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Backroads of Ecuador Guided Tour

10 DAYS
FROM $5,000

View All Prices

99% PAVED

<1% unpaved

SERVICE LEVEL

Upscale hotels

A la carte dining

GROUP SIZE

1-10 Motorcycles

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

Guided Motorcycle Tour Overview

  • Tour Start and End: Quito, Ecuador. Airport Code: UIO
  • Route:  99% paved, less than 1% unpaved.
  • Total Distance:  2,099 km | 1,304 miles
  • Time Needed: 11-12 days (arrive a day early for paperwork, and stay a day after to explore Quito)
  • Tour Duration: 10 days.
  • Riding Days: 9 days
  • Rest Days: 1 - Beach day in San Clemente
  • Elevation gain/loss: 23,675 meters | 77,674 feet
  • Highest Elevation: 4,420 meters | 14,500 feet
  • Lowest Elevation: -2 meters | - 6 feet
  • Temperature Range :  4˚ - 35˚ C | 40˚ - 95˚ F year-round
  • Minimum Participants:  1 motorcyclist  (guaranteed departure)
  • Maximum Participants: 10 motorcyclists

This motorcycle adventure tour is designed to take you on Ecuador's best paved roads and to its most unique and comfortable lodging available in the country.   The ride explores the three distinct "worlds' of continental Ecuador - the Andes - the Amazon and the Pacific Coast.

The tour includes several off-bike activities as well including the hot springs at Papallacta, a motorized canoe expedition in the Amazon jungle with a native guide, zip lines across the Pastaza River, surfing in the Pacific and a traditional cleansing ceremony by the Tsachilla Tribe of the Ecuadorian Rainforest.

This is an all-inclusive guided motorcycle tour where single occupancy rooms are standard, all meals, fuel, and activities are included. There are no hidden or additional costs, as on all of our tours.  

Our tours generally start at 8:00 each riding day and finish at 6:00 pm with various off-bike activities, museums, and tours for full days of riding and activities.

MotorcycleSingle Occupancy
Hero Xpulse200*

$5,500

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*

$5,700
SWM Gran Milano 440

SWM Gran Milano tooltip

$5,300

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*

$6,000

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*

Suzuki DR650 tooltip

LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches

REGULAR: 34.8 inches

$5,900

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*

Suzuki DR650 tooltip

LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches

REGULAR: 34.8 inches

$5,900

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*

SWM RS650R tooltip

$5,900
Suzuki V-Strom 650

Suzuki V Strom 650 Tooltip

REGULAR: 32.9 Inches

LOWERED: 31.7 Inches

$6,200

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

Suzuki V Strom 650 Tooltip

REGULAR: 32.9 Inches

LOWERED: 31.7 Inches

$6,200

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

Aprilia Tuareg 660 Tooltip

$6,500
Yamaha Tenere 700

$6,400
Husqvarna 701 Enduro*

husqvarna 701 tooltip

$6,400

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

bmw f750gs tooltip

$6,400

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

Triumph TIger 800xcx tooltip

$6,500

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

BMW F800GS tooltip

$6,500

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

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Tooltip

$6,500

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

BMW F850GS Tooltip

$6,600

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

Moto Guzzi V85 TT tooltip

$6,600

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

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Tooltip

$6,600

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

Husqvarna 901 Norden Tooltip

$6,600

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

Suzuki VStrom 1000 tooltip

$6,500

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

$6,800

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.

Passenger Sharing Room

100x100 2 up on moto icon 1

If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price.

$2,495

100x100 2 up on moto icon 1

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.

Written up by the grifters at:

Backroads Magazine Logo

Route Map

Elevation Profile

TIMELINE OVERVIEW

Travel day to Quito

Arrival in Quto

Travel day to Quito

Accommodations in Quito before the tour: Not included.  We will provide you with a list of recommended hotels in Quito near our shop in the safest and most modern part of the city.

Travel day to Quito

1 or 2 days prior to the tour start date

Pre-Tour Registration and Tour of Qutio

Arrive a day or two prior to departure to enjoy Quito and we'll provide you with tickets on the Hop-on / Hop - Off bus to enjoy a stress-free day in the capital.  For those who want a little more fun, we can provide you with a self-guided tour of Quito on one of our 150cc motorscooters.

Day 1

Quito - Valle Hermosa

Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Intiñan Equator Museum, Bird Wastching, Pululahua Crater, Cascada Sucia
Accommodations: Kashama Lodge

Day 1

Day 2

Valle Hermoso - San Clemente

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Farm visit, Swimming
Accommodations: Palmazul Hotel & Spa

Day 3

Rest Day in San Clemente

Included Meals: Breakfast
Available Activities: Surfing, Fishing, Paragliding, Kite Surfing, Whale Watching, 
Accommodations: Palmazul Hotel & Spa

Day 3

Day 4

San Clemente - Hacienda La Danesa

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Chocolate Farm, Banana Farm, Lazy Innertube River Swim
Accommodations: Hacienda La Danesa

Day 5

Hacienda La Danesa - Cuenca

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Cow Milking, Chocolate Experience, Cajas National Park, Pineapple Plantation
Accommodations: Hotel Victoria

Day 5

Day 6

Cuenca - Macas

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Guitar Maker, Jewelry Maker, Ceramics, Distillery
Accommodations: Arrayane & Piedra Lodge

Day 7

Macas - Baños

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Waterfalls, Observation Tower, Colta Lake, Atillo Lakes, Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge
Accommodations: Posada del Arte Bed & Breakfast Inn

Day 7

Day 8

Baños - Ahuano

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Zip Lines, Tibetan Bridge, Paillon del Diablo Waterfall, Monkeys
Accommodations: Casa del Suizo Amazon Lodge

Day 9

Ahuano - Papallacta

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activities: Guided Jungle Hike, Tubing, Indigenous VIllage Caves, Waterfalls, Canoe Expedition, Hot Springs
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta Lodge

Day 9

Day 10

Papallacta - Quito

Included Meals: Breakfas & Lunch
Activities: Hot Springs, Jerusalem Dry Forest
Accommodations in Quito: not included

Return to Quito

Return home

Many international flights leave around midnight from Quito.  If you are catching a flight the same evening as the last day of the tour, you may enjoy VIP access to our "After-Ride Lounge" - complete with a hot shower, jacuzzi, and open bar.

Return to Quito

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 - Valle Hermoso

Elevation Profile - Day 1

Quito - Inti-ñan - Valle Hermoso

You'll begin this 10-day "Backroads of Ecuador" 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 highest capital city 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.  Our shop is located in the most luxurious and modern part of the city, so we suggest you get a hotel near our shop and take advantage of all that this city has to offer. 

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, riding signals, Ecuadorian driver courtesies, and more.  road out of Quito to west for motorcycle adventure

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. Our group 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 our 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 the indigenous populations of Ecuador live by visiting models of their homes. These models will enable you to understand better the cultures and ways of life that you will experience as we pass through the various regions.

kashama lodge with motorcycle tour groupDeparting the Inti-ñan Museum, we are now officially outside of the Quito metropolitan region and have begun riding in the Northern Hemisphere. Our 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 that are full of dense, green forests and steep mountains. The roads have been paved recently, and riding these sharp curves is sure to be exhilarating fun.  

We will have lunch in the garden of a fantastic restaurant in the heart of the cloud forest.   We'll watch in amazement as hundreds of colorful birds surround us as we enjoy the local cuisine.

From here, we'll continue descending the western slopes of the Andes, passing several dairy and fruit farms and small welcoming villages.  The air will be a bit thicker and warmer as we descend to the lowlands.  cloudforest western slopes ecuadsor motorcyle adventure tour

We'll check into a unique hotel and spa - built right into a waterfall.   The Kashama Lodge was designed based on the layout of the cliffside town of Manarola, Italy.  It resembles an artist’s palette; vibrant buildings jostle each other for space. The first thing you'll probably want to do is jump in for a swim in its beautiful, private waterfall.  We'll be dining right next to it with the first-class service. 

Day 2 -San Clemente
Day 3 - Rest Day
Day 4- Hacienda La Danesa
Day 5 - Cuenca
Day 6 - Macas
Day 7 - Baños de Agua Santa
Day 8 - Ahuano
Day 9 - Papallacta
Day 10 - Quito

Photo Gallery

What to Expect

This guided motorcycle adventure tour will start in our offices located in Quito's Carolina neighborhood, the safest and most convenient part of Quito.  We suggest arriving in Quito a day or two early to enjoy the city and get the paperwork out of the way to have a smooth start on Day 1. 

On the morning of our departure, you will receive a detailed and thoughtful presentation on Ecuadorian rules of the road, customs, courtesies, and group riding protocols.  We will provide the adventure motorcycle of your choice, fitted with a waterproof luggage system and a tankbag if you want one. If there are more than five riders on the tour, a support truck will be available to carry your luggage and bring bottled water. The support truck can respond in an emergency and make your ride more comfortable.  If there are fewer than five riders on the tour, we may not provide a support truck, and you will need to carry your gear in the saddlebags or luggage system supplied with your bike.

We created this route thanks to several years of experience and riding these routes many times. Your guide knows the route thoroughly, having ridden it several times before. The journey is almost entirely paved, with some unpaved driveways and construction areas.  We chose these roads for their lack of traffic and outstanding scenery. The Guide will make many stops throughout the day to introduce you to the locals, explain the local history, and show you "hidden gems" that are not common knowledge.

We do not want you to "push your limits" instead. We want you to be able to lift your head, look around, and enjoy the amazing scenery during the ride.

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. Prospects 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 between sea level (where temperatures can be around 90 degrees Fahrenheit) to 14,500 feet (where temperatures are in the 30s Fahrenheit). Dressing in layers is recommended.  Please see this article for more information about the weather in Ecuador.  

Accommodations
We will stay in high-end, unique, carefully selected hotels, lodges, and inns throughout the tour. 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. No knowledge of Spanish is required - your Guide can speak English and Spanish fluently.  Before you travel, we recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with these recommended guidebooks and maps.  

Accommodations on this Tour

Pricing

MotorcycleSingle Occupancy
Hero Xpulse200*

$5,500

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*

$5,700
SWM Gran Milano 440

SWM Gran Milano tooltip

$5,300

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*

$6,000

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*

Suzuki DR650 tooltip

LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches

REGULAR: 34.8 inches

$5,900

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*

Suzuki DR650 tooltip

LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches

REGULAR: 34.8 inches

$5,900

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*

SWM RS650R tooltip

$5,900
Suzuki V-Strom 650

Suzuki V Strom 650 Tooltip

REGULAR: 32.9 Inches

LOWERED: 31.7 Inches

$6,200

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

Suzuki V Strom 650 Tooltip

REGULAR: 32.9 Inches

LOWERED: 31.7 Inches

$6,200

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

Aprilia Tuareg 660 Tooltip

$6,500
Yamaha Tenere 700

$6,400
Husqvarna 701 Enduro*

husqvarna 701 tooltip

$6,400

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

bmw f750gs tooltip

$6,400

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

Triumph TIger 800xcx tooltip

$6,500

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

BMW F800GS tooltip

$6,500

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

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Tooltip

$6,500

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

BMW F850GS Tooltip

$6,600

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

Moto Guzzi V85 TT tooltip

$6,600

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

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Tooltip

$6,600

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

Husqvarna 901 Norden Tooltip

$6,600

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

Suzuki VStrom 1000 tooltip

$6,500

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

$6,800

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.

Passenger Sharing Room

100x100 2 up on moto icon 1

If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price.

$2,495

100x100 2 up on moto icon 1

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 tour with us, please carefully read our 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 before departure or pickup 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 or problems with flight departures, etc.  

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 a credit card.  We accept Mastercard, Visa, 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 
  • Knowledgeable, Experienced, English Speaking Local Resident Guide
  • Saddlebags or hard luggage system
  • Luggage storage and locker use while riding
  • Tank bag
  • Guaranteed departure policy (we go even if only one participant signs up - we do not cancel tours on you!)
  • Support Vehicle (5+ riders)
  • Single occupancy in the luxury hacienda, boutique hotel, and 3-5 star hotel accommodations listed on this page
  • Breakfast every day 
  • Lunch and dinner on all riding days (à la carte dining when possible)
  • Tolls
  • Gasoline
  • Hike with a native guide in the Amazon jungle
  • Intiñan Solar Museum (at the Equator)
  • All entries to parks and museums listed
  • All other activities and tours listed in the itinerary
  • Pre-tour 20% discount on any high-quality riding gear from Klim
  • Souvenir T-Shirt
  • Souvenir Decal
  • VIP access to the Freedom Riders' Lounge with a hot shower, jacuzzi, and honor bar.


You do NOT have to pull your wallet out on any of our guided tours!

What's Not Included

Scheduled Guided Motorcycle Tour Dates

Click on any of the dates above to begin the quick online reservation process. If you don't see a tour date that works for you, please request a new tour date.

truck icon1 = The truck icon indicates that this tour date has enough riders to have a support truck provided.  A support truck is guaranteed for the tour date(s) with this icon.  


© 2024 Ecuador Freedom Corporation, Quito, Ecuador. All Rights Reserved. Todos derechos reservados.