Self-Guided Motorcycle Adventure Tours and Self-Drive 4x4 Tours

Is a self-guided motorcycle tour or self-drive 4x4 tour right for you?

A self-guided motorcycle adventure tour is just that - you will be acting as your own guide and taking the responsibilities that a professional guide would take.  Our expert motorcycle guides can plan, resolve common problems on the road, and have alternatives if things go wrong.  For example, you should be able to change an inner tube or repair a flat tire.  You should know what to do if you leave your lights on and run down your battery (or better yet, know not to do that!). You should be capable of finding an alternative route in case of road closure (due to a landslide, for example). This is typically very easy, but if you are not comfortable or don’t enjoy reading a map, self-guided may not be for you.

To enjoy a self-guided trip, you’ll also need to be flexible and have a sense of humor. So if you do miss a turn and have to backtrack or even ask a local for assistance, you’ll be okay doing so. The most memorable trips always have a little unscripted adventure built into them.

Also, some proficiency in Spanish is helpful. This doesn’t mean you have to speak Spanish fluently, just enough to be understood. So if a local villager or shopkeeper doesn’t speak your language, can you get by with what might be awkward phrasebook pronunciations and charades with a smile? If this causes you to panic, self-guided may not be for you. On the other hand, you’re sure to look back on these heartwarming and humorous experiences as one of the unexpected highlights of your trip.

A guided tour is better for you if you want other riders' companionship and the knowledge and support of a guide, and if you don't want to hassle with bike adjustments, fixing flats, etc.   Renting a bike and doing your own thing is useful if you can put in the time to plan your route and make hotel reservations in advance, and you can deal well with things going not as intended!

Everything you need for adventure.  Biker tested. Biker approved.

On self-guided motorcycle adventure tours, we supply you with a dual-sport motorcycle (or 4x4 vehicle) equipped with a GPS containing pre-programmed daily routes plus luggage, maps, accommodation vouchers, a pre-paid cell phone, tire repair kit, an emergency kit, and a detailed "Road Book." You hop on the bike or jump in the vehicle and go! We have done the work of riding the routes several times, finding better ones, then re-testing them, and carefully selecting accommodations that add something special to the route.  With that work done, you can be safe in the knowledge you are seeing the best sights, riding the best roads, and staying in great, biker-friendly accommodations each night.

Our routes are based on several years of riding them on our own and as guides on our guided tours.  Programming a GPS in Ecuador is not very straightforward, and over the past more than a decade in business, we've learned all of the ins- and -outs.  The result is a flawless route that won't get you lost or confused.  You can't find this anywhere else.

We've got your back with 24-hour nationwide support and assistance.

Even though you go alone (or with a group of friends), you have peace of mind knowing that Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental is only a phone call away. We will be there to help you in the case of a breakdown or if you have some questions about a menu at a restaurant. We provide a pre-paid cell phone and a great selection of spare parts and tools to help make your trip go smoothly. Besides, we have a network of trusted mechanics and contacts throughout the country to help if something should go wrong during your trip.  You are never alone.  With our back-office tracking system, we monitor your progress and make sure you arrive each night safely.  Our large fleet (50+ motorcycles) means that we can guarantee that your trip continues should you have mechanical problems with your bike.

Tours to fit your schedule and interests.

Our self-guided motorbike adventure tours are about seeing the best sights in Ecuador, staying in great places, and enjoying other activities along the way -such as surfing, archeology, cuisine, museums, and adventure sports. You go when you want and stay on your schedule.  Start and stop when and where you choose.

Classic Motorcycle Tours: These are tours that will take you to some unique places in Ecuador, mostly on main roads.  We will have some short hikes, visit with locals and eat in local eateries.  These tours are with riding days designed to have a relaxed pace.

Adventure Motorcycle Tours: Our Adventure Tours are ready to take you on one of the most thrilling experiences you will ever have. We can explore some of the most hidden gems in Ecuador together with these tours - places where only a few people dare to travel themselves.  However, this doesn't mean that you have to be an expert off-road rider - it just means we may push you outside of your comfort zone from time to time. These journeys are going to change your perspective on life - so prepare yourself properly before embarking upon this fantastic experience!

Luxury Motorcycle Tours:  When it comes to lodging and dining, they're even better than you would expect - all in the comfort of five-star luxury hotels whenever possible. What does this mean for you? A chance to explore new cultures without breaking out of your comfort zone!

Adverse Weather Conditions: The Weather in Ecuador is beautiful but never the same in one place than the other! Be sure to bring gear fit for experiencing all seasons in one ride. You could pass through parts with hot sun, rain and snow/ice.

Cobblestone Roads: The ancient system of cobblestone roads in Ecuador is older than the country itself and maintained by replacing stone by stone – the roads can therefore be uneven and, due to the age of some of the stones and centuries of usage, slippery when wet.

High Elevation: This route crosses mountain passes of high elevation that could cause problems in poorly acclimatized riders and riders with known conditions

High Levels of Stamina needed: Tours include very long riding days (>8hours) or long days on unpaved roads where being in good physical condition is favorable

Hard Offroad: river crossings

Light Offroad: Tours that include Offroad parts that are not necessarily very challenging or hard to pass, can usually be ridden 2-up too.

Landslides: In a lot of parts in Ecuador, rain is plenty and every now and then eats away on the roads winding through the terrain. This could mean that on your paved tour there is very short parts where there is dirt on the road, or it is being diverted

Mud: Parts of the offroad section can get very muddy

Sandy terrain: Parts of the offroad section can be sandy and need special attention

Steep inclines: Parts of the road can be very steep and need you to step up into your pegs to climb the hill

Remote Areas: Some sections pass through remote areas where access to medical care and cellphone coverage may be limited.