Andes, Amazon & Pacific Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Day 1

Quito-Inti'ñan-Pululahua Crater-Bellavista-Mindo

You'll begin this 9-day/8-night "Andes, Amazon and Pacific Coast" self-guided motorcycle tour from our shop in Quito, Ecuador. In 1978, Quito became the first place on the planet to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having the best-preserved historic center in all of Latin America. Quito is high on the Altiplano Plateau (the second highest in the world) in the Andes at 9,350 feet.  We suggest that you arrive a day or two early to experience our magnificent capital city while getting acclimated to the high altitude before beginning the tour.

During the first morning of the tour, you'll be outfitted with the motorcycle of your choice and given a thorough orientation answering all questions concerning local customs, rules of the road, Ecuadorian driver courtesies, and more. We will show you how to operate your pre-programmed GPS unit with daily routes and be given a "Road Book" with details and points of interest for each day. We will also provide an "emergency kit" containing a pre-paid cell phone, first aid kit, tools, and other items to ensure your ride goes smoothly.

On the first day, we purposefully selected a route that includes a sampling of the different types of roads that you will be riding.  You will have the opportunity to safely become accustomed to asphalt, dry gravel, cobblestone, and dirt farm roads. 

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. You 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. During your first stop directly on the "red line," you will experiment with gravity, including witnessing how water drains either clockwise or counter-clockwise, depending on which side of the Equator you are standing. You will also have the opportunity to see how Ecuador's indigenous populations live by visiting their homes' models. These visits will enable you to understand better the cultures and ways of life that you will experience as we pass through the various regions.

Departing the Inti-ñan Museum, you are now officially outside of the Quito metropolitan region and have begun riding in the Northern Hemisphere. Your second stop is to view the beautiful Pululahua Crater Geo-Botanical Reserve, a crater formed by a volcanic eruption 2,500 years ago. From there, head onto the Andes' western slopes full of dense, green forests, massive waterfalls, and steep mountains. Riding the sharp curves is sure to be exhilarating fun.  

We recommend that you have lunch in the garden of a fantastic restaurant in the heart of the cloudforest. You'll watch in amazement as hundreds of colorful birds surround you as you enjoy lunch.

Changing the pace a little bit, you'll take a left turn off the main highway and venture onto an unpaved, unmarked road that leads even deeper into the cloudforest. Here, at the world-famous Bellavista Cloudforest Bird Lodge, take a break on their fantastic patio and watch hundreds of hummingbirds flitting around you.  These are all of a completely different species than the birds seen at lunch.  There is no other place on earth where you can view so many species of birds. Note that the unpaved section is optional - you can continue along the newly paved highway to Mindo if you are not comfortable riding on unpaved roads- select the paved option in the programmed GPS.

Continue through the lush cloudforest along clear streams with cascading waterfalls to the funky, eclectic town of Mindo. Mindo is situated in a warm microclimate cloudforest that's known for its natural beauty and great restaurants. You can visit the Yumbo chocolate factory for a tour that entertains while educating about organic cocoa's farming and processing and how it is turned into chocolate and formed into bars.   You will want to sample this chocolate, as Ecuador produces the best chocolate in the world.

After you visit Yumbo Chocolate, check into the carefully-selected accommodations for the night deep in the cloudforest setting at the charming Septimo Paraiso Cloudforest Reserve Lodge, winner of many international awards.

Day 2
Mindo - Laguna Azul - Pedernales - Jama - Canoa

After a hearty breakfast, you will start your ride by climbing in elevation and then back on Route 25. You will start your descent along Ecuador's western slope. The fog that occurs in the cloudforest morning will disappear as you descend below the clouds into the tropical rainforests.  

From San Miguel de Los Bancos, you will continue the long, gradual descent towards the coast.  You will feel the air temperature around you begin to rise as you roll down the curves, crossing roaring rivers and experiencing breathtaking views along the way.  You'll enjoy new scents of wild orchids and ripening cacao (chocolate) beans. From the town of San Miguel de Los Bancos, you continue a long, gradual descent towards the Pacific coast. The temperature begins to rise as you decrease our altitude, rolling through sweeping corners, crossing roaring rivers, and experiencing breathtaking views along the way.

Palm trees appear, and the leaves of “junglesque growth” along the road grow in size the farther west you travel. Crossing the coastal savannah of Manabi Province, we notice that horses are a more common mode of transportation than cars or buses.

You can stop to take a short hike into the rainforest for a swim in one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Ecuador - the Blue Lagoon (Laguna Azul) with its serene, deep, warm water and cascading waterfall.  It's a beautiful 25-minute hike through bamboo, coffee, cacao and wildflowers, and fruits. The water is crystal clear and just the right temperature.  When you come back, you'll press some fresh sugar cane with the owner of the land, mix it with mandarin lemon, and have an energizing drink before hopping back on the bike.

Further down the road, you will have to cross over a wire suspension bridge to get to the Caony River island for a wonderful lunch stop in a beautiful rainforest setting surrounded by colorful birds.

You'll take a bypass around the small city of La Concordia, the trading center for the area’s most prominent crop: palm oil. The palm groves that surround this city appear almost magical. You'll keep dripping in elevation and through some rolling green hills before arriving at the coast.

On the Pacific coast, Pedernales sometimes referred to as the "Wild Wild West," -- is known for its chaotic markets, plentiful restaurants, nightclubs, and fun-loving residents. The closest beach to Quito, this resort town is Ecuador’s shrimp capital, and naturally, we will stop at one of the ocean-side restaurants for a taste. Expect to enjoy the freshest and most delicious shrimp you’ve eaten in your life.

From Pedernales, ride south along the coastal road, and you will return to the Southern Hemisphere once again.  Now you are passing wild, undeveloped beaches and shrimp farms. You will drive on a causeway through shrimp farms and then through the quiet town of Jama, a throwback to a simpler time where the tides and fishermen set the pace.

Your day ends in the town of Canoa. Canoa is home to a mixed population of native fishermen, transient surfers, and expatriate retirees seeking sun and relaxation. Our carefully selected accommodations are at the  Canoa Beach Hotel, right on the beach, and with a great atmosphere thanks to its friendly, helpful, and fun staff.

Day 3

"Rest Day" in Canoa

Break Day! Relaxation and sunshine! Canoa has one of the best beaches on the Ecuadorian coast and is a favorite place for surfing.  Other available activities include paragliding, whale watching, horseback riding, or fishing.

You can also take the bike out and explore the beautiful backcountry of Manabi Province.   Or take a boat expedition to explore the famous bird-watching mecca of El Corazon Island.  Corazon Island is a haven of mangroves, located between Bahia de Caraquez and San Vicente in the Chone River estuary in Manabi. Inside there is a path through the mangroves where native guides interpret the life of the mangrove and its rich biodiversity. It is a community ecotourism project that seeks to educate and preserve mangrove resources through its inhabitants and visitors' education.

Or, you can pull up a chair at some of the great hang-outs, beachside bars, and restaurants and enjoy a relaxing day away from the bike.

Day 5

Quevedo- Quilotoa Crater Lake - Mulaló

You'll be crossing expansive chocolate plantations and palm tree groves.  Stop to visit a banana plantation to see how the bananas are cultivated and prepared for their journey, including those little stickers that go on the bananas.

The tremendous Andes mountains begin to tower above as you enter the foothills and start to soar in altitude, passing through - and then popping above - the clouds.  Again, you'll be treated to several spectacular waterfalls that line this road.

The air will begin to cool as you start of series of downshifts and hairpin turns to finish your climb from near sea level to over 13,400 feet.  The views are stunning along this climb, and you should stop on a few occasions to marvel at the scenery below, capture some great photos, and add additional layers of clothing. After crossing the scenic high altitude village of Pilaló, you will descend into the town of Zumbahua, known for its Indigenous market in the center of town.

From Zumbahua, you are now on the famous "Quilotoa Loop" - famous for its incredible scenery and the astonishing Quilotoa Crater Lake.  You can stop at the lake to admire its odd blue-green color from the minerals left after a catastrophic volcanic eruption created it only about 800years ago.  The indigenous people are friendly here and wear their traditional dress.  Here they farm potatoes, sheep, llama, chickens, and dairy cows.

Once past the lake, you will be riding on newly paved roads that wind through several indigenous villages and past peaceful family farms. We'll need to watch out for crossing herds of sheep, cows, and llamas.  

 You'll pass through the town of Sigchos, an early Spanish settlement built upon an ancient indigenous trading post.  From here, it is another series of switchbacks down into a  lush valley. Then, up again and across a wide paramo where you will catch your first glimpses of the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi.  You will be riding towards Cotopaxi and through other towns dedicated to the art of growing roses. 

Included is a rose plantation tour that produces 30,000 roses a day for export around the world. You'll learn how the flowers are selected, harvested, and prepared for their flights to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.   

Finishing up today's ride, you will pull into the beautiful stone driveway of the Hacienda Hato Verde; a historic hacienda turned small boutique hotel.  You'll enjoy dinner here and stunning views of Cotopaxi and the elegant decor of the hacienda.

Note: This day can be ridden on a route of 90% unpaved roads if you choose. The optional dirt route will be available in your pre-programmed GPS unit and, upon request, will be reviewed with you during the pre-ride briefing.

Day 6

Mulaló - Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge - Baños

Wake up in the crisp mountain air surrounded by a breathtaking view of the Cotopaxi volcano. You will have an excellent Ecuadorian country breakfast served up in the Hacienda. It is going to be a long day in the saddle, so make sure you eat well.  The early morning sun in this part of the country lights up the canyons and farmlands so beautifully.  As you ride, you will see the snowcapped Illiniza and Cotopaxi volcanoes out in the distance.

With fantastic scenery at all times, you turn onto the Avenue of Volcanoes.  This stretch of highway is where the peaks of the Andes are at their most dramatic. The road takes you between 13 different volcanoes.  Your lap around the Quilotoa loop continues with a visit to the indigenous market in the town of Saquisilli. 

Taking backroads further around, you will come to the indigenous town of Pujili, also known for its colorful markets. Brocolli is the major crop through these fertile farmlands outside of town. You will turn onto an ancient cobblestone road that leads us up even higher, through the highlands where shepherds are kept busy with their flocks.

You ride palm-lined boulevards through the city of Ambato, the center of trade for its flower growers and fruit growers.  It has several excellent restaurants for lunch. From Ambato, you follow along the Ambato River canyon.

 This is "canyon carving" at its most outstanding, and this road will twist and turn among sheer cliffs and take you from about 8,000 feet in elevation to over 14,000 feet.   The "King of the Andes" - Chimborazo Volcano - comes into your view.  Here, stop at the Kunuyacu Hot Springs - a place of relaxation for the hardworking Ecuadorian cowboys or gauchos that tend to their cows, horses, and sheep in this area.

Volcan Chimborazo the highest mountain in Ecuador and is the highest landmass on Earth when you consider its proximity to the equator. (Yes, go ahead and google it!).   The Earth bulges at the Equator, which means Chimborazo's peak is technically closest to the sun and furthest from the core of the planet!  So, this is, technically speaking, the closest place to Heaven on Earth.

Your ride around Chimborazo will take you through the National Wildlife Refuge, where you'll be sure to see the rare wild vicuña. Vicuña are the lighter, faster, higher elevation cousin of the llama and camel.   There are also condors, wild guinea pigs, and other wild animals. You will be at an altitude of about 14,500 feet (4,350 meters) - so be sure to have your warm gloves on.  The views will be stunning!

You then cross through the colonial city of Riobamba and continue eastward, following the Chambo River and its scenic valley.  You'll climb and twist on a newly paved road that carves through the sides of the mountain and gives you spectacular views of the active Tungurahua Volcano.

You then arrive in the town of Baños - one of the best adventure capitals of the world.   Be sure to soak away the day's ride in the volcanic baths. They are kept at varying temperatures.  The baths close every day to change the water, so getting there at the right time means a smaller crowd and cleaner water!  We will provide you information to make sure to get there at the right time.

Once you have soaked away the effects of the road, sit down for a meal at one of the town's fantastic restaurants. The carefully selected accommodations for tonight are at the beautifully decorated and charming  Posada del Arte. This inn is a combination art gallery/bed and breakfast owned by our friends, Marsha and Jim, from Chicago, USA. They and their staff will take good care of you for the next two nights.

Day 7

"Rest" Day in Banos

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, hike some great trails, rent an ATV, ride down a volcano on a mountain bike or improve your rock-climbing skills.  Contact our friends at GeoTours for more information on these activities.  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.

Day 8

Banos - Puyo - Puerto Misahualli

Take another steamy volcanic bath and enjoy a full breakfast at the comfortable Posada del Arte hotel before you head back on the road. You will head you eastward - riding down what is known as the "Route of the Waterfalls" through the eastern slopes, which will eventually descend into the Amazon River Basin.

On the way down the Eastern Slopes, you will have several opportunities for exhilarating 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, 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 you 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. You will be riding north, and with a great view of the Sierra to your left as you ride the comfortable, newly paved road with rolling hills and plenty of sweeping curves to keep it fun.

Take a right, turning onto a road that follows the Napo River, and go deeper into the Amazon jungle. The Napo River is the fifth most significant tributary to the Amazon River.

You will arrive at the El Jardin Misahualli Lodge, just outside the town of Puerto Misahualli, and you will check into your private cabin for the night.  Each cabin is built in harmony with the surrounding rainforest. All cabins are equipped with a private plunge pool, a private veranda with reclining chairs to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Ecuador's Amazon jungle.  You can swim the sandy banks of the Napo or walk into town to watch the small-town life that is centered on the river.

You'll enjoy a gourmet dinner in the lodge's restaurant, one of Ecuador's best and most creative.  The El Jardin Lodge will show you how luxury can be comfortable and relaxed. You'll enjoy a night of the pure cacophony of sounds of the Amazon jungle and the insect kingdom.   

Day 9

Puerto Misahualli - Papallacta - Quito

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 put on a life vest and rubber boots. You'll board a long, motorized canoe that will take you 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, go for a swim in the beautiful Cascada de Las Latas. This fantastic waterfall has a natural rock waterslide and a water pit for bathing. There are a couple of other waterfalls that you may visit during your stay, depending on time.

To get back to the Lodge, you will 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, you'll be heading 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 but hold on to it!

Further up the road are the Jumandi Caves, created by the river currents.  There are guides there that can show you around the caves, but you will need to wade through water - so be sure to have a pair of shorts handy.

You will pass through the rainforest town of Baeza and start the climb back into the Sierra.  Then you can have another stop and opportunity for a soak 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 magnificent capital city of Quito via the funky bohemian neighborhood of Guapulo.