Biking in the Andes

With the Andes Mountains rising to over 5,000 meters and falling steeply down to the Amazon basin and Pacific coast, there are many amazing routes for the experienced mountain biker.
We can also create itineraries for you according to your own requirements.

Below are details of many of the available routes and options. Contact us for more information on any particular route. .

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Name Information Important Duration
Mountain bike tour Ecuador: deserts, forests and volcanoes On this mountain bike tour Ecuador you’ll ride on natural trails in the highlands that pre-date the Incas; swoop down the slopes of Cotopaxi; and enjoy flowing singletrack across Andean deserts on this South American mountain bike tour of a lifetime. This 10-day guided mountain biking tour in Ecuador offers you some of the most exhilarating mountain biking in South America. You’ll stay in family-run hotels, and in a traditional working hacienda looking out onto Cotopaxi. With 46 different eco-systems, 14 active volcanoes, four world heritage sites, and one of the world’s richest bio-diversities, you can be sure of a totally unforgettable mountain bike tour Ecuador. Skill level: Advanced 9 nights / 10 days
Full-Day Hike and Bike Cotopaxi National Park from Quito Immerse yourself in the wild terrain of Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park during this 8-hour combination biking and hiking excursion. Journey through the surreal volcanic landscape and grassy highlands in Cotopaxi to begin a hike to the 15,780-foot (4,810-meter) Jorge Rivas Refuge. You’ll also have a chance to admire the park’s glaciers amidst the sky-high environs of Limpiopungo Lagoon at 16,400 feet (5,000 meters). Finish your day with a thrilling (optional) downhill bike ride and lunch before returning to Quito. Your Cotopaxi adventure includes national park fees, breakfast and lunch and cycling equipment. Highlights: Combination hiking and biking adventure in Cotopaxi National Park Hike to the 15,780-foot (4,810-meter); Jorge Rivas Refuge to enjoy stunning views Admire glaciers at the high-altitude; Limpiopungo Lagoon, situated at 16,400 feet (5,000 meters); Take a thrilling downhill bike ride down to the lagoon (optional) This tour goes to a height of 4,810m (15,780 ft). It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude. We recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3,000m (9,842 ft). Cotopaxi has its own micro-climate and the weather in the area is very unpredictable, so please be prepared with warm clothes. The tour will leave in any weather. 1 day
Full-Day Hike and Bike Cotopaxi National Park from Quito Immerse yourself in the wild terrain of Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park during this 8-hour combination biking and hiking excursion. Journey through the surreal volcanic landscape and grassy highlands in Cotopaxi to begin a hike to the 15,780-foot (4,810-meter) Jorge Rivas Refuge. You’ll also have a chance to admire the park’s glaciers amidst the sky-high environs of Limpiopungo Lagoon at 16,400 feet (5,000 meters). Finish your day with a thrilling (optional) downhill bike ride and lunch before returning to Quito. Your Cotopaxi adventure includes national park fees, breakfast and lunch and cycling equipment. Highlights: Combination hiking and biking adventure in Cotopaxi National Park Hike to the 15,780-foot (4,810-meter); Jorge Rivas Refuge to enjoy stunning views Admire glaciers at the high-altitude; Limpiopungo Lagoon, situated at 16,400 feet (5,000 meters); Take a thrilling downhill bike ride down to the lagoon (optional) Highlights: The Andean landscape in Ecuador will be even more spectacular exploring it by bike! Don’t think about it, come with us and we will provide you the best equipment that you will require to get to Cotopaxi National Park. Besides enjoying the highest active volcano at 5,897 meter (19,347 feet), we will get to Limpiopungo Lagoon to admire the reason why Cotopaxi means Moon’s throne. Inside the national park we hike up to the refuge which is situated at 4,810meters (15,780 feet) on the Cotopaxi snowline. This is mainly a hiking tour trip combined with an optional part of downhill biking. Tour Code: 14070P8 Agency: Viator This tour goes to a height of 4,810m (15,780 ft). It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude. We recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3,000m (9,842 ft). Cotopaxi has its own micro-climate and the weather in the area is very unpredictable, so please be prepared with warm clothes. The tour will leave in any weather. 1 day
Cotopaxi Hiking and Biking Day Tour from Quito Escape the city for the wild landscapes of the Cotopaxi National Park on this full-day adventure from Quito. Drive along the spectacular Route of the Volcanoes, hike up part of the Cotopaxi Volcano, then enjoy a thrilling descent by mountain bike. Tour includes breakfast and lunch. Highlights: Full-day Cotopaxi hiking and biking tour from Quito; Enjoy a scenic drive along the Route of the Volcanoes; Hike through the wild landscapes of the Cotopaxi National Park; Zip down the mountainside by bike, from a height of 15,780 feet (4,810 meters); Moderate level tour suitable for participants of reasonable fitness Great-value tour includes breakfast, lunch, and round-trip transport Skill level: Intermediate 1 day
Cotopaxi National Park Hiking and Biking Tour Escape the city and get back to nature during this memorable day of outdoor adventure. Follow your friendly guide to the hills of Cotopaxi National Park, where you'll look for local wildlife, revel in the biodiversity and encounter active volcanos up close. This hiking and biking experience is perfect for the active traveler. Highlights: Hiking and biking in Cotopaxi National Park; Hiking; Escape the city and enjoy Ecuador's stunning natural beauty; Enjoy expert commentary from your local guide; Hike around an active volcano; Bike through tropical landscapes; Round-trip transportation, breakfast and lunch included in tour Skill level: Intermediate Duration: 9 hours (approx.)
Nono - Mindo Bikes The Nono-Mindo downhill biking tour begins in the north of Quito at an altitude of 3500m and descends to 1800 m. This adventurous tour consists of 70.8km (44 miles) of biking, where we will travel down from the highlands of the Volcano Guagua Pichincha, to the cloud forest of Mindo. Skill level: Intermediate 1-day
Illinizas Bikes This amazing tour leaves early in the morning and takes us first to the beautiful “La Virgen”‚ a viewpoint located on the slopes of the magnificent Illinizas North Volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. You have nice views of both, Illinizas and Cotopaxi volcano, and the surrounding countryside, one of the most beautiful places in South America. From here we begin our first bike ride, a stunning downhill descent to El Chaupi. Then we drive by 4×4 to the other side of the volcanoes for a short hiking tour. For lunch, we will arrive at the “Milagro” natural hot springs and waterfall and relax before beginning the final exhilarating bike descent of the day towards Pastocalle. Skill level: Intermediate 1 day
Biking Cuenca City Tour Our tour takes you along riverside trails to enjoy nice views and the charming architecture of El "Barranco". We will also explore Pumapungo (Inca site) and the modern area of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city on this bike tour on the riverside along charming parks. Highlights: Cycle the city streets to absorb the local atmosphere; Small group ensures personal service; All entrance fees included Skill level: Beginner Duration 3 hours (approx.)
Day Trip to Cerro Mesa and Garrapatero from Puerto Ayora Enjoy a day at beautiful Garrapatero Beach on this eco day trip from Puerto Ayora. Bike across a lovely stretch of Santa Cruz Island to the protected Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve, where you can enjoy a guided nature walk and fantastic island views from a lookout. At Garrapatero, relax with a waterfront picnic on the pristine white sand, venture into the crystalline waters on an optional kayak ride and soak up the serene, unspoiled landscape populated by birds like flamingos and mallards. Highlights: Full-day tour from Puerto Ayora to Garrapatero; Beach Bike across part of Santa Cruz Island to the Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve; Nature walk through the reserve and take in spectacular island views; Take a short hike to picturesque and unspoiled Garrapatero Beach; Enjoy a picnic on the beach and free time to explore the beautiful surroundings; Kayak rentals available Skill level: Beginner Duration: 7 hours (approx.)
Private Bike and Hike Trip to Cayambe Volcano Experienced mountain bikers can enjoy a private 8-hour excursion to the 19,000-foot (5,790-meter) Cayambe Volcano from Quito. This challenging outing includes round-trip transportation, a local 3-course meal, all cycling gear, and a dedicated guide to ensure the safety and comfort of your private party. Highlights: Private mountain biking tour to Cayambe; Volcano Visit a local hacienda for snacks, drinks, and lunch after the bike outing; Bicycles and helmets provided; Round-trip private transportation from Quito hotels; Option to trek up to the glacier if weather allows Saddle up and clip into your helmet for a thrilling bike ride down to the entrance to the national Park. This is a challenging outing suitable for experienced mountain bikers. Your private guide will be with you the whole time to ensure your comfort and safety. Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Papallacta Bikes This tour will take you to the Hot Springs of the Papallacta Spa, Resort and Convention Centre. It is located 60 km east of Ecuador’s capital Quito, on a high Andean valley at the entrance route to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. On our way to Papallacta before entering the hot springs we will have the opportunity to stop for the amazing views over the Antisana Reserve. Upon arrival you are free to decide whether you prefer to relax in the hot springs or indulge in spa treatments. After relaxing and enjoying the hot springs of Papallacta we will start our bike tour after a short bus ride to “La Virgen”. It will lead us down through different beautiful sceneries on gravel or paved paths. Skill level: Intermediate Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Quito Half Day City Bike Tour Feel energised and enriched during a 4-hour bike tour of Quito, ideal for first-time visitors and active travelers. Depending on whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, choose between exploring Quito Old Town and Parque Metropolitano. On a bike tour of Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, you’ll visit San Francisco Church and La Basilica Church. If you opted for Parque Metropolitano, home to resident llamas and spectacular lookout points, you’ll enjoy four hours of natural routes. Plus, you'll stop to sample ice cream and chocolate. Highlights: 4-hour bike tour of Quito Old Town or Parque Metropolitano; Ideal for lovers of nature or history buffs; Discover Quito Old Town highlights such as San Francisco Church and La Basilica Church; Cycle through the verdant greenery of Parque Metropolitano to see llamas and panoramic city views; Sample locally produced chocolate and ice cream Small-group tour limited to 15 people Skill level: Beginner 4 hours (approx.)
Cayambe Bikes Volcano Cayambe is the 3rd highest volcano in Ecuador (5790m’ high). It is located in the Cayambe – Coca Ecological Reserve in the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes, 70′ north-east of Quito. At the altitude of 4690m’ on its south slope, is the highest point in the world crossed by the Equator and the only point on the Equator with snow cover. From the Cayambe you can see the landscape of the northern hills of Quito and surrounding cities. This tour goes to a height of 5000m’. It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude. We recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3000m’. Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Antisana Bikes Antisana ecological reserve is home to a wide variety of life zones due to being incorporated in the high basin of the river Napo. It is considered one of the ten “hot spots” of the world in point of wildlife variety. The reserve lies between the provinces of Pichincha and Napo. With its forests and the volcano wAntisana, it is a privileged place for the observation of the Andean Condor. Its highest point is the snowcapped volcano summit with 5755m. The lower points in the whole reserve are between 3100m and 4700 m above sea level. At the top of the “Milacoma” (4.150msnm) hill we reach the so-called Condor viewpoint. From here the Antisana, Cotopaxi, and a part of the volcano Cayambe (depending on climate) can be seen. This tour goes to a height of 4,150m. It is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude. We recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3,000m. Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Quilotoa Bikes This biking tour begins by the Lagoon Quilotoa in Ecuador – an amazing emerald lagoon inside a volcano crater at the height of 3,800m (12467 ft). You have a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, while passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. The tour includes an exciting drive around the lagoon Quilotoa and all the small communities around this area. On this tour, you and your bike will explore amazing indigenous community roads. Skill level: Experienced Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Cotopaxi Bikes Cotopaxi National Park tour is an exciting day that begins with spectacular views of the unique Andean landscape in the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Inside the national park we hike up to the refuge, which is situated at 4,810 m. We will then have a short safety briefing before our descent on mountain bikes! The trail can be divided in two sections of which the first one is more difficult. Thus we recommend it to more experienced riders. The journey finishes at the beautiful lagoon at the base of Cotopaxi. This tour goes to a height of 4,810m, it is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude. We recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3,000m. This tour goes to a height of 4,810m, it is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude. We recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3,000m.
Ride Ecuador - 6-day tours option A (whole itinerary) DAY 1- QUITO TRAILS This will be our first day of riding in our awesome local trails. We’ll explore 3 trails on 2 different mountains (Ilalo & Lumbisí area). Quito’s elevation of 2,800m will serve well to acclimatize for future days in the highlands. Overnight (Quito) at Casa de Hacienda La Jimenita.
DAY 2 - PULULAHUA GEO-BOTANICAL RESERVE This is another trail near Quito but with a unique vegetation and climate. Infiernillo Trail is one of the few trails that descend towards are costal zones; experience this amazing single-track that seems to go over all types of terrain descending nearly 1800m! Drive to Ibarra for overnight at Quinta San Miguel.
DAY 3 - CHOTA VALLEY TRAILS - IBARRA Today we’ll experience the magical Chota Trails! Completely different landscapes than the days before, riding this high alpine desert will certainly provide thrills and perhaps a few thorns too! Tubeless set-up goes a long way for this particular trail. Drive back to Quito for overnight at La Jimenita.
DAY 4 - RUCU PICHINCHA ADVENTURE Today will have an awesome mix of lift access and hike a bike to experience the amazing Rucu Pichincha Mountain, which looks over the Quito. Will have and amazing ridge ride and first experience of high páramo landscape. Drive to Quilotoa for Overnight at Alpaca Quilotoa Inn.
DAY 5 - QUILOTOA VOLCANO LAGOON This day will serve as our first rest day! Still many amazing views to be seen in this magical lagoon, located inside an extinct volcano. And of course, if anyone is interested, there are certainly a couple of sweet trails to sample in the area. Amazing views are guaranteed. Drive to Urbina (near Riobamba) for our overnight at Posada La Estación.
DAY 6 - CHIMBORAZO & HIELEROS TRAIL Another day of incredible high Andean exploration! We will visit the mighty Chimborazo (highest in Ecuador), to start our biking from around 5000m; being this the highest point in our tour. We’ll then descend through the famous Hieleros Trail towards the town of Cochas, near Guaranda. Almost 3000m of descending on this day alone! Drive towards Guaranda for lunch, and then back to Quito. .		 IS THIS RIDE FOR YOU?
•You like riding DH /AM the most and have a full-suspension bike, with hydraulic disk brakes and at least 5-6” of travel, which is in perfect shape.
•You can manage technical terrain, like rocky sections, steeps, roots, rock gardens, and terrain features such as old stone steps, natural humps.
•You've ridden some jumps and features (i.e. north-shore), or wouldn't mind trying (you can always ride around all the jumps/features on the local trails).
•You're not afraid to get out of your cultural comfort zone and experience something different, like an exotic meal or meeting the elders at a village.
•You like to give back to local communities when you go traveling. 		DURATION 8 days stay 6 days of riding
Ride Ecuador - 6-day tours option B (whole itinerary) DAY 1- QUITO TRAILS
This will be our first day of riding in our awesome local trails. We’ll explore 3 trails on 2 different mountains (Ilalo & Lumbisí area). Quito’s elevation of 2,800m will serve well to acclimatize for future days in the highlands. Overnight (Quito) at Casa de Hacienda La Jimenita.
DAY 2 - PULULAHUA GEO-BOTANICAL RESERVE This is another trail near Quito but with a unique vegetation and climate. Infiernillo Trail is one of the few trails that descend towards are costal zones; experience this amazing single-track that seems to go over all types of terrain descending nearly 1800m! Drive to Ibarra for overnight at Quinta San Miguel.
DAY 3 - CHOTA VALLEY TRAILS - IBARRA Today we’ll experience the magical Chota Trails! Completely different landscapes than the days before, riding this high alpine desert will certainly provide thrills and perhaps a few thorns too! Tubeless set-up goes a long way for this particular trail. Drive back to Quito for overnight at La Jimenita.
DAY 4 - RUCU PICHINCHA ADVENTURE Today will have an awesome mix of lift access and hike a bike to experience the amazing Rucu Pichincha Mountain, which looks over the Quito. Will have and amazing ridge ride and first experience of high páramo landscape. Drive to Quilotoa for Overnight at Alpaca Quilotoa Inn.
DAY 5 - QUILOTOA VOLCANO LAGOON This day will serve as our first rest day! Still many amazing views to be seen in this magical lagoon, located inside an extinct volcano. And of course, if anyone is interested, there are certainly a couple of sweet trails to sample in the area. Amazing views are guaranteed. Drive to Urbina (near Riobamba) for our overnight at Posada La Estación.
DAY 6 - CHIMBORAZO & HIELEROS TRAIL Another day of incredible high Andean exploration! We will visit the mighty Chimborazo (highest in Ecuador), to start our biking from around 5000m; being this the highest point in our tour. We’ll then descend through the famous Hieleros Trail towards the town of Cochas, near Guaranda. Almost 3000m of descending on this day alone! Drive towards Guaranda for lunch, and then back to Quito.		 as above DURATION 8 days stay 6 days of riding
Biking Spirit - Route 1 Route is designed for beginners; we will take a relaxed ride down hill and enjoying the flora and fauna in Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve.
• Level: Easy
• Distance: 32 km downhill, 9 km on dirt route and 23 km on pavement
• Highest altitude: Whymper shelter 5000 masl (16.405 feet)
• Lowest altitude: San Juan 3200 masl (10.500 feet)
• Total time: 5 to 6 hours		 For beginners, level = easy 5 to 6 hours
Biking Spirit - Route 2 Exclusive route of Biking Spirit. We will ride primarily on dirt roads and single tracks through dry paramo, moorlands, farming areas and Indian communities following the old Talagua route; you will observe magnificent views of Chimborazo's south face.
• Level: Moderate
• Distance: 37 km, 26 km on dirt route and 11 km on pavement
• Uphill distance: 2 km approximated
• Downhill distance: 32 km approximated
• Highest altitude: Whymper shelter 5000 masl (16.405 feet)
• Lowest altitude: San Juan 3200 masl (10.500 feet)
• Total time: 6 to 8 hours		 Level = moderate 6 to 8 hours
Biking Spirit - Route 3 Trip for experienced bikers that want to test their physical condition. We ride down following single tracks and ascend some uphills as far as “4 corners community” where we start a long uphill until Urbina Mountain Lodge
• Level: Difficult
• Distance: 40 km, 25 km on dirt route, 10 km on cobblestone and dirt route and 5 km on pavement
• Uphill distance: 13 km approximated
• Downhill distance: 24 km approximated
• Highest altitude: Whymper shelter 5000 masl (16.405 feet)
• Lowest altitude: 4 esquinas community 3200 masl (10.500 feet)
• Total time: 8 to 10 hours		 Level = difficult 8 to 10 hours
Biking Spirit - Route 4 A new intermediate route!!, we visit farming zones, country side a beautiful view of the valley of Shobol and some Indian communities.
• Level: Moderate
• Distance: 36 km, 22 km on dirt route and 14 km on pavement
• Uphill distance: 1 km approximated
• Downhill distance: 33 km approximated
• Highest altitude: Whymper shelter 5000 masl (16.405 feet)
• Lowest altitude: San Juan 3200 masl (10.500 feet)
• Total time: 5 to 6 hours		 Level = moderate 5 to 6 hours
Biking Spirit - Route 5 The same route No. 3 during 26 kms, then we continue the Hilero Path (The last Ice Merchant in Chimborazo) until 4 corners Community and from there we have a fast descend on tarmac route until the Riobamba´s north entrance
• Level: Moderate
• Distance: 40 km, 25 km on dirt route and 15 km on pavement
• Uphill distance: 4 km approximate
• Downhill distance: 33 km approximate
• Highest altitude: Whymper shelter 5000 masl (16.405 feet)
• Lowest altitude: Riobamba entrance 3000 masl (7.925 feet)
• Total time: 8 to 10 hours		 Level = moderate
CHIMBORAZO-BAÑOS-COTOPAXI-ILINIZAS-YANACOCHA-QUITO Visit the two highest snow-capped peaks in Ecuador, household chores, thermal springs, bird watching and more in the Ecuadorian Andes, amazing cross-country ride!
• Level: Difficult
• Total distance: 200 km approximated
1st. Day. Transfer Riobamba-Chimborazo, mountain biking Chimborazo-Ambato (56 km or 70 km ), transfer Ambato-Baños, overnight in Baños.
2nd. Day. Transfer Baños-Antenas, mountain biking Antenas-Rio Chico-El Triunfo-Baños (47 km) without support vehicle; afternoon free time to relax in the thermal baths; overnight in Baños
3rd. Day. Transfer Baños-Cotopaxi National Park, mountain biking in Cotopaxi (32 km), transfer Cotopaxi-Sierra Loma Mountain Lodge in Machachi, overnight in Sierra Loma
4th. Day. Mountain biking around Sierra Loma (40 km) without support vehicle, afternoon free (horseback riding or short trekking option); overnight in Sierra Loma
5th. Day. Transfer to Quito and Yanacocha Reserve, mountain biking in Yanacocha (30 km), short hiking for bird watching, afternoon transfer to Quito, end of the tour.		 Level = difficult 5 days
Nono/ Bellavista Ecuador bike tour We will start with a great downhill ride into the cloud forest and subtropical regions to the northwest of Quito. Lunch is provided along the way. Enjoy amazing views of the volcano Pichincha. then we go by jeep up to a bird lodge were 20 different species of hummingbirds can be seen at short distance. Also orchids and toucans can be seen. Then another downhill mountain bike ride to the main road, from there we continue to the Inca Solar museum, Inti Nan. here we learn some history about the early days of Quito. On this trip this trip you bike for about 38 km, it's one of our warmer tours. Skill level - Intermediate 1 day
Papallacta hotsprings and Chaquiñan bike tour We leave Quito at 07.30 (hotel pick up can be arranged) in eastern direction. WHere we reach the pass of the Virgin at 4000 mts. or 13000 feet, here we start our first part of the bike tour, after a snack we provide you with a helmet, knee and elbow pads, gloves and a mountain bike with front suspension, this first ride is 20 kms. or 15 miles to the town of Papallacta. After this ride we load up the bikes for a visit to the best hot springs in south America were we relax for some time, after lunch we start our second bike ride from the same pass of the Virgin but now by some back roads and an old railroad called Chaquiñan passing thru some tunnels in the direction towards Quito. This is an other 45 kms. or 35 miles with great views. We are back in Quito around 16.30. This tour is also possible without mountain bikes. 1 day
Otavalo bike tour The market of Otavalo is known as the most colorful market in South America and a must see for everyone who visits Ecuador. Here we have the possibility to combine the Otavalo market with a great Ecuador mountain bike adventure. We leave at 8 am from Quito to the north. after some stops at nice viewpoints we arrive at the market and have a look around. Then by jeep we drive up the slopes of the volcano Fuya-fuya to the spectacular lakes of Mojanda for lunch. then a great bike ride down to the towns of Tabacundo and Cayambe, known for the roses they export all over the world. In the afternoon we return back to Quito. Skill level - moderate. 1 day
Pichincha downhill bike tour and hike We drive to the west side of quito were we find the active volcano guagua pichincha which had its last eruption in 1999. by jeep we go up to 4.400 where we start a hike to the rim of the crater at 4.784 mts. where smoke can be seen every day. Then we start our ecuador bike ride. we have lunch along the way and we end up in the cloud forest. This trip is not for beginners. This trip is not for beginners. 1 day
El Triunfo Loop This is basically a scenic touring trail consisting of about 90% dirt/gravel roads and 10% (recently) paved. You start by taking a 15 minute truck ride up the side of a mountain to a peak at the top called "the antennas" (EL 2600'), but that's not the end of your climbing so you need to be in fairly decent shape. Don't forget, you're at a pretty high altitude as well so the air is a bit thin. The scenery is simply amazing as you huff and puff your way along an Andean ridgeline eventually climbing to 3200' and disappearing into the clouds. Your downhill seems to last forever as you cross over a raging south american river a couple times and eventually get back down to around 1700' feet. This isn't a technically challenging ride, but it can be strenuous if you're not in fairly decent shape ... and there are a few annoying dogs on the route so be prepared to deal with them. I don't think there are any true biters but a couple do seem very aggressive. 48 km Loop
Via a Cunuco Dirt Road all the way. 3 easy to moderate river crossings and Climb all the way back. 13 km Out & Back 1:03 avg time
Lligua Loop This is another scenic route in the heart of the Ecuadorean Andes. It's a basic "out & back" 50% dirt/gravel and 50% asphalt. You start at the center of Baños and head westerly along the Pastaza river following undulating gravel roads. While we were there they were "paving" sections of the gravel road with cobblestones .. yup, that's right ... cobblestones. We came across an Ecuadorean road crew consisting of 5 (4 men 1 women) setting cobblestones in the roadbed with hammer and chisel. Similarly to El Triunfo this isn't a technical trail but a scenic trail. It's no cake walk either; the geography here is pretty tough and at the point where we crossed the river and headed back to Baños we had to walk up out of the riverbed. The scenery makes it all worthwhile though as you can see by the pix .... and don't forget to check out the GPX file. 18 km Loop

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