deep into a dry river canyon. This road is "canyon carving" at its finest, and you'll quickly see why Ecuador is a motorcycling paradise!
From the colonial town of San José de Minas with its manicured central plaza and towering church, we will climb in altitude, taking back roads. Here we will be rewarded with grand vistas of the serene farmlands and forests below. We will experience great aromas as we pass through eucalyptus and pine forests. We will stop to add a layer of clothing as we ride up to a height of over 12,000 feet (3714 meters) to view the majestic Mojanda Lake surrounded by the Fuya-Fuya volcano, which guards the lake. This high road will be the first time we will be in the high-elevation paramo climate.
From there, we will ride down through the colonial city of Otavalo, famous for its expansive indigenous market. We will finish today's ride enjoying the local music and delicious local fare at the 300-year-old Hacienda Pinsaqui. This historic inn is one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador. Simon Bolivar stayed on several occasions and is famous as the Pinsaqui Treaty site, which brought lasting peace with neighboring Colombia.
Ecuador's beautiful Pacific Coast
Elevation Profile - Day 2
After a hearty breakfast of fresh juices, baked bread, and eggs, we'll start the day by riding to Otavalo's indigenous market. For hundreds of years, the indigenous people have brought their animals, crafts, and produce down from the surrounding hills to sell in the market here. Don't worry - this market has very little to do with typical knick-knacks and tourist dollars. The Otavalo Market is the real thing.
We'll witness the frenzy of the animal market - one of the most authentic experiences you'll find anywhere. We'll also have time to explore the Plaza de Los Ponchos- a maze of hanging tapestries, weavings, and handmade garments. A second animal section of the market deals with fowl, cuyes (guinea pigs), rabbits, puppies, and kittens.
We'll ride out of Otavalo and to the meticulously clean streets of the town of Cotacachi. Cotacachi is internationally known for its talented leather artisans. Many of the world's designer clothing brands manufacture their leather goods in this beautiful Andean city. You'll get a chance to acquire a belt, wallet, or jacket here at excellent prices. From here, we'll ride a series of beautiful ancient Incan cobblestone roads that are still maintained in the old fashioned way. Don't worry - these roads have no traffic, and the stones are very easy to ride on.
You'll then head off the beaten path, on a twisted, recently paved highway that gradually descends from the Andean mountains, through farms of papaya, mango, and other exotic fruits. You will have entered the lovely Pacific province of Esmeraldas. You will pass through miles of giant coastal mangroves and witness more incredible biodiversity.
You will get a glimpse at the lively city of Esmeraldas, northern Ecuador's principal port, and coastal city. You can stop for lunch to try out some of the Creole cuisine, unique to this part of Ecuador.
Keeping along the coast, we enter the Galera Marine Ecological Reserve and end the day's ride at the gorgeous Cumilinche Club. This lodge has comfortable, private cabins and a secluded stretch of beach of unspoiled natural beauty. You will be able to go for a swim in the warm Pacific Ocean and explore the natural caves that surround the beach. The location is stunning and unlike any other place in the world.
You will want to take a walk to admire some of the incredible birds, crabs, and other coastal wildlife along this isolated and quiet empty stretch of the rocky coast.
Elevation Profile - Day 3
This morning, we will have a little time to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural beach available at the Cumilinche Club. You can explore the rocky coastline and caves and observe the teeming sea life living in the rocks and puddles between them.
Then, after a lovely breakfast, we will start the day riding along miles of the Ecuadorian coast and past many shrimp farms and then through rolling hills of the tropical grasslands of the coastal lowlands. You will see that the preferred form of transport here is horseback. We usually stop for lunch in the somewhat chaotic little city of Pedernales. Known as the capital city for shrimp harvesting and trade in Ecuador (the country's third most important export). Here we will stop at our favorite restaurant serving the freshest shrimp you will have ever tasted in your life!
We will continue our ride down the unspoiled coastline of empty, sandy beaches and into the warm, friendly fishing village of Jama. We'll take a short jaunt off the main road to ride over a causeway that passes through several shrimp farms so we can fully take in the beauty of this region. You will then head inland a little for a ride on some of the serene, undisturbed countryside of Manabi, passing cattle farms.
Canoa is home to a mixed population of native fishermen, transient surfers, and expatriate retirees seeking sun and relaxation. And we'll have a brief stop here to take in the scene.
Further down the coast, we'll ride through another popular ex-pat town, San Clemente, where we will stop to see the local fishermen bring in their catch.
After a ride across a dry, desert-like area, we will arrive in the coastal city of Manta. Manta is set in a broad bay dotted with freighters, cruise ships, and its wooden tuna fishing fleet. Here, tuna and shrimp processing is the main industry. Catching swordfish, tuna, dorado, and shark here is lucrative enough to draw fishing fleets from the USA and Japan.
Manta is known as a lively vacation destination. It is famous for its mile-long Playa Murciélago, where the surf is good enough to host international bodyboarding and windsurfing competitions.
We will check into the beautiful Hotel Balandra and enjoy a gourmet seafood dinner before setting into our rooms overlooking the ocean.
Break Day! Relaxation and sunshine! Manta has one of the best beaches on the Ecuadorian coast and is a very popular place for surfing and lazy beach days. You can also book a full or half-day of deep-sea tuna fishing with a local charter company or go snorkeling in the crystal blue waters. Santa Marianita beach nearby offers kite surfing and surfing lessons.
You can visit the Manta Central Cultural museum to see its display of artifacts from the Valdivian culture, which flourished here from 3500 - 1500 BC, and later the Manteño culture. The market at the Plaza Civica throngs with indigenous traders, artists, and Panama hat sellers. You are welcome to take your bike out for a ride to explore the coast on your own or to visit the Machalila National Park, one of Ecuador's most beautiful natural beaches, less than an hour away.
Or, you can pull up a chair at some of Manta's great hang-outs, beachside bars, and restaurants and enjoy a restful day away from the bike.
Elevation Profile - Day 5
Manta - Pile - Vinces - Hacienda La Danesa
Distance covered: 375 km / 233 miles
With a day of rest and now full of energy again, we will head south. Then, we'll ride through the coastal dry forest with the strange-looking Ceibo trees. Ceibo trees look like they were uprooted and turned upside down so that their roots are into the sky. They are called the "trees of life," and it is fabled that these trees, which only grow near the Equator, are what connect the Earth with the spiritual world. They flower only once every five years and produce waterproof cotton used to build life preservers and outdoor pillows.
As you may already know, the "Panama" hat made famous by US President Teddy Roosevelt during the building of the Panama canal is not actually from Panama. Panama hats originated from this area of Ecuador, not Panama. The hats are hand-woven from a straw derived from the leaf of a type of palm tree that grows here.
We'll stop in a coastal village here that is reputed to make the best "Panama" hats in the world. We will visit a weaver who will show the technique and why it takes between 1 month and three years to weave a single hat. Some of the hats are incredible works of art. Recently, one sold to a Hollywood actor for $25,000.
Then, we will ride through some of the most beautiful farmlands and countryside in rural Ecuador. With rolling hills, grand plains, and friendly people, we'll get to know this rarely visited hidden gem of Ecuador. We'll cross the Guayas river and enter a region that has become known as the producer of the world's best chocolate.
We'll visit the town of Vinces, otherwise known as Ecuador's "Little Paris." French chocolatiers settled Vinces in the 19th century, and it still retains its French architectural heritage. The region is famous for producing the world's best chocolate, known as "Arriba" chocolate. When the first European chocolate makers came here, they noticed the locals were carrying some of the best smelling and delicious chocolate in their canoes. When asked where the chocolate came from, the locals replied, "Arriba," which meant up-river, where Vinces is located today.
We'll continue through great plains of intensely green banana and rice fields on small backroads. We will ride the mile-long driveway and impressive tree-lined entrance to the Hacienda La Danesa. La Danesa is an exclusive, luxury lodge set in a working chocolate and dairy farm. We'll get a chance to learn how teakwood, cacao is grown and given an opportunity to go inner-tubing down a lazy river before checking into our beautiful rooms for the night.
Elevation Profile - Day 6
Day 6
In the morning, we will have some time to enjoy the tranquil farm life at Hacienda La Danesa. We will learn about how cacao is grown and turned into chocolate and how their organic dairy farm is managed and operated.
Then, onto the bikes, for it is more adventures ahead! We will head across the vast plains with plenty of fishing birds and rice paddies. We'll cross through the Churute mangrove national wildlife area - known for its beautiful mangroves and alligators.
You'll see the agriculture and landscape change as you enter El Oro Province. The smell of ripening bananas and cacao plantations will fill your senses. This area is known for being the "Banana Capital of the World" - where a large portion of Ecuador's banana trade and market activities occur.
Onward, you will then head back inland through mangroves and farmlands and into the hills that were once one of the Spanish Empire's wealthiest regions. The Canari Indians died here, deep in the gold tunnels of Ecuador's Andes. First, the Incas, then the Conquistadores, working the Indians till they dropped. It is a rugged yet strikingly beautiful region of Ecuador, known as the gold province.
We'll spend the night in the gold mining town of Zaruma. Zaruma was founded in 1549 and still boasts some of the most excellent examples of early colonial Spanish architecture in all of South America. Zaruma is also known for having the most beautiful women in Ecuador. You will find a nice, cozy room at the Roland Hotel.
Elevation Profile Day 7
We'll enjoy the local favorite breakfast of steak and tigrillo. Tigrillo is an energy-packed mash of eggs and green plantains enjoyed by the hard-working gold miners here.
Before heading out of Zaruma, we'll stop to visit one of the gold mines. Some of the world's most productive gold mines are located here. We will visit the mine by riding one of the carts used to transport the raw ore.
Then, as you head back on your bike, we ride changing landscapes on rural, mountainous backroads through dense forests. You will pass through the town of Piñas, known for its beautiful orchids.
We will climb in elevation again, riding through the picturesque Spanish colonial towns of El Cisne, with its magnificent cathedral and the charming city of Catamayo. This road has non-stop curves. We have tried to count them, but each time we do, we lose count. It must be in the thousands! This road is where you'll want to make sure you don't scrape off the ends of your footpegs.
We will finish today's ride in the peaceful, hippy-mecca town of Vilcabamba in what is known as the "Valley of Longevity." The population here is known to live very long lives. With its lush green scenery freshened by the mountain air, it is no wonder that Vilcabamba has been a popular vacation spot for hundreds of years. Once a retreat for Inca royalty, foreigners discovered Vilcabamba in the 1970s after a series of articles were published, including one in "National Geographic" that highlighted the locals' long lives.
Since then, Vilcabamba has become one of Ecuador's most popular destinations. Because most people come to Vilcabamba to relax, the town has managed to keep its small-town appeal. It has a cluster of small restaurants and internet cafes surrounding the sleepy town square. The tranquil atmosphere, perfect weather, and an endless array of outdoor activities have combined to create a place where people often come for a weekend and end up staying for a month.
We check into the comfortable award-winning Descanso del Toro Lodge, a very well-managed hotel and spa with a spectacular pool. The rooms are very spacious, and the on-site restaurant and brewpub is fantastic, but you are still close to everything this town has to offer. The hotel also offers great massages and spa treatments if you would like to undo some of the effects of riding.
Elevation Profile - Day 8
Today's ride will be in high elevations, so you will want to add a layer of clothing.
We head north on the Panamerican highway and experience some of the beautiful high altitude vistas below the dark blue sky found only above 10,000 feet. We ride through the gorgeous colonial city of Loja, full of Universities, cafés, and plazas with street musicians. Then we continue north along one of the most scenic stretches of the Panamerican highway, with tremendous views and exhilarating curves and climbs.
Once in the indigenous town of Saraguro, we stop and take a stroll through the famous market there. The Saraguro is a unique ethnic group brought to Ecuador from Bolivia by the Incas to work on the Royal Road. Their distinct dress sets them apart and makes them proud, productive people. Their jewelry, especially their handcrafter necklaces, are cherished by women around the world.
After a hearty lunch, you are back on the bike, with breathtaking scenery fighting for your attention as you keep your eyes on the curves and swoops. You will climb to over 11,500 feet at the Tinajilla Pass as you cross the high altitude pampa. Keep a careful eye out for wild llama and try to capture them with your camera.
On today's ride, you will roll into Ecuador's third-largest city and arguably its most charming -the city of Cuenca. Cuenca is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site as its historic center is a well-preserved example of Spanish Colonial architecture. You will be staying in the luxury colonial Hotel Victoria -right in the historic center of this beautiful city. For a list of things to see and do in Cuenca, click here.
Elevation Profile - Day 9
This is a long riding day, so we get up early in the morning and get on the road after a great buffet breakfast. We head out on the Panamerican highway towards the north, first passing through dense pine and eucalyptus forests. The scent of these forests will be something that will stay with you long after the ride. We continue on these mountain roads, passing through high altitude paramo and crossing chilly high altitude mountain passes at 11,000+ feet. After some breathtaking views, we turn right onto a road that takes us through scenic farmlands. It was once part of the Incan trail during the reign of the Incan empire. The people along this road still use centuries-old farming techniques. It is a ride through the past.
The road takes us to the most extensive Incan ruins in Ecuador - Ingapirca. Otherwise known as Ecuador's "Macchu Picchu," - you can visit the ruins of this Incan Solar temple and marvel at their advanced irrigation techniques.
Then, we arrive in the Andean town of Alausi, which is known for its warm and welcoming indigenous population who wear brilliantly colored clothes. The town has a very active market and some great restaurants serving fresh trout, locally grown produce, and other regional specialties. Alausi is the right place for lunch.
With permanent glaciers at its peak, Chimborazo is the highest point in Ecuador and is the highest point on Earth. This relatively unknown factor is because the Earth bulges at the Equator and Chimborazo's peak is the furthest piece of land from Earth's core. It's just another way of saying that this is literally the closest place to Heaven on Earth.
The road we take crosses through the Chimborazo National Wildlife Refuge, home to thousands of wild vicuña, the smaller, lighter, faster cousin of the llama and camel. Ecuador has one of the best-protected vicuña populations in the world, and we will be sure to see these majestic creatures as we wind around the gigantic mountain. We'll reach an altitude of over 14,500 feet (4.500 meters), and here, the weather is unpredictable. Be ready for bright sunshine, freezing rain, hail, or even snow!
This area will make you feel like you are on another planet.
We ride through the outskirts of Ecuador's fourth-largest city, Ambato. We will head through lush farmlands and valleys, dropping to an elevation of 5,000 feet to arrive in Baños.
Baños is the adventure tourism mecca, famous for its health-giving thermal springs. The town is set in the shadow of the mighty Tungurahua Volcano, a very active volcano that occasionally erupts with pyroclastic emissions and thick ash. Banos is located in what is known as a "magnetic vortex," a unique place where the planet's four essential life elements - Air, Earth, Water, and Fire - are found. You will check into the Posada del Arte Hotel and enjoy access to the great restaurants, hot springs, and activities that Banos has to offer.
Day 10
¨Rest¨ Day in Baños
Today is another chance for some additional great adventures! Baños is one of the world's best centers for adventure and extreme sports. With so many inexpensive, experienced guides and tours available, we strongly encourage you to take full advantage of them to experience the incredible natural beauty surrounding this town.
You can go for a day of rafting or kayaking on some world-class rapids, do some bungee jumps, go canyoning (rappelling down waterfalls), take a jungle tour, ride down a volcano on a mountain bike or improve your rock-climbing skills.
If none of those activities appeal to you, Baños has some great hangouts, restaurants, and bars, and exciting nightlife, too.
Baños is the perfect spot for a rewarding rest day, no matter what you choose to do.
Elevation Profile - Day 11
Take another steamy volcanic bath and enjoy a full breakfast at the comfortable Posada del Arte hotel before we head back on the road. We will head you eastward - riding down what is known as the "Route of the Waterfalls" through the Andes' eastern slopes, which will eventually descend into the Amazon River Basin.
On the way down the Eastern Slopes, we will have several opportunities for exhilarating activities, including zip lines across the Pastaza River Gorge. You can also try one of the "swing jumps," which is like a bungee jump but with an ordinary rope. The idea is to jump out off a high bridge and then fall while swinging under the bridge. It will give you a significant surge of adrenaline!
In the town of Rio Verde, we stop to view the tremendous "Pailon del Diablo" or "Cauldron of the Devil" waterfalls. The falls crash about 250 feet into a hole that has been bored into the rock over centuries. To get the best view of the falls, we will take a small hike and cross over a suspension bridge, which leads to steps that will bring us down into the "cauldron." The falls draw photographers from around the world, and they will amaze you.
Again, you will see the vegetation and cultures change dramatically on today's ride. The air will become warm as you arrive in Puyo - and you are now officially in the Amazonia region. We will be riding north, and with a great view of the Sierra to our left as we ride the comfortable, newly paved road with rolling hills and plenty of sweeping curves to keep it fun.
We take a right, turning onto a road that follows Napo River's southern bank and going deeper into the Amazon jungle. The Napo River is the fifth most significant tributary to the Amazon River.
We arrive at the El Jardin Misahuallí Lodge, and you will check into your private cabin for the night. Each one is built in harmony with the surrounding rainforest. All bungalows are equipped with a private bathroom, a private veranda with reclining chairs, and a private plunge pool or jacuzzi to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Ecuador's Amazon. You can swim on the sandy banks of the Napo.
We'll enjoy a gourmet dinner at their restaurant, which serves up some of the best cuisines in Ecuador with many dishes made from Amazonian ingredients. The El Jardin Lodge will show you how luxury and comfort can be so relaxed and natural. You'll enjoy a night of the pure sounds of the Amazon jungle.
Over the Papallacta pass and back to Quito
Elevation Profile - Day 12
Day 12
Puerto Misahualli - Papallacta - Quito
Distance Covered: 139 miles / 224 km on 100% paved road
In the morning, you will be treated to a full breakfast at the lodge with fresh fruits, juice, and eggs and then taken to the boathouse where you will be fitted with a life vest and rubber boots. We'll board a long, motorized canoe that will take us up the Napo River. You will go for a short hike through the secondary forest with a native guide who will point out several plant, animal, and insect species in this Amazon jungle rainforest. He will explain their traditional uses and herbal remedies. Then we go for a swim in the beautiful Cascada de las Latas. This amazing waterfall has a natural rock waterslide and a water pit for bathing. There are a couple of other waterfalls that can be visited during your stay, depending on time.
To get back to the Lodge, we float down the Napo River on inner tubes and enjoy the serenity of the jungle. (please note that the excursions provided by the lodge are subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors that we cannot control)
Back on the bike, we head east a few miles and cross a one-lane metal bridge into the town of Puerto Misahualli. This town is the western-most navigable port of the Amazon river basin. Puerto Misahualli has a mischievous monkey population that loves to play with the local dogs and tourists. Be sure to bring your camera!
We pass through the rainforest town of Baeza and start the climb back into the Sierra. Then we can have another stop and opportunity for bathing and swimming in the thermal springs of Papallacta before heading over a high (and chilly) mountain pass at 4,200 meters (about 13,400 feet) and a smooth ride back into the city where we'll have some beers and say our goodbyes with great memories created for all.
Photo Gallery
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Full Tour Video
What to Expect
This guided twelve-day motorcycle adventure tour will start in our offices located in Quito's Carolina neighborhood, the safest and most convenient part of Quito. We suggest arriving in Quito a day or two early to enjoy the city and get the paperwork out of the way to have a smooth start on Day 1.
On the morning of our departure, you will receive a detailed and thoughtful presentation on Ecuadorian rules of the road, customs, courtesies, and group riding protocols. We will provide the adventure motorcycle of your choice, fitted with a waterproof luggage system and a tankbag if you want one. If there are more than five riders on the tour, a support truck will be available to carry your luggage and bring bottled water. The support truck can respond in an emergency and make your ride more comfortable by carrying your luggage. If there are fewer than five riders on the tour, we may not provide a support truck. We will provide ample saddlebags or luggage systems supplied with your bike to carry your personal items.
The route you will follow over the next twelve days is based on several years of experience and riding these routes many times. Your guide knows the route thoroughly, having ridden it several times before. The route is almost entirely paved, with some unpaved driveways and construction areas. We chose these roads for their lack of traffic and outstanding scenery. The Guide will make many stops throughout the day to introduce you to the locals, explain the local history, and show you the "hidden gems" that are not common knowledge.
Upon returning, you will have access to our honor bar, jacuzzi, hot shower, and staff that can assist you with your next destination.
Weather and Temperatures
Weather and temperature ranges in Ecuador are generally the same year-round. You can expect the chance of passing showers in the highlands but rarely a full day of rain. Prospects for a full day of rain are more likely on the western slopes of the Andes in March, April, and early May. This ride will be in elevations between sea level (where temperatures can be around 90 degrees Fahrenheit) to 14,500 feet (where temperatures are in the 30s Fahrenheit). Dressing in layers is recommended. Please see this article for more information about the weather in Ecuador.
Accommodations
We will stay in unique, carefully selected hotels, lodges, and inns that are in the mid-to-high-end range. See this page for details, photos, and links to the accommodations provided. We provide single occupancy accommodations as standard, so you have privacy and comfort at the end of the day without having to pay an extra charge. Ecuador Freedom may be required to substitute accommodations of equal quality due to availability and will notify you of these changes.
Packing List and Preparation
Ecuador Freedom will provide you with detailed information to prepare for the ride, including a packing list. No knowledge of Spanish is required - your Guide can speak English and Spanish fluently. Before you travel, we recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with these recommended guidebooks and maps.
Accommodations on this Tour
Hacienda Pinsaqui
This historic hacienda dates back over three centuries and was Simon Bolivar's place to stop over when he traveled to Quito. The rooms are large, many with fireplaces and very comfortable beds.
Cumilinche Club
Enjoy your cabin on a private beach in the Galera Marine National Park. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Balandra Hotel
This is a boutique hotel in the best part of the port city of Manta. Just a block from the main beach and close to shopping and fantastic restaurants.
La Danesa
This is a special treat. You will be staying in a very luxurious dairy and chocolate farm known as one of Ecuador's finest hotel experiences.
Roland Hotel
The Roland Hotel - like everything else in Zaruma - is built into the hilly landscape of goldmines. It offers easy access to the sights of this extraordinary town.
Descanso del Toro
Just outside the town center of Vilcabamba within walking distance to the bars, restaurants and galleries, the Descanso del Toro features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, jacuzzi and a full-service spa.
Hotel Victoria, Cuenca
The Hotel Victoria is one of Cuenca's finest hotels. Locate right in the Historic center and just above the Tomebamba River walk, it offers rooms that are comfortable and tastefully decorated in Cuencano style.
La Posada del Arte
Just a short block away from the famed hot springs that make this town world-famous, you'll find yourself easily at every attraction Baños has to offer. This quaint yet personable B&B shows off the works of talented local artists.
El Jardin Misahualli Lodge
This luxury lodge is located just outside the village of Puerto Misahualli. Each of their rooms offers an outdoor seating area with a private plunge pool or jacuzzi. The rooms overlook the Napo River and are set in the jungle. The restaurant prepares local food with ingredients from the Amazon region.
Pricing
Motorcycle | Single Occupancy
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
---|---|
Hero Xpulse200*
| $6,020
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Honda XRE 300*
| $6,260
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
SWM Gran Milano 440
| $5,780
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Honda XR650L
| $6,620
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Suzuki DR650*
LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches REGULAR: 34.8 inches | $6,500 |
Suzuki DR650 LOW*
LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches REGULAR: 34.8 inches | $6,500 |
SWM RS650S*
| $6,500
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Suzuki V-Strom 650
REGULAR: 32.9 Inches LOWERED: 31.7 Inches | $6,860
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Suzuki V-Strom 650 LOW
REGULAR: 32.9 Inches LOWERED: 31.7 Inches | $6,860
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Aprilia Tuareg 660
| $7,220
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Yamaha Tenere 700
| $7,100
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Husqvarna 701 Enduro*
| $7,100 |
BMW F750GS
| $7,100
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Triumph Tiger 800 XC
| $7,220
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
BMW F800GS
| $7,220 |
Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
| $7,220 |
BMW F850GS
| $7,340 |
Moto Guzzi V85 TT
| $7,340 |
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally
| $7,340
This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours. |
Husqvarna Norden 901
| $7,340 |
Suzuki V-Strom 1000
| $7,220 |
Honda Africa Twin 1100 DCT
| $7,580 |
Passenger Sharing Room
If you are traveling with someone who will be riding a separate motorcycle and sharing your room (1 or 2 beds), take 10% off the price of each bike! | $2,995
If you are traveling with someone who will be riding a separate motorcycle and sharing your room (1 or 2 beds), take 10% off the price of each bike! |
2 Vehicles Sharing Room
If you are traveling with someone who will be riding a separate motorcycle and sharing your room (1 or 2 beds), take 10% off the price of each bike! | 10% Discount
If you are traveling with someone who will be riding a separate motorcycle and sharing your room (1 or 2 beds), take 10% off the price of each bike! |
* Bikes marked with an asterisk are not configured to take a passenger.
All prices are in United States Dollars (USD) - the official currency of the Republic of Ecuador
Before booking a tour with us, please carefully read our Motorcycle Tour Terms and Conditions.
Our reservation system is automated and accessible through the "Book Now" or "Reserve Online" buttons. The system will take you through a few easy steps to book your tour and any desired extensions. The system is secure and uses a third-party, Ecuadorian payment system called Kushki, which meets all international regulations and security standards. Payment may be made using any major credit card. Please note that we must collect a government-issued ID number from you when booking due to Ecuadorian banking regulations. You may use your passport, driver's license, or any other government identification number.
Alternatively, you may request payment through PayPal in the system (click the PayPal logo on checkout). If you prefer to send a wire transfer, please let us know (using the "Ask a Question" button or "Contact" menu item, and we will provide our banking details.
Deposits are refundable minus 10% of the total rental or tour price only if canceled at least 90 days before departure or pickup date. Cancellations are very costly to us as they impede our planning and ability to sell rentals and tours to other customers. Therefore, cancellations for any reason made less than 90 days before the pickup or departure date are not refundable, nor may they be applied to a future rental or tour.
To protect yourself from this loss of your deposit, it is up to you to secure travel insurance that covers cancellations due to health problems, civil unrest, acts of God, family tragedies or problems with flight departures, etc.
Global Rescue has created the industry’s most complete travel insurance that was built with the outdoorsman in mind. With minimal exclusions, the IMG Signature Travel Insurance is the perfect add-on to your Global Rescue membership.
To find out more information please visit our landing page at: https://partner.globalrescue.com/freedombikerental
The balance (second 50%) of your rental or tour is due when you pick up the bike in our office in Quito. The second 50% can be paid in cash (United States Dollars), with PayPal, or a credit card. We accept Mastercard, Visa, and American Express. A 100% refundable security deposit using a credit card for the rental motorcycle or 4x4 is also required and is separate from the payment for the tour. Security deposits are $500 - $2500, depending on the vehicle selected.
What's Included
- Unlimited Mileage Motorcycle Rental
- Knowledgeable, Experienced, Multilingual, Local Resident Guide
- Saddlebags or hard luggage system
- Tank bag
- Guaranteed departure policy (we go even if only one participant signs up - we do not cancel tours on you!)
- Support Vehicle (5+ motorcycles)
- Single occupancy accommodations (your own private cabins and rooms each night) in listed accommodations at no extra charge.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (à la carte) on riding days
- Tolls
- Gasoline
- Canoe Excursion with a native guide in the Amazon jungle
- Entrance fees to Intiñan Solar Museum
- Chocolate making experience
- Zip Lines and/or Tibetan Bridge
- All other activities and tours listed in the itinerary
- Use of motorcycle during rest days
- Pre-tour 20% discount on any high-quality riding gear from our partner, Klim
- Souvenir T-Shirt
- Souvenir decal
- VIP access to the Freedom After-Ride Lounge with a hot shower, and honor bar.
- Luggage storage and locker use while riding
- You do NOT have to pull your wallet out on any of our guided tours!
What's Not Included
- 100% Refundable security deposit to cover any damage to the rental motorcycle
- Hotel accommodations before and after the tour in Quito
- Trip Cancellation, Medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
- Any activity not described in What's Included
- Meals not listed
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
Click on any of the dates above to begin the quick online reservation process. If you don't see a tour date that works for you, please request a new tour date.
= The truck icon indicates that this tour date has enough riders to have a support truck provided. A support truck is guaranteed for the tour date(s) with this icon.