Northwest Ecuador Explorer Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Day 1
Quito - El Quinche - Cayambe - Olmedo - Otavalo - Cotacachi

141 km | 88 miles

Our office, strategically located in one of the best neighborhoods in Quito, is the perfect starting point for a self-guided motorcycle tour. Located just a short distance from the main tunnel leading out of the city, you can depart without dealing with heavy traffic. This location also has many cafés, restaurants, comfortable hotels, museums, theaters; and countless other entertainment venues waiting just around the corner.

In our conference room on the morning of your departure, we will provide a comprehensive briefing about what to expect during your journey through Ecuador - providing information about driving etiquette; the route; the interesting sights along the way; timing considerations, etcetera- as well as what action to take if anything were to go wrong. Afterward, you'll feel fully prepared and confident enough to head alone into the yet unknown territory!

You'll be surprised at how quick it is to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Right outside Quito, you'll find lush pastures and rose farms in every direction while enjoying a pleasant yet warmer climate than the capital. Your first stop is the El Quinche Basilica - where people from around the country hike on a pilgrimage once a year to request miracles. There are countless plaques here that commemorate miracles granted through the prayers made here. It is also where everyone in Ecuador brings their new car, taxi, motorcycle, or bus to be blessed by the clergy before being put to use. So don't miss this opportunity to start your journey on the right foot!

Then you'll ride a twisty section of the Panamerican Highway until you reach the other side of the world. Once there, if you visit Quitsato Sun Dial, located exactly on the Equator, you will understand how important this precise location is to ancient civilizations in this part of the world. You will also learn about astronomical instruments used for measuring time or pinpointing the date - such as an Andean Cross - and get a chance to take pictures in both hemispheres at once. You're sure to feel amazed when it comes to understanding what people are seeing up in our night sky here in Ecuador - being right smack-dab between two hemispheres never felt so marvelous!

A little further up the Panamerican is the small city of Cayambe - named after the volcano that is the only place on Earth where the Equator passes over snow. Famous for their butter cookies known as bizcochos, any visit to this town would be remiss without stopping by to taste them. Even watching people prepare these tasty treats is fascinating!

After Cayambe, you will turn off the Panamerican highway onto a small obscure road. When you come upon the quiet setting surrounding this ancient road, it is only natural to turn off your engine for a moment and take in the sight. Though the road is now made of asphalt instead of ancient cobblestones, the air feels just as old; heavy with unknown stories from those who came before us. A valley spreads out before you, green from all its rolling pastures, and the towering snow-capped Cayambe volcano soars above.

Two famous Ecuadorian heroines made their marks on history in this land - Amaguaña and Cacuango fought tooth and nail for what was theirs - the right to live freely and for education for all children. You'll cross a narrow bridge in the small town of Olmedo, where most buildings are made from adobe brick and clay tiles. Beyond is a deep ravine; then comes the gorgeous Zuleta Valley region - one of Ecuador's top destinations for culture-lovers who want to see local artisans, as well as embroidery being crafted alongside handmade saddles that are exported globally.

Then you will take a twisty road that will take you between two volcanoes, up to over 10,000 feet in elevation, where you will get stunning views of the tranquil Lake San Pablo, which lies at the base of the Imbabura volcano. This is a special part of Ecuador, the indigenous area of the Otavaleños. Though a melting pot, this area has a strong cultural identity immediately recognized through dress, food, and music. Otavalo is best known for its textile manufacturing based on centuries-old traditions that pre-date the arrival of the Inca from Peru. The first stop on your journey through Otavalo is an artisan family's workshop where you will learn about its weaving traditions that date back centuries. . You will learn how people create textiles from natural fibers and dyes - using a rudimentary device called a 'backstrap loom' for crafting woolen fabrics that last a lifetime.

You'll end the day's ride on a high note, entertained by live music at Hacienda Pinsaqui. This is one of the best hotels/haciendas in the Americas. The Inn encapsulates Andean Ecuadorian life like few others in the country. Rooms are large, many with fireplaces; dinners (included) are spectacular.

Day 2

Cotacachi - Otavalo - Cuichocha Lake - Chachimbiro - Primavera

145 km | 90 miles

Waking up at Hacienda Pinsaqui will be a moment you will remember for a long time. You can take a relaxing morning stroll through the serene gardens filled with gentle ponds, geese, and ducks. This Ecuadorian hacienda is the embodiment of all Ecuadorian traditions. Friendly Otavaleña women in traditional dress will serve breakfast, and keep the coffee warm thanks to an enormous, roaring fireplace.  After getting your fill, you will venture out on the picturesque roads surrounding the misty mountains of Otavalo - taking in everything this town has to offer!

On Saturday mornings (pro tip: start this tour on a Friday to be able to see the animal market on Saturday morning), you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the flurry of activity at Otavalo's animal market. It's hard not to be captivated by the local people selling anything from baby pigs to goats to cows and the local farmers who buy it all up. 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 little to do with typical knick-knacks and tourist dollars. The Otavalo Market is the real thing.  

You'll also have time to explore the Plaza de Los Ponchos - a maze of hanging tapestries, weavings, and handmade garments. It is one of South America's largest outdoor indigenous markets.  You will find beautiful items made from local alpaca and sheep wool as well as handmade carved wooden utensils, jewelry, and toys for children. If bargaining isn't in your nature yet then fear not! We will coach you before heading out on this journey so you can do it confidently when it comes time for haggling.

You can learn about several Ecuadorian, Peruvian, and Bolivian musical instruments at a shop run by a talented family. You will be shown how to make an ear-catching pan flute in just a few minutes, plus the family will demonstrate how they craft these instruments out of natural resources such as leather and armadillo shells. It is an eye-opening visit!

Cotacachi is internationally known for its skilled leather artisans. Many of the world's leading clothing brands use Cotacachi to manufacture their leather products. Here, you can get a belt, wallet, or jacket for a fraction of what it would cost back home. But there's so much more than an opportunity to buy something! You can also meet with a local artisan family who has been tanning leather using traditional techniques since time immemorial- without chemicals and dyes! This skill has been passed down through generations.  They will show you the entire process, from curing to cleaning to stretching the hides and the beautiful results they get using techniques passed down over centuries.

Enjoy a second breakfast on the main plaza with another local specialty; the coffee grown in this province of Imbabura is some of the best in the world. The local Rio Intag Growers' Association is a cooperative that brings together over 200 families to produce a high-quality, fair trade coffee with a unique aroma and the sensory characteristics that the most demanding coffee connoisseurs seek. The Pastry Shop has become a popular meeting place for those who have settled down here, such as those from other countries who've made Cotacachi their new home. You'll want to take some cookies to enjoy later on the road and, of course, a bag of coffee to bring home with you.

You will take a paved back road from Cotacachi to the Cotacachi Volcano's crater lake, the Cuicocha - or Guinea Pig Lake (the Kichwa word for guinea pig is cuy and cocha means lake). Two forested islets have formed from deep within the beautiful ultramarine waters where there are over 400 species of plants. The islands were known for their large populations of guinea pigs which would make it seem obvious as to why this place was called Cuicocha in the first place!

You'll ride a series of beautiful ancient cobblestone roads from here.  These paved roads were made for riding on horseback and are loved by local farmers because they are noisy and alert animals to oncoming cars.  Don't worry - these roads have little traffic, the stones are very easy to ride on and our MotoZ tires give you good traction, even in wet conditions.  As you enter the town of Urcuqui with its beautiful manicured central plaza, you will probably notice that the climate has changed once again. The air here is much dryer and warmer - without all the humidity.  To break up your journey, you can head to Hacienda Chachimbiro, where there are hot springs set against stunning scenery, which could inspire you to stay for a quick soak here. After crossing through the little town of Tumbabiro, you can stop for lunch at the Hacienda Pantavi - a beautiful art gallery/hotel with a fantastic restaurant.

Further down the road is the friendly African-Ecuadorian town of Salinas.  There is a train station and a museum to show off its salt mine (hence the town's name).  Now you will head west, descending sweeping curves and dropping steadily in elevation among some of the most productive farms in the country.

You take a narrow road that leads deep into the western Andes' fertile mountainous farmlands and cloudforest. Following a roaring river with waterfalls will bring you to the enchanting hamlet of Primavera. The GPS will indicate the location of the Hacienda Primavera Wilderness Lodge entrance. This secluded lodge is not easy to find, but worth every effort when you're looking for something unique.  Its location is truly in the wilderness, and this is a secret hideout for birdwatchers and other adventurers seeking authentic experiences in the jungle.

 The lodge is located within the El Choco Cloud Forest Reserve, which has primary and secondary forests. Guests often see various rare tropical birds such as parrots and toucans. The lush forests surrounding the hacienda contain the most substantial flora and fauna per square meter than anywhere else in the world. The tropical forests are abundant in endemic species, epiphytes, and orchids.

The lodge has large rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a beautiful spring-fed pool, an infinity jacuzzi with an amazing view, and a working horse and cattle ranch. The staff will be happy to show you around, including the coffee plantation on the premises.

Day 3

Primavera - Las Peñas - Same - Cumilinche Club

308 km | 191 miles

You'll wake up surrounded by the natural melody of different types of birdsong. The hacienda provides a hearty breakfast with abundant fresh, locally sourced fruit and eggs, and the organic coffee is grown right there on site. A great breakfast is essential before going out for a breathtaking motorcycle ride; today will not be the exception!

You'll start with gradually descending from the mountains into the rainforests and villages of the northwestern coastal region. The beaches here tend to be emptier, life slower-paced, and the food tastier than elsewhere.

Las Peñas is where you'll catch the first sight of the Pacific Ocean. It's an idyllic little haven off the beaten path if you're looking for a good place to take a break from riding and simply indulge. Here you will find the famous authentic seafood dishes from the Esmeraldas - Arroz Marinero, Breaded Shrimp, Conch, and Lobster.  All can be served up in a deliciously rich coconut milk sauce - the restaurants here will leave you satisfied whether you eat a full lunch or just get a fresh fruit juice. You might find yourself kicking back on one of their hammocks, hanging beneath swaying palm trees, or lounging at one of the tables overlooking the sea! The ocean is warm but still refreshing here, and it's a great place to cool off before heading further down the coast.

In Ecuador, restauranteurs often call their establishment what dish they are famous for. One of these notable dishes and restaurants is Cevicangre  - which people from all over visit to devour. A popular dish amongst the locals, the cevicangre is a full meal consisting of shrimp ceviche served with rice and plantain chips topped off with a cold coconut to drink. This spectacular dish features one of Ecuador's most prized foods - the Esmeraldas blue crab, which takes time to prepare but tastes absolutely divine. For the locals, there is just nothing that could compete. You're served the boiled crabs drenched in coconut sauce, a mallet, an apron, and a wooden board so you can get to work extracting the juicy meat inside the shells.

You will get a glimpse of the lively city of Esmeraldas, northern Ecuador's principal port and coastal city. You'll cross through several shrimp farms and take the bypass around the party town of Atacames.  

Keeping along the coast, end the day's ride by checking into your private, beachside cabin at the Cumilinche Club Reserve.  This lodge has comfortable cabins and a secluded stretch of private 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.  Here, too, the restaurant serves the region's favorite seafood dishes.  We highly recommend trying the Cumilinche Salad!

 For those wishing for a little more comfort, you can upgrade your stay on the coast by selecting the Royal Decameron All-Inclusive Mompiche Resort upgrade.  To upgrade, select the upgrade option when booking online.  You will have full meal service, which includes alcoholic beverages, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus access to the sailboats, kayaks, and other services available at this fantastic resort!

Day 4

Rest Day at Cumilinche Club

When you wake up at the Cumilinche Club, the beauty of nature and the sights here will cast a spell over you. You won't want to leave!

Take your time today walking around; it's best during low tide so that you can visit some caves near the shore. There are plenty of animals here too- colorful crabs, unusual insects, and tons of different birds.

If you're looking for an adventure far away from civilization, try heading to Punta Tortuga or Punta Galera where secluded beaches are just waiting for explorers. And what if partying's what you crave most? Then head back up to Atacames or Samé where late-night parties never end!

You only need to decide what you want to do first — do you want adventure? Or do you crave relaxation?

Day 5

Galera - Mompiche - Pedernales - Valle Hermoso

273 km | 170 miles

Enjoy another excellent breakfast at the restaurant on Cumilinche Club's private beach. (We love and recommend the shrimp omelet).  Get back on your bike but keep your swimsuit and flip-flops ready at all times today. It will be a breathtaking ride down the coast to start.

After a ride on sweepers through papaya and cattle farms, the first stop today will be in the fishing village of Mompiche. Mompiche is a quiet place, where inhabitants enjoy an unspoiled view of life. Surfers from all over the world come here in search of good waves, while backpackers and tourists explore its streets- the dirt tracks full of people greeting one another amicably. It is a good place for an ice-cold smoothie to keep your energy up and your temperature down.

Just a little bit further down the coast, you will want to pull out your swimsuit and check out one of Ecuador's most beautiful and unusual beaches. It is difficult to find without a GPS (and instructions) but Playa Negra's (Black Beach's) deep sand is one of the strangest places you will ever set foot. The distinctive color and consistency of the sand are due to its rich composition of metals, including uranium, titanium, and copper. You may want to scoop up a teaspoon to bring home as a souvenir of this special place.

After going past several more shrimp farms, we know how much you're now craving some of this seafood. It makes sense then to stop at the city that produces most of Ecuador's shrimp - Pedernales. The city is also home to Ecuador's exports and traders of shrimp, which holds its position as its third largest export after oil and roses.

Our suggestion? Point yourself towards the best restaurant on Pedernales' beach - we'll let you know which one it is - and get your fill of shrimp before you head back inland!

You'll depart from the coast, going inland and then into a region of rolling hills with an extensive range of microclimates, landscapes, and crops. The vast lands offer rice fields, cattle farms, protective dry forests, and fruit-bearing trees.

The last overnight stop on the trip will be the Kashama Lodge & Spa in the rainforest, at the base of the Andes. Unique because it is built into a waterfall, this hotel provides world-class cuisine and an opportunity to learn about traditional Tsachila indigenous culture from the locals. After spending all day surrounded by nature's beauty you'll find peace as you drift off to sleep with the soothing sound of the waterfall lulling you to a deep slumber.

Day 6

Valle Hermoso - Rio Blanco - Nanegalito - Quito

171 km | 106 miles

After a refreshing swim in the waterfall, have breakfast and start riding up the foothills of the Andes. You'll steadily rise in elevation while passing dense farms where they grow coffee beans, avocados, and other exotic fruits. The first part of the ride is on a super twisty, curvy road that will exhilarate you.   

From there, you'll make your way through the Rio Blanco valley - a wide river well-known among kayakers and rafters. Have some time to stop at Rio Sucio Falls - one of many scenic waterfalls perfect for swimming in or relaxing under while enjoying food from one of its various nearby establishments. 

From here, you will continue your climb into the Andes - and you will have plenty of opportunities to go zip-lining in the cloudforest as well as a stop at an excellent restaurant that attracts thousands of hummingbirds to flutter around you as you have lunch.

You'll get to admire the beautiful Pululahua Crater - the only inhabited volcanic crater in the world- before crossing back over the Equator for more photo opportunities of being in two hemispheres at once.

Our facilities include a hot shower, jacuzzi, and an honor bar which is perfect for relaxing before flying out of the international airport or for getting ready to go out for a night on the town in the South American capital of cool, Quito.