Cloudforest, Coast & Craters Self-Guided Tour

Day 1
Quito - Intiñan - Mindo
Distance Covered: 64 miles / 103 km

You'll begin this 7-day /6-night “Cloudforest Coast & Craters” 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 high elevation 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, and what to do if something unexpected occurs. 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. You will also get an "emergency kit" containing a pre-paid cell phone, first aid kit, tools, and other items to ensure your ride goes smoothly.  

 The first day’s ride purposefully includes a sampling of the different types of roads that you will ride.   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 magical site for thousands of years, and 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 and witness 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 in various regions live by visiting models of their homes. These exhibits will enable you to understand better the cultures and ways of life you will experience as you pass through Ecuador's 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 and steep mountains. The roads have been recently paved, and riding these sharp curves is sure to be exhilarating fun.

You can 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 us as you enjoy the local cuisine.

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, you can take a break on their fantastic patio and watch hundreds of hummingbirds flitting around. These are all of a completely different species than the birds seen at lunch.  There is no other place on earth where you can see so many species of birds.  Note that the unpaved section is optional - you can continue along the newly paved highway all the way to Mindo if you are not comfortable riding on unpaved roads. We have programmed this option into the GPS, and all of the following days, we will provide you with a 100% paved option that you may select if you wish.

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 Yumbos Chocolate factory for a tour that entertains while educating about the farming and processing of organic cocoa and how it is turned into chocolate and formed into bars. You will want to sample this chocolate, as Ecuador produces some of 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 charmingly luxurious Septimo Paraiso Resort, winner of the 2017 "Best Cloudforest Lodge" by Luxury Travel Guide.

After a hearty breakfast, you will start your ride by climbing in elevation, and then once 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.

We 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.  

After your swim, cross over a wire suspension bridge that will take you to an island in the Caony River for a wonderful lunch stop in a beautiful rainforest setting.

La Concordia is a commercial city and trading center for its most prominent crop: palm oil. The palm groves that surround this city appear almost magical.

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, you are passing wild, undeveloped beaches and shrimp farms. You will pass 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. This beach town 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.

Enjoy a last swim on the beautiful beach in Canoa and a filling breakfast. Your morning ride will continue down the coastal road, also known as "Ruta del Spondylus." After crossing the Bahia de Caraquez and through the city of the same name, you’ll begin to climb on high cliffs that overlook the beautiful Chone River and the mangroves of El Corazon Island.

You'll cross through cattle farms, rice paddies, cacao plantations, and through the towns of Calceta, Quiroga, and Tosagua. Here we will see many of the majestic Ceibo Trees.  These trees were fabled by the ancient people to be the Earth's ties to the spiritual world. Since the only place they grow in the world is along the equatorial belt, their bare branches were thought to be roots that kept the world attached to heaven.  They flower only once every five years and can store thousands of liters of water in their massive trunks.

You'll cross over a bridge over the serene Santa Teresa reservoir, full of fishing birds.  Then pass through a dense rainforest full of twists and curves and small farms growing exotic fruits and coffee.

This part of the country is full of South American squirrels that live in the wild. You will hear - and may be lucky - to glimpse the famous howling monkey.  

The population in this area of Ecuador make their living from agriculture, mostly rice, cacao plantations, and cattle. You will spend the night in a premium room at the Olimpico Hotel in the city of Quevedo.  Quevedo was the first Chinese settlement community in Ecuador, and many of the Chinese restaurants date back to the 1920’'s.  We will show you where the best Ecuadorian-Chinese restaurant in the world is located.  

Today's ride will involve a drastic change in climate and culture.  You'll start the day in the cacao farming of the mestizo culture at sea level and finish at an elevation of over 11,800 feet in an indigenous Andean community.  We've purposely designed this tour so that you do the climb back into the Andes early in the day when you are most fresh and less likely to have trouble with the extreme altitude change. You will start the ride leaving the bustling city of Quevedo through miles of the palm tree, cacao, and banana plantations. The fragrances of ripening bananas and cacao beans roasting in the sun will waft through your helmet.  Climb in elevation on spectacular country roads, arriving in the small town of El Corazon - where they brew and bottle their unique brand of moonshine - flavored alcohol that is quite good, yet inexpensive. El Corazon is a very friendly town and a good place to stop for lunch.

From El Corazon, you will face challenging dirt roads (a 100% paved route is selectable in the GPS) that wind through thick jungles and arrive in the picturesque, isolated village of Facundo Vela, a place that seems like it hasn't changed much in the past 100 years. The town is usually full of horses with not a single car to be seen.  You may feel as though you have ridden into a time warp - and it is now 1919.

Taking the dirt road out of Facundo Vela, you will continue to ride and gain altitude on a series of switchback trails.  The air through this section of the cloudforest is scented with wild orchids and tropical plants and will get cooler and cooler as we continue the climb.  In this part of Ecuador, farming is still done without modern machinery. You'll see plenty of oxen, horses, alpaca, and donkeys.  The indigenous inhabitants wear colorful, traditional dress and enjoy a simple life here.  They are usually pretty surprised to see foreigners come through their villages.

You'll cross a high mountain pass at around 13,400 feet before arriving in the village of Salinas de Guaranda. This town is unique in Ecuador as it has a Swiss heritage. Here they make chocolate and cheese in the Swiss tradition, and we will have a dinner consisting primarily of the local cheese at a local restaurant.  At the Cachi Yacu, you can warm yourself at the big fireplace and get a good night's sleep in a room overlooking the village.

You will wake up in the high altitude "Swiss" village of Salinas - you should have some additional layers ready for today's ride - you will be riding through some extreme temperature and climate changes - so be prepared.  Keep in mind that you'll end your day relaxing in the therapeutic volcanic spring baths in Banos.  Today you can select either the dual-sport route of 30% pavement or the 100% paved route.  We'll provide the information about the options in your briefing before departure.

With fantastic scenery at all times, you turn onto the Avenue of Volcanoes to ride around the Chimborazo Volcano, which soars above at the height of 6,310 meters (20,702 feet). According to local indigenous folklore, Chimborazo is the father or "Taita" of all mountains in Ecuador and is the country's highest mountain. It is also the highest landmass on earth when you take into account its proximity to the equator.

Your ride around Chimborazo will take you through the Chimborazo wildlife refuge, where you will undoubtedly see the rare, wild vicuña!  Vicuña hair is a luxury used to make incredibly warm and soft sweaters and jackets. It was illegal for anyone but the Inca ruler to wear a vicuña jacket or sweater during the Inca reign.  Vicuña are extremely rare, but Ecuador is one of the few places in the world where you can see them in abundance in their natural environment, thanks to the country's excellent wildlife protection policies that exceed even the protection the Inca (for whom they were a sacred animal) provided.

There are also wild guinea pigs and other wild animals. You will be at an altitude of about 14,500 feet (4,350 meters) - to be sure to have your warm gloves and extra layers of clothing on.  The views will be stunning!

You will then cross through the colonial city of Riobamba and continue eastward, following the Chambo River and scenic valleys.  The road will become a newly paved road with stunning views of the Chambo river below.  The Tungurahua volcano will be in front of you and will get larger and larger as you approach.  You will be sleeping at the base of this active volcano tonight.

You will 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 that are kept at varying temperatures - the best time to get to the baths is when they open at 5:00 pm.   The baths close at 4 pm every day to change the water so getting there at 5 means a smaller crowd and cleaner water!  Once you have soaked away the effects of the road, grab a meal at one of the town's fantastic restaurants.  Your carefully selected accommodations for tonight are at the friendly and comfortable Posada del Arte Hotel.

You can take a little time this morning to have another soak in the town's volcanic spring baths before heading out on the road. The morning starts with steep climbs up a road that will have you thinking you are flying a plane - giving an immediate view of Baños from thousands of feet above. 

You'll take twisty backroads into the town of Patate and an amazing twisty road through small scenic villages. This route is the backway northbound, for those who know how to avoid the busy Panamerican highway! You'll cross the city of Latacunga with a Spanish, colonial historical center and then ride westward, up into the mountains. You have now begun riding on the famous "Quilotoa Loop." The Quilotoa Loop is known for its beautiful scenery and its friendly, indigenous people. Be sure to stop in the town of Pujili, which has a tremendous indigenous market - not very touristy - but with great textiles and other useful but inexpensive goods. This stop is a great chance to chat with local people.

You will be steadily rising in altitude again and will have a chance to see more llamas and alpacas grazing in the highlands pampa. Tigua is known for its colorful paintings and ceramics, and this small village has a fantastic gallery - worth a stop at least to see some of the fine art created in this part of the world.

Once in the town of Zumbahua, you will turn north and ride through a beautiful valley to the Quilotoa Crater Lake. This fantastic lake was created by a collapsed volcano left behind minerals that now give the deep crater lake an odd blue-green color.

From the Quilotoa Lake, the road will wind through some incredibly picturesque countryside. You will stay for the night at Mama Hilda's. The staff at Mama Hilda's will serve you a delicious, family-style Ecuadorian dinner (included) with pots and pots of food.  

Have a hearty breakfast with Mama Hilda and then head on the road. We provide you with an optional route in the GPS to take you on unpaved back roads back to Quito for those with a desire for more unpaved roads.

You will continue on a newly paved road that makes its way through the beautiful villages along a deep canyon to the town of Sigchos.  Sigchos was an indigenous settlement long before the Spanish arrival, who settled it in the early 1500s.  

You will wind through dizzying switch-back roads, climbing first in elevation and then descending into the town of Saquisili.  Saquisili is famous for its enormous indigenous market, which happens every Thursday morning.  If it is Thursday, be sure to stop.

From Saquisilli, you will head north towards Quito on the Panamerican highway, otherwise known as Volcanoes' Avenue.  You will be surrounded by towering snow-capped volcanoes along this highway - with the Cotopaxi Volcano on one side and the Illiniza on the other.  

To end your tour on a festive note, stop at the famous "Cafe de la Vaca" in Machachi.  They set the standard for Ecuadorian food and have great Ecuadorian coffee. 

You will finish your "Cloudforests, Coast and Craters" Tour where you began - at our offices in the Carolina section of Quito.  Don't worry- our GPS systems will get you through the Quito traffic efficiently and safely!  Now that you have finished your tour, we hope you have some memories to last a lifetime.