An incredible Ecuador Mountain Bike Trip

Day 1: Welcome to Quito! Your Ecuadorian mountain biking vacation will begin as we pick you up at the airport and help you with your gear and mountain bike. Quito is located at 2840 m/ 9350 ft above sea level. We will take it easy today and have an orientation meeting in the evening.  

Included: Airport pickup, lodging in hotel or Airbnb style accommodations

Not Included: Meals

Day 2: Today we will have an acclimatizing ride in the Parque Metropoliano, a cool little park in Quito city. You will ride directly from the hotel with your local mtb guide to enjoy the park trails. After lunch you will be free to explore Quito or  you can  go for a few laps on the telerferico, a gondola that takes you up and over Quito. This is a gnarly DH ride that can be really fun for those that enjoy downhill laps and uphills by cable car!

Your guide will take your bike bags and transfer them to our final destination in Cuenca.

In the evening stay in Quito.

Included: Local MTB guide, breakfast, lunch, shared hotel room, transfer of bike bag to final destination in Cuenca.

Not included: Dinner

Day 3: Today, after breakfast, we will begin our journey and head south of Quito, first stop is to visit the Cotopaxi bike park. This gigantic park, located through a scenic drive in the middle of a pine forest, has tons of trails for all levels. You will have the chance to do as many laps as you want and try out some different lines and sample some of Ecuador’s dirt.

This bike park has delicious food! We will have lunch there and ride some more!

Included: Transport, guide, entrance into bike park, hotel, breakfast, lunch. 

Not included: Dinner

Day 4: Cotopaxi volcano.

After a well-deserved rest and a delicious Andean breakfast, our transport will take us very close to the refuge at the skirt of snow near the Cotopaxi volcano. Here we will embark on an epic adventure of 2000m/6561 ft of descent. Our shuttle vehicle will be waiting for us after each ride. Today will give us some of our first freeride lines in deep steep scree. Let go of that front brake! 

Once we have finished for the day we will head out on a 2-3 hour drive to Baños where we will sleep for the night.  

Included: Transport, guide, lodging, breakfast, lunch.

Not included: Dinner

Day 5: After three-days of riding we will take a much-needed day off to relax our muscles and calm ourselves in the therapeutic, hot waters of Baños. We will stay in the Selina hotel right on the plaza; a great location to enjoy this fun city named especially after its main attraction – natural hot springs.

If you would like to do a bit of biking on this rest day, we can help you locate a truck-taxi to take you up to a nearby trail through a forest. This day will be unguided.

Additional options are visiting a famous treehouse with an enormous swing which swings out while overlooking a volcano!

Included:  Lodging, breakfast

Not included: Dinner, guide, additional tours and transport.

Day 6: We will leave early today and head to Bolivar. 

As we drive though Ambato you may get to see the mightly Tungurahua  volcano. The views of this volcano are absolutely stunning!

Today we will do our highest and most iconic trail on our Ecuador mountain bike adventure, the Chimborazo mountain. The Chimborazo mountain is the closest point to the sun from the earth’s core – worldwide!!! (Don’t forget your sunscreen!)

Our drive will take us to the Chimborazo volcano and having us start at over 4270m/ 14,000 ft. This unique trail is more than 20 kilometers long with a massive descent of 1550 m/5000 ft to the Cochas valley in Guaranda. While we do a serious amount of descent we will also be climbing while at high elevation. Those red blood cells from yesterday will come in handy today!

Chimborazo happens to be the majestic mountain seen on the coat of arms of Ecuador. 

We will end the night in Bolivar at a gorgeous, rustic farmhouse. These guys are part of the local biking community! With extra luxuries like a pizza oven and fresh milk you will wish this was home.

Not included: Dinner

Day 7: Today we will need to decide which route to ride. Our decision is generally based on weather, season and trail closures.

Mama Rumi and Contrabando (a fairly new trail) will take you first through the clouds on a beautiful shuttle ride to a starting point that looks out above the jungle. Either of these two trails will take us on a long descent through the cloud forest for some real jungle riding and down into the heat of the valley floor. Because these trails are in the cloud forest they are often closed during the rainy season or until they have been maintained. Season and trail closures will decide if we can ride either of these two trails. 

The Mama Rumi trail is 2000 m/6500 ft of descent over 12 km/ 7.5 mi

The Contrabando trail is 2100m/ 7000 ft of descent over 13 km/ 8 mi

La Caseria is a super fun ride beginning at the Chimborazo volcano. It starts with a traverse over the wild land of the volcano with views of vicuñas and sometimes a fox or two. We will begin to freeride on the sandy dunes that then take us to a super fluid and fast MTB trail though the Ecuadorian Andes. 

La Caseria Trail Stats: 1000 m/ 3300 ft of downhill over 9.6 km/ 6 miles

We can ride this one twice!

Included: Transport, guide, lodging, breakfast and lunch

Not included: Dinner

Day 8: Today’s ride will depend on the energy of the group. If we have not yet ridden La Caseria that will be on today’s itinerary. It will allow us to sleep in a bit and have an epic half day of riding. If we have already ridden La Caseria we will have to decide which trails in Bolivar to ride. We want to save some energy for tomorrow as Alausi will but us to the test!

Included: Transport, guide, lodging, breakfast and lunch

Not Included: Dinner

Day 9: Depending on the season we will either ride Alausi for the first time or get up and ride some alternative trails in the area before we head out to the classic town of Cuenca, a cultural gem! 

Included: Transport, lodging, breakfast, lunch 

Day 10: Today will be a much-needed rest day for us and the bikes! You can enjoy the ancient stone town of Cuenca – there is plenty to explore walking around the Cultural Capitol of Ecuador.

We have a good friend with a bike store here in case you need any maintenance on the bike, or any spare parts.

Included: Breakfast, Hotel

Not Included: Transport, Lunch, Guide, Dinner

Day 11: The dirt we will ride today is completely different to any other trails we have done this trip. It is high alpine, dry, loose,  and rocky with lots of fluid and technical sections. There are plenty of steep,  curves, and stellar, panoramic mountain views. This trail is at least 7,000 feet of downhill riding.

Tonight we will have our farewell dinner and pack our bike bags for tomorrow’s flights out. 

Included: Transport, local MTB guide, breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner

Today we will take you to the airport and we will say our farewells.

It is always hard to say goodbye so instead we will say, “Till next time!”

Note: Please purchase national flights from Cuenca back to Quito for your flight home or a tri-city flight (Arrival Quito, departure Cuenca)

Included: Breakfast, airport drop off

Not Included: Guide, hotel, flights, lunch, and dinner

What’s included in your 12-day Ecuador mountain biking tour: 

Included

• 8 Days of epic singletrack mountain biking
• Shuttle vehicles on 6 of the 7 ride days and transportation in between cities
• A profesional driver and his expenses (hotels, meals, etc)
• Airport pickup and drop off outside of stated itinerary days
• Entrance into bike parks
• Professional local MTB guide(s) on every ride day and his expenses
• 11 nights of lodging in a shared room (2 people) 
• 24-hour attention and support 
• Breakfast each morning
• Meals such as lunch on ride days and the farewell dinner
• Signature “Haku” mountain bike jersey

Not Included:

• Flights
• Dinners (other than the farewell dinner) 
• Lunch on non-ride days
• Trip insurance 
• Bikes and MTB gear 
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Anything not listed in the “included” list

Haku Expeditions requires each of its guests to purchase travel insurance in order to protect themselves from any unexpected cancelations, accidents on the trail, or any other acts of God. Guests must choose a mountain biking specific plan as well. For the best coverage we suggest WorldNomads, but we accept other insurance policies too.

Due to high elevation, the weather in Ecuador is very fickle and hard to predict. Most trips will see rain, sun, heat, and wind; therefore, we suggest that people bring clothes for cold and warm weather. Most ride days will start at colder, windy mountain tops and end in warmer, more humid areas. Riders should always carry a rain jacket and a warm layer.

Temps will range from low 40s with an even lower windshield factor to high 70s. 

Ecuador’s currency is the American dollar but is still very economical — a beer costs about $1. It is mainly a cash-based society so it is recommended that you bring cash in smaller bills such as 20s and 10’s since change can be hard to come by. ATMs are abundant in most towns and are secure to use, but they usually also have surcharges depending on the bank. Most credit cards can be used in large cities and large stores.

For our Ecuador mountain bike trips we recommend guests purchase a tri-city flight from their home airport to Quito Airport. On the way home you will want Cuenca airport to your home airport. Expect layovers. You can also choose a round trip from your home airport to Quito and purchase a national flight from Cuenca to Quito on day 11 before your flight out to your home town. Our team will take care of all transportation to and from the airport. 

We recommend that our guests use trusted airlines (Delta, AirCanada, ect) and do not use an economy airliner due to the fact that you will be traveling with very important and expensive gear. American Airlines, Delta, and United charge $100+- usd to check a bike, and many other trusted airlines have similar prices as well.

Ecuador separates itself from other mountain biking destinations by offering riders with an endless amount of trail diversity within a very small geographical area. In fact, it’s the only place in the world where you can pass through 14 ecosystems in one ride!  The trails are raw, long, scenic, flowy, and technical. Clients will mountain bike on active volcanoes and through sub-tropical jungles which were once the agricultural centers of the pre-Incan civilizations. Some trails even go through places where the local people graze their llamas in the same way their ancestors did over 2,000 years ago. The trails will transport you back in time as you and your friends ride through the history and meet the local people.

You will encounter obstacles that can be found on most black and double black trails, such as steeper sections, rock gardens, natural jumps, drops, and roots. Most of the trails are intermediate to advanced with sections that are easily walkable if the rider does not feel comfortable.

Clients need to assure that they are in good physical condition, and should be biking or doing some sort of physical activity to train for their 10-Day Ecuador mountain bike trip. 

Clients will also need to acclimate themselves to the altitude; working out and training before your trip and if you live at sea-level it is recommended that you come a day or two before your trip starts. 

You will also need to assure that your bike is tuned and 100% ready for 10 days of epic mountain biking; new brake pads, bled brakes, new tires. 

Ecuador’s currency is the American dollar but is still very economical — a beer costs about $1. It is mainly a cash-based society so it is recommended that you bring cash in smaller bills such as 20s and 10’s since change can be hard to come by. ATMs are abundant in most towns and are secure to use, but they usually also have surcharges depending on the bank. Most credit cards can be used in large cities and large stores.

Our Ecuador mtb tours generally have anywhere from 4 to 8 riders. Our Ecuador trip will never have more than 10 people max. We have a guide for every 5 riders.

This is a single track enduro style mountain bike vacation, expect big downhills and climbing every day. In short it’s EPIC!

As in any foriegn city you should be extra cautious at night and in general. Crossing the streets has a golden rule of not running or not stopping, walk at a normal speed and cross.

An average day consists of 4-5 hours on the trail, 6,000-10,000 ft (2,000-3,000m) of vertical descent over 10 miles (7k). Some days are shorter than others depending on how tired the group and other days are full 6-8 hour days of riding. 

Ecuador has plenty of vegetarian options.

You will be given a visa at customs when you enter the country.

Your luggage will remain at your accommodations while we ride, and then will be put into the van when moving from one overnight destination to another. Bike bags will be stored in Quito and then brought to guests at the end of the trip. 

Guests will stay in different accommodations. We may use hotels or airbnbs or local haciendas. There is one night at a hostal style room as the town is small and does not offer hotels.  All accommodations are safe, secure and clean. Guests will share a room with one-two other guests unless they pay for a single supplement of  $350 usd.* 

Packing list: 

• Passport and plane tickets!
• Cash, credit cards, ATM card
• Trip/Travel Insurance papers
• Regular shoes for dinners and bike shoes for the trip. We recommend platform shoes but please use whats most comfortable for you
• Toiletries/medicines/epi pens/inhaler, etc…
• Travel towel
• Ear plugs and face mask for sleeping at night
• Rain jacket and pants
• Reusable water bottle 
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Wool or fleece sweater
• Wool base layers, top and bottom
• Clothing for off the bike: Long sleeve, pants, socks, etc
• Biking clothes: Bike shorts, long sleeve jerseys, wool socks
• Battery pack for many charges and charging cables
• Wool socks and lots of them
• Buff or scarf
• Camera and GoPro (optional)
• Down jacket
• Headlamp
• All gear, helmet, gloves (2 pairs minimum), knee and elbow pads
• Large Camel pack
• Multi-tool
• High calorie snacks

For the bike:

• Bring a well maintained bike for Enduro, All-Mountain Style Trails: Check that the chain is not stretched, cables are clean or new, the headset and pivots are moving nicely or cleaned and greased
• You will need extra bike parts, please don’t expect to buy much on this trip
• Extra brake pads
• Derailer and shifter (Optional)
• Spare Tire (Optional)
• We recommend tires like Maxxis Highrollers, Assegai, Minions or something similar
• Tubeless is your best bet. Bring extra sealant and an extra valve
• A derailer hanger, a multi-tool and a tube are essential
• Extra Screws for the bike and for clip-less shoes if you use them. Zip ties are great too
• Any kind of liquids you may need, Reverb oil, brake oil, tubeless sealant, chain lube in small bottles. Pack in sealed baggies so they don’t explode in transit.
• Bleed kit or ask if we have the one you need

How to pack your bike for travel

Packing your bike for a trip like this requires either a bike bag or a bicycle box. Both work. If you do not have a bicycle box you can contact your local bike shop and generally get one for free or very cheap. 

Steps to pack your bag:

Drop the seat post before you take off the wheels. It’s easier that way.

Take the pedals off, it is easier now while the bike is still whole. 

You will need to take off the handle bars. Put the screws back into the stem so you do not lose them. Strap the handlebars to the side of the bike with padding. Make sure nothing moves so you bike does not get scratched. Zip ties can help with this. 

Take out some of the air in the tires. This is a requirement for flying with the bike. Take off both wheels. We recommend you put the axle back into the bike so you do not lose it. 

Take off the discs from the wheels. While this may seem tedious it saves your disk from getting bent and only takes a few minutes. Put the disks inside something like a folder to keep them safe. Put the screws inside a baggie and tape to the folder. Keep them with the bike. (If you lose your suitcase with clothes at least you still have your full bike together!)

Take off the derailer and derailer hangar. While this is optional it keeps both pieces from getting bent. Remember exactly how this goes back on. 

If you have a bike bag like Evoc or Dakine there will be directions of what goes where. Make sure to tie up the chain so it does not move and scratch the bike. Tie up any loose ends with zip ties or string. 

If you are using a bike box you will need to put in a tire or two first then the frame (and maybe the second tire) with the bars strapped to the bike. Make sure nothing moves. I usually use zip ties to make sure the tires are strapped in one place with the frame. Also make sure that the cog set is facing away from the bike. This will scratch the bike otherwise. 

Once everything is packed you can often put a few extra items inside like your helmet, bike shoes and empty CamelBak. You will want to keep the bag at 23 kilos/50 pounds unless the company you are flying with allows for more weight without a price increase. (Calling to make sure is the best way to know)

Also, don’t forget to put your name, address, phone number and email on the bag or box. 

Each person is required to have a specific travel/trip insurance outside of your credit card or regular medical insurance.

You will want to get comprehensive coverage with trip interruption/cancelation with personal liability.

Mention all activities that you will be involved in such as mountain biking and whatever other activities you may have planned. Some companies include mountain biking without a problem and some do not. 

We recommend that you call the provider and talk with them about the quote rather than use the online system. That way you know what it covers. 

These insurances will cover many things. If you get sick or hurt it covers the medical expenses and it also covers the lost portion of the MTB trip! It also covers any additional expenses such as hotels, transport etc. Many of these insurance plans also cover late flights, canceled trips, canceled flights, delays, etc. 

If a guest is coming alone or in an uneven group number and is not comfortable sharing hotel rooms with other guests, they can pay an extra 35-45 USD per night to have their own room. 

Guests need 2+ people to charter a private trip. Private trips can have custom dates and make changes to the itinerary. 

The cost pp for a private trip is:

750 USD pp with 2 people

600 USD pp with 3 people

500 USD pp with 4+ people

IN Ecuador bike rentals are hard to come by. It is preferable if you bring your own bike. If you would like a rental bike please inquire personally and we will let you know what is available. 

Generally bike rental is 70-80 USD per day with a 1000 cash deposit. The bikes are considered rented each day they are with the client even if there is no ride planned that day, such as rest days. 

Please inquire for custom Galapagos trip add ons!