Quilotoa Loop Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour
99% PAVED
<1% unpaved
SERVICE LEVEL
Casual Lodging
Family-Style Dining
AVAILABILITY
ALL YEAR
Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour Overview
- Tour Starts and Ends: Quito, Ecuador. Airport Code: UIO
- Time Needed: 2 days / 1 night
- Riding Days: 2
- Rest Days: 0
- Total Distance: 226 miles / 363 kilometers
- Total Elevation Gain / Loss : 7,303 meters / 23,959 feet
- Accommodations: Unique Bed & Breakfast with dinner included
- Route: 100% paved with options for 30% unpaved route if desired.
- Navigation Aids: Programmed GPS Navigation Unit, Daily Route Sheets with points of interest
- Availability: All Year
Although gaining in popularity, the Quilotoa Loop is still a destination for travelers seeking adventure off the beaten track. The Quilotoa Loop is one of Ecuador's most scenic routes. The route takes you through small indigenous villages, spectacular mountain views, lush valleys, and across roaring rivers. The route will bring you to the spectacular Quilotoa Crater Lake, indigenous markets, and give you insight into how native Ecuadorians have lived for centuries. This self-guided tour is 100% paved however upon request, an unpaved section can be added to give you a 20% unpaved route.
| Motorcycle / 4x4 | 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*
| $315
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*
| $355
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
| $275
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 | $395
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*
LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches REGULAR: 34.8 inches | $395
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*
| $415
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 RS650S*
| $395
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 | $455
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 | $455
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
| $515
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
| $495
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*
| $495
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 F750GS
| $495
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
| $515
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
| $515
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 850 Sport
| $515
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. |
| Moto Guzzi V85 TT
| $535
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 F850GS u00a0
| $535
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 900 Rally
| $535
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
| $535
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 1000
| $515
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 Africa Twin 1100 DCT
| $575
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 Jimny 4x4
| $515
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. |
| Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4
| $535
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. |
| Volkswagen Amarok 4x4
| $575
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. |
| Ford Ranger Diesel 4x4
| $575 |
If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price. | |
| Passenger Sharing Room
If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price. | $65
If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price. |
| 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
As featured in UK Motorcycle News
Route Map
Elevation Profile
TIMELINE OVERVIEW
Travel day to Quito
Arrival in Quito
Accommodations: Not included. See "extensions" below for options. We will provide you with a list of recommended hotels in Quito near our shop in the heart of the fashionable La Carolina neighborhood so that you can relax and explore the nearby galleries, 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 - Chugchilan
Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Black Sheep Inn
Day 1
Day 2
Chugchilan - Quito
Meals: Breakfast
Activities: Pujilli Market, Tigua Art Gallery, Quilotoa Crater Lake, Saquisilli Market
Return to Quito
Return home
Return to Quito
Highlights
Quito
Pack for a Purpose
Tigua Art Gallery
Quilotoa Crater Lake
Pre-Tour Briefing
Cobblestone Roads
Traditional Farming
Small Towns
Roast Guinea Pig
Wood Furniture Maker
Volcan Cotopaxi
About Our Self-Guided Motorcycle Tours
Itinerary
Day 1 - Chugchilan
Elevation Profile - Day 1
Day 1
Quito -Sigchos-Chugchilan
Distance Covered: 99 miles / 159 km
After a briefing and orientation to acquaint you with the customs and rules of the road in Ecuador, you will head out on the motorcycle of your choice that has a GPS navigation that has been pre-programmed with each day's route. We will instruct you on how to operate the GPS and give you a Road Book with daily paper maps with guides to the points of interest along the way. Your hotel has been reserved and paid for in advance. All you need to do now is hop on the bike - and enjoy the ride - safe in the knowledge that you will see some of the best sights and the best roads in Ecuador!
You will roll out of Quito on the Panamerican highway, passing incredibly green high-altitude pasturelands. Then after a few miles, you will find yourself in a valley surrounded on both sides by two massive mountain ranges. This fantastic stretch of road is the beginning of the famous "Avenue of Volcanoes." You will feel tiny as you roll through this valley with snow-covered volcanoes at either side. On the left, you will get an increasingly closer and closer view of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises to almost 4 miles in height and is the world's tallest active volcano.
The GPS unit will indicate where you will take a right onto a stretch of road known as the "Quilotoa Loop." This road will take you through many traditional Andean villages with friendly and helpful indigenous people and eventually to the Quilotoa Crater Lake. For now, you will be treated to some incredible roads, challenging (but fun) hairpin turns, and majestic views. Here you can take an optional unpaved route to Sigchos - select the option in the GPS and head into beautiful, more remote areas of the Quilotoa Loop!
You will pass through Sigchos, a colonial city founded by the Spanish in the 1500s in an indigenous settlement that was already centuries old. Sigchos has a beautiful church and a covered market in the center of town. Continue on the newly paved road weaving past overlooks on the valley and canyons below and follow the twisty road to the friendly village of Chugchilan. Chugchilan is a friendly Quechua town, known for its outstanding wood furniture workshops and the Andean cheeses in the center of town. Your carefully chosen accommodations for the night are at the friendly Black Sheep Inn in the center of Chugchilan. Included is a dinner at the Inn - a great family-style meal with pots and pots of food that will replenish you and help you get a good night's sleep in the chilly mountain air.
Day 2 - Quito
You will soon arrive at the Quilotoa Crater lake, a water-filled caldera, and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 3 kilometers (2 mi) wide caldera was formed by the collapse of this dacite volcano following a catastrophic VEI-6 eruption about 800 years ago, which produced pyroclastic flows and lahars that reached the Pacific Ocean and spread an airborne deposit of volcanic ash throughout the northern Andes. The caldera has since accumulated a 250 m (820 ft) deep crater lake, which has a greenish color due to dissolved minerals. Fumaroles are found on the lake floor, and hot springs occur on the volcano's eastern flank.
Photo Gallery
What to Expect
This self-guided adventure will start and end in our offices located in the Carolina neighborhood of Quito. Prior to your departure, you will be provided a detailed and thoughtful presentation on Ecuadorian rules of the road, customs, and courtesies. You'll be instructed on how to operate your pre-programmed GPS navigation unit and given a packet that includes your prepaid hotel voucher, daily map sheets that include genuine points of interest, descriptions of local highlights, and "hidden gems" that aren't common knowledge. You can use this information to tailor your days - including as much or as little as you like. The route will be reviewed with you in detail to provide you with additional useful information about the timing, suggestions for lunch stops, and where to get gas along the way.
On the morning of your departure, you will be provided the adventure motorcycle (or 4x4) of your choice, which is fitted with a waterproof luggage system, a first aid kit, a tankbag (if you want one), spare innertubes (or tire repair kit) and a set of tools. You will also have a prepaid cell phone to call us for support at any time during your trip. We will carefully review the bike or 44 using our multi-point checklist with you to ensure that everything is in perfect working order before your departure and that you know what to do in case of an emergency or breakdown.
The route you will follow over the next two days is based on several years' of experience and riding these routes many times on our various guided tours. The route to get out of the city of Quito, taking a tunnel just a few blocks from our office that will put you on a highway to the south of the city. There is very little city driving involved. The route is primarily on paved back roads with very little traffic. There are several stops available, which are marked on the GPS unit and the daily route sheets. If requested, Ecuador Freedom will be happy to provide you with a route with unpaved, unimproved dirt roads.
You will have many opportunities for amazing photos and stops in remote villages where visitors are scarce. Locals are friendly and the areas visited are very safe with very low crime rates.
During your ride, Ecuador Freedom staff will monitor your daily progress using an on-board GPS satellite tracking system and can assist you by telephone if you need to change your route, need roadside assistance, or help in any way.
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. Chances 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 of about 8,000 feet (where temperatures can be around 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit) to 13,500 feet (where temperatures can be around 35-60 degrees Fahrenheit). Dressing in layers is recommended. Please see this article for more information about the weather in Ecuador.
Accommodations
There is one overnight stay included in carefully selected, ideally-located, non-touristy, comfortable accommodations. See this page for details, photos, and links to the accommodations provided. Ecuador Freedom has the right 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. You should know how to make general motorcycle repairs and maintenance and to be able to change an innertube (click for a video tutorial). Before you travel, we recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with these recommended guidebooks and maps.
Accommodations on this Tour
Pricing
| Motorcycle / 4x4 | 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*
| $315
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*
| $355
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
| $275
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 | $395
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*
LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches REGULAR: 34.8 inches | $395
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*
| $415
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 RS650S*
| $395
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 | $455
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 | $455
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
| $515
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
| $495
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*
| $495
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 F750GS
| $495
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
| $515
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
| $515
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 850 Sport
| $515
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. |
| Moto Guzzi V85 TT
| $535
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 F850GS u00a0
| $535
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 900 Rally
| $535
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
| $535
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 1000
| $515
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 Africa Twin 1100 DCT
| $575
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 Jimny 4x4
| $515
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. |
| Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4
| $535
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. |
| Volkswagen Amarok 4x4
| $575
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. |
| Ford Ranger Diesel 4x4
| $575 |
If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price. | |
| Passenger Sharing Room
If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price. | $65
If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price. |
| 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 self-guided tour with us, please carefully read our Self-Guided 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 prior to departure or pick-up 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, any issues, cancellations or delays with flight departures, etc.
Medical and security emergencies happen; when they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world’s leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk, and crisis response services to travelers worldwide. Memberships start at $129
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 with a credit card. We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, 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
- All Highway Tolls (with electronic toll payment system)
- Garmin zümo navigation system with pre-programmed daily routes
- Road Book with daily maps and points of interest guide
- Prepaid cell phone with 24-hour support
- Saddlebags or hard luggage system
- Single occupancy - your own private room
- 1 breakfast
- 1 dinner
- Souvenir T-Shirt
- Souvenir Decal
- Luggage Storage and locker usage while riding
- VIP access to the Freedom Riders' Lounge™ with hot shower, jacuzzi, and honor bar.
- Exclusive 10% discount on high-quality riding gear from
(you will not find this at any store - only for Ecuador Freedom customers!)
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
- Gas or Diesel Fuel
- Trip cancellation, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
- Any activity not described in What's Included
- Meals not listed
- Gratuities
- There are no taxes on tour packages (non-Ecuador residents only)