Andes Twist Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Day 1
Quito - Avenue of the Volcanoes - Chugchilan (Quilotoa Loop)

164 km / 102 miles

Welcome to the pulsing heart of the capital city of Quito, the world's highest capital city! Our headquarters and the starting point of your adventure are located in the La Carolina neighborhood. Swathed in serenity, this district boasts a large park, multiple embassies, art galleries, and airline offices, making it one of Quito's safest and most prestigious neighborhoods. Several hotels that epitomize urban comfort are just a hop away from our HQ. 

The day begins with a thorough briefing at our offices as our team familiarizes you with an insightful presentation covering the ins and outs of Ecuador's driving customs. You will also get an in-depth review of the route and you'll be handed a detailed packet containing daily route sheets, maps, and hotel vouchers. Then, you'll saddle up on your motorcycle, feeling fully prepared and self-assured for the adventure ahead.

With stomachs growling from a full morning and a beautiful ride, you'll stop by a time-honored refuge for voyagers. Lunch is at a historic hacienda - or traditional inn/farm -  from the 1600s that has seen more than four centuries of history unfold. The ornate Spanish colonial building, graced with artful courtyards and an old chapel, lends a picturesque setting to your meal. Indulge in traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, an interesting fusion of Andean and coastal ingredients that hint at the diverse landscapes of Ecuador.

Wrap up your day in the embrace of the inviting Mama Hilda's lodge. The welcoming ambiance here will make you feel right at home as you're served pot after pot of heartwarming, home-cooked Ecuadorian fare. Prepared and served in a family-style setting, the night will culminate with you sharing stories of your exciting day on the road over a delectable meal.

Day 2

Chugchilan - Quilotoa Crater Lake - Pujilí - Chimborazo Mountain Lodge

207 km | 129 miles

Day 2 of your self-guided Andes Twist Motorcycle tour kicks off right after you've relished a wholesome Mama Hilda's breakfast. Your adventure continues along the awe-inspiring Quilotoa Loop. The gentle glow of the morning light highlights the picture-perfect mountain scenery while countless sheep herds enhance the panoramic view as they majestically cross your path. The surreal golden illumination on the mountain slopes sets an unmatchable ambiance.

You're then guided towards the dazzling Quilotoa Crater Lake, which majestically sits at an elevation of 12,800 feet. Feast your eyes on the lake's unique azure hue, set beautifully against the backdrop of this vast volcanic caldera. Formed over 600 years ago, this celestial crater lake takes on the surreal tones of its surroundings, inviting you to marvel at its magnificent natural grandeur.

The next part of your day has a cultural twist. Discover the Indigenous art galleries tucked away in the tranquil village of Tigua. This area is a canvas where local artists translate the mythical tales of the Andes onto goatskin canvasses, rendering life to age-old legends through vibrant paints.

The vibrant, bustling indigenous town of Pujilli is your next stop, with its flurry of outdoor markets echoing the busy rhythm of Andean life. Absorb the colorful chaos that permeates through its streets as you gear up to plunge back into the peaceful mountain ride.

Following the captivating city of Ambato, embark on the epic ride through the stunning road that carves the canyon of the Rio Ambato. You climb from an elevation of about 8,000 feet to over 14,000 feet. As you wind through the magnificent canyon with local cowboys and ranches, you're part of a surreal panorama.

Your ride takes a leisurely break at the enchanting Kunuyacu hot springs, the area's beloved volcanic swimming hole, perched at a breathtaking 14,000 feet. Relish the mouth-watering, locally-roasted trout while soaking up the scenic panorama of the imposing Chimborazo Mountain. Standing as the world's highest, thanks to its position along the equatorial bulge, Chimborazo's peak is the point on Earth closest to the sun.

Finally, conclude your exhilarating day by falling asleep at the base of the mystical Chimborazo, sharing your turf with wild vicuñas and alpacas. This inviting lodge welcomes you with the comforting warmth of a grand fireplace.

This charming sanctuary is the perfect space to mingle with other awe-struck adventurers and recount the day's magical ride through Ecuador's captivating highlands. Day 2 of your tour ends, leaving a resounding echo of Andean tales in your heart and the promise of even more thrilling adventures in the days to follow.

Day 3

Chimborazo Mountain Lodge - Colta - Sangay National Park - Macas

205 km | 128 miles

As dawn breaks on Day 3 of your tour, you'll awake to the breathtaking silhouette of the mighty Chimborazo mountain peering down at you from its cloud-wreathed peak. Despite the chilly high-altitude air, your heart will warm at the delicious breakfast spread waiting for you in the cozy ambiance of the main lodge.

Once you warm up your motorcycle, you'll find yourself riding through sprawling pastures. Marvel at the intricate quiltwork of bright and dark green fields unfolding below, sliced up by ice-cold streams meandering like silver ribbons.

As your ride gains in elevation, a stunning series of glacial lakes will unfold before you. Picture postcard-worthy views of sharp, craggy peaks overlooking crystal clear waters stir memories of the region's erstwhile inhabitants, the Puruháe people, who used these icy waters as the execution site for their convicts.

As you roll down to the day's finale, be prepared for an unexpected transformation in your surroundings. You're now in the sultry Amazon basin. After the exhilarating day on the road, a dip in the soothing waters of the pool at the Arrayan y Piedra Lodge will leave you feeling revitalized. Enjoy the evening as you settle down in your room, serenaded to sleep by a symphony of jungle creatures on the banks of the mighty Upano River.

Day 4

Macas - Hola Vida Waterfall - Mirador Indichuris - Puyo - Puerto Misahuallí

237 km | 148 miles

Be prepared to bask in the wondrous sight of the mighty Andes towering above you to the west. This incredible natural wall is a constant reminder of the wild landscape's power. Your motorcycle roars and leaps through an entrancing series of sweepers that etch their paths through the verdant expanse of the sprawling Amazon jungle. Around you, nature hums with life, punctuated by the exotic calls of its wild inhabitants, truly a scene stolen from an explorer’s fantasy.

Crossing bridges over several gushing rivers will add to your adventure, their power irresistible to adventurous white-water rafters and daring kayakers from all over the world. Hear the wild rivers' orchestra conducted by nature herself, see the fervent, untamed, frothy waters clash and meld together.

One particular highlight comes when you ride to a hidden spot in the jungle to transform from biker to explorer. Put your swimsuit on and prepare for a twenty-minute hike deeper into the mysterious realm of the Amazon. You'll discover a glorious towering waterfall. Gushing in perpetual white fury from a green-brocade cliff, the waterfall surrenders its energy into a clear, round, serene pool beneath. Embrace the awe-striking natural marvel; swim under the tropical sun as rainbow-hued birds fly overhead. After experiencing this place's serenity and mystic allure, no swimming experience will ever measure up. It's undeniably one of the most beautiful natural pools you'll ever plunge into.

Feeling energized from your swim you'll be ready to walk up a small hill to an amazing lookout. This hill is an intriguing location that overlooks the untamed jungle kingdom, cloaked in varying hues of green.  You'll see the vast Amazon jungle stretched out before you. This stop will offer a magnificent panorama, perfectly framed for your dream postcard moment.

From there, ride the sweepers towards Puyo, a bustling city thriving in the bosom of the jungle. Puyo has a breathtaking park and an inviting river walk set amidst the wild jungle backdrop. Taste local cuisines in great cafés and explore the diverse restaurants as they all play in symphony to your adventure's gastronomical side.

Cap your extraordinary day at the charming El Jardin Misahualli Lodge. Poised delicately on the banks of the mighty Napo River, this lodge offers an inviting haven from the wild outside.

With an exterior designed to merge with the natural scenery and luxurious interiors catering to your comfort, it serves as an oasis amidst the vast wilderness. Take a soothing walk along the garden path under the radiant stars or enjoy the calming music of the river while sitting on the patio. End the day with a hop in your private plunge pool and then get reclined in comfortable plush linens, dreaming about what adventures await on day five.

Let the magnetism of the Ecuadorian tropics charm your senses and steal your heart in this unforgettable escapade.

Day 5

Puerto Misahuallí - Jumandi - Paccari Chocolate Experience - Papallacta

162 km | 101 miles

Day five of the Andes Twist Self-Guided Motorcycle tour awakens you in the serene ambiance of the jungle lodge, ready to embark on another epic day of adventures.

Once you’ve enjoyed a hearty breakfast, a knowledgeable local guide joins you with exciting suggestions for your morning jungle sojourn. The choice is yours, whether it's a refreshing plunge in one of the natural cascading waterfalls, a leisurely hike through the untamed jungle uncovering its exotic flora and fauna, or an immersive visit to an indigenous community to learn firsthand about their symbiotic relationship with the mighty river. It’s a slice of Amazonian life, bringing you close to Mother Nature in the most intimate ways.

Leaving the thick canopy of the jungle, your journey twists into an unusual thrill as you descend to explore an enthralling underground cave and river system. This mysterious subterranean world demands high rubber boots and flashlights, readily provided by friendly guides who will lead you through this fascinating labyrinth beneath the earth. It's an adventure straight out of an Indiana Jones film, filling your heart with awe and adrenaline.

You will make a rewarding stop at a humble indigenous village where the aromatic allure of cacao hangs heavy in the air. Here, you will find the seeds that create Paccari, the pride of Ecuador, an award-winning chocolate savored around the globe. Acclaimed for its ethical trade and stellar quality, Paccari offers a transparent insight into its fair trade practices, bringing the phrase ‘from bean to bar’ to life. Be ready to roll up your sleeves as you join the local community in crafting a traditional lunch with indigenous ingredients - a culinary souvenir unlike any other.

Back on your motorcycle, you twist and turn, climbing back into the towering Andes, transitioning from a tropical to cloudforest setting. Tremendous waterfalls, as stunning as they are powerful, punctuate the emerald foliage, painting a scenery worthy of postcards.

Reaching an elevation of over 12,000 feet, you're welcomed to the Spa Termas Papallacta, a high-elevation hot spring resort, snuggled into the cloud-kissing peaks. A cozy private cabin awaits, offering not just luxurious rest but also a private hot spring where you can soak the road away while gazing up at a galaxy of stars above, adding the perfect, surreal finale to an exceptional day of discoveries.

In this sensational landscape high in the Andes mountains, as the cool mountain breeze brushes your cheeks and a galaxy of stars serenades you, day five promises to nestle itself deep within your cherished motorcycle memories. Unwind, replenish, and get ready for day six calls for new routes, ridges, and revelations!

Day 6

Papallacta - El Quinche - Guachala - Cayambe - Ibarra - Aloburo

161 km | 100 miles

Dawn light pours into your room as you rouse yourself from a deep sleep and hearty breakfast. Before you get on your motorcycle for the day's journey, another luxurious soak in the hot springs will get your day started on a good foot, and the tranquil murmur of mountain springs will melt away any vestige of tiredness.

Your path will twist upwards to the breathtaking Papallacta Pass, where you will cross the continental divide at about 13,500 feet. Experience the sheer exhilaration of elevation, overlooking a sweeping, abundant valley before beginning a smooth descent into its depth. Descending into this abundant valley, you'll find your way to El Quinche Basilica, a testament not only to the grandeur of nature but to the spiritual fabric of Ecuador itself.

Every year, thousands of Ecuadorians pilgrim on foot to this basilica from all corners of the country seeking divine intervention, evidenced by countless plaques commemorating miracles that have been granted through fervent prayers made here. This religious cornerstone extends its blessings beyond the human realm to motorcycles as well. Here, the clergy bestow divine grace on newly bought vehicles of all sorts before their first use, a local custom that captures Ecuador’s passionate faith and colorful cultural narrative.  

Back on your motorcycle, an enthralling stretch of the Pan-American Highway lies ahead. It will bring you to the oldest hacienda in Ecuador, constructed in 1580.  Humming with an illustrious past, it is thick with Ecuador's history.  Once a sheep farm and wool mill, it has transformed through the ages and still has many intact artifacts dating close to 450 years old.  You can have a memorable lunch there, with age-old family recipes fusing ingredients grown on the Hacienda’s vast land to form authentic, flavor-laden Andean dishes. 

Back onto the Panamerican Highway, its curves will take you to the Quitsato Sundial, right on the Equator, a site that captures the intelligence and wisdom of ancient civilizations in the Andes. Walk in their footsteps, explore their tool of celestial measurement - the mighty Andean Cross, and experience the thrill of straddling two hemispheres, one foot in the northern hemisphere and one foot in the south.

Back on your motorbike, you'll meander through the city of Cayambe, perched below a celestial wonder: the Cayambe Volcano - the only point on Earth where the Equator crosses snow. The town of Cayambe boasts a delicious local specialty: buttery cookies called bizcochos. Don't pass up on a stop here! Witnessing the passionate art of bizcocho-making is equally a delight as the tasting.

As the afternoon sets in, the picturesque valley, known for its traditional embroidery needlework and sprawling dairy farms, serves as an exquisite backdrop to your motorcycle ride. You’ll cut a path through Ibarra, a beautiful city known for its cobblestoned streets and white colonial buildings gleaming in the afternoon sun. Here, an artisanal delight awaits: homemade ice cream, churned in gleaming copper pans and laced with the best of local flavors. A cold, creamy joy that tingles your palate after a warm ride through the streets.

Day 6 draws to an end in the comfort of Hacienda Piman, down a quaint cobbled road and set in a dry valley that rings with silent tranquillity under a blanket of stars. Comfortable beds await the tired but thrilled traveler after an invigorating journey full of majestic sights, delightful culinary encounters, and the quintessential Andean adventure. This is an essential addition to any Ecuadorian road trip diary.

Day 7

Aloburo - Salinas - Cotacachi - Otavalo - Mitad del Mundo - Quito

217 km | 135 miles

Embark on your final thrilling day of the Andes Twist Self-Guided Motorcycle tour with a hearty hacienda breakfast before roaring out of the sunbaked valley into scenes of sweeping beauty, accompanied by a tender kiss of warm, dry air laced with a cool breeze, a sweet reminiscence of Southern California's heavenly climate.

Mid-morning offers an engaging retreat at a delightful art gallery-hacienda teeming with fascinating artistry from Camilo Andrades, the illustrious local artist and maestro. Prepare for a cerebral rush as you navigate his vivid palette splashed with idiosyncratic tales of this wild land.

Your odyssey resumes, gliding you through enchanting backroads of the countryside, threading past lush vegetable fields, scented rose farms, and timeless colonial hamlets. It's here the magic of rural life breathes to the pulse of traditional rural cultures.

Further along, step into the age-old leather town of Cotacachi. Immerse in the local ambiance while meeting with a traditional leather tanner whose skilled hands transform unadorned hides into sought-after luxuries. The town is a carnival of artistic flair with quality leather goods whispering of old-world finesse and superb craftsmanship.

A stop at the vibrant Plaza de los Ponchos in Otavalo is a kaleidoscopic swirl of indigenous weavings and handmade textiles. In this vivacious open-air market, colorful stalls spill over with dazzling patterns, creating an almost magical patchwork under the dappled sunlight.

Returning to your two-wheeled stallion, journey on the serpentine Panamerican highway southward. Tranquil views of Lake San Pablo soothe the spirit, segueing into the Jerusalem dry forest with its stark, contrasting arid beauty. Savor the wonder of Ecuador's nature in all its intriguing paradoxes.

Now comes the adrenaline rush of daring switchbacks. Challenge yourself as you negotiate a way out of the mystifying Guayllabamba River canyon before being welcomed back into Quito, your thrilling ride filled with laughter of success echoing in the cool breeze.

Arriving in the capital, pay a fascinating visit to the Inti-ñan museum. Seize this unique opportunity to carry out experiments to feel the Coriollis effect, a sensational trick only possible here - directly on the equator. An interesting jaunt, the museum adds a playful and intellectual layer to your day of adrenaline-filled exploits.

Reeling from the mesmerizing memories and intoxicating adrenaline highs, say farewell to your two-wheeled chariot. Cherish the spirit of adventure you have harbored and the stories you carry as the sun sets on the Andes Twist Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour, but with an insatiable desire for yet another encounter with Ecuador’s surreal landscapes.