Incredible Ecuador Mountain Bike Trip
12-days of riding Andean volcanoes and lush jungle descents: Ecuador’s’ Incredible Mountain Bike Trip!
On this incredible Ecuador Mountain Bike Trip you will feel like you are in the land of giants, riding your mountain bike down volcanic lahars at 4270 m/14,000 vertical feet, bounding into lush tropical descents that never seem end, gaze at the CotoPaxi Volcano and stroll through the historic streets of Quito. All while experiencing the culture of the Incan peoples.
Our 12-day Ecuador Mountain Bike Trip focuses on large descents up to 4270 m/7500ft with minimal climbing, through a huge range of singletrack trail diversity. On this trip, you’ll encounter rock gardens, steep sections, flow, freeriding, drops, jumps, and almost any kind of mountain bike obstacle you can imagine. Our Ecuador Mountain Bike Trip also has a strong cultural integration component that provides clients with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and history of Ecuador.
If you drool over big enduro rides through exotic and new terrain, you’re ready to mountain bike Ecuador!
Day by Day
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: Experience the best of Quito’s mountain terrain on the Pinshi/Lumbisi Shakedown, an exciting adventure that combines rugged trails, sweeping Andean landscapes, and the iconic Teleférico Quito. Ride through the scenic hills and valleys surrounding the city, taking on a mix of technical sections, flowing trails, and challenging climbs.
The adventure begins with a spectacular ascent on the Teleférico, offering panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes. From the highlands, descend into the Pinshi and Lumbisi areas, where fast-paced trails, natural terrain, and stunning scenery create an unforgettable riding experience.
Adventure level: Moderate to Advanced
Terrain: Mountain trails, technical sections, descents, and climbs
Highlights: Teleférico ascent, Andean views, Pinshi & Lumbisi trails, technical riding, and high-altitude adventure
Included: Transport, guide, entrance into bike park, hotel, breakfast, lunch.
Not included: Dinner
Day 3: Discover the landscapes and culture just outside Quito on the Casituaga Full Loop & Equator Museum adventure. This scenic route combines enjoyable mountain riding with a visit to one of Ecuador’s most iconic landmarks.
The Casituaga loop winds through the Andean countryside, offering a mix of flowing trails, rolling terrain, scenic climbs, and rewarding descents. Along the way, take in expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys before continuing to the Equator Museum, where you can experience the famous Mitad del Mundo and learn about Ecuador’s unique position on the equator.
It’s the perfect combination of adventure, scenery, and Ecuadorian culture—with plenty of great riding along the way.
Adventure level: Moderate
Terrain: Rolling mountain trails, climbs, descents, and countryside roads
Highlights: Full Casituaga loop, Andean scenery, local countryside, Mitad del Mundo, and Equator Museum
Included: Transport, guide, lodging, breakfast, lunch.
Not included: Dinner
Day 4: Head north into the spectacular landscapes of Imbabura for a full day of riding through the El Chota Valley and Pimampiro. The journey begins with a scenic transfer into the valley, where dramatic mountains, dry highland terrain, and vibrant local communities create a striking contrast to the landscapes around Quito.
From El Chota, continue toward Pimampiro and its network of mountain trails. Ride through a mix of flowing singletrack, technical terrain, climbs, and fast descents while enjoying expansive views across the surrounding Andes. The changing scenery and varied terrain make this an exciting and rewarding day on the bike.
Adventure level: Moderate to Advanced
Terrain: Mountain trails, singletrack, technical sections, climbs, and descents
Highlights: El Chota Valley, Pimampiro trails, Andean landscapes, local communities, and diverse highland terrain
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Transport, Guide, Hotel
Not Included: Dinner
Day 5: Take a well-deserved rest day to relax, recover, and enjoy the spectacular Ecuadorian highlands. After several days of riding, this is the perfect opportunity to recharge while taking in the scenery and preparing for the next stage of the adventure.
Later, transfer south toward Cotopaxi, traveling through some of Ecuador’s most impressive mountain landscapes. As you leave the Quito area behind, the scenery opens up to vast highland plains, dramatic peaks, and views of the iconic Cotopaxi region.
Adventure level: Rest Day
Terrain: Scenic transfer
Highlights: Recovery time, Andean scenery, highland landscapes, and arrival in the Cotopaxi region
Included: Lodging, breakfast
Not included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ride through the spectacular highlands of Cotopaxi on a day built around open trails, flowing descents, and unforgettable Andean scenery. Starting in the shadow of the iconic Cotopaxi volcano, the route follows a mix of natural mountain terrain and fast, flowing trails, giving riders the freedom to enjoy the landscape and choose their own pace.
As the ride progresses south, the scenery gradually transforms from high-altitude volcanic terrain into greener valleys and warmer landscapes. The adventure finishes in Baños, Ecuador’s famous gateway to the Amazon, where dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation set the stage for the next part of the journey.
Adventure level: Moderate to Advanced
Terrain: Volcanic highlands, flowing trails, descents, and mountain terrain
Highlights: Cotopaxi volcano, Andean landscapes, fast-flowing trails, changing scenery, and arrival in Baños
Included: Transport, guide, lodging, breakfast and lunch
Not included: Dinner
Day 7: Explore the spectacular terrain surrounding Baños on the Pilishuro + Baños Ride, a day of varied trails, lush mountain scenery, and rewarding descents. The route climbs into the hills above Baños, where riders can experience a mix of flowing singletrack, technical sections, and natural mountain terrain.
With dramatic views over the valley and the surrounding Andes, the ride combines challenging riding with the unique scenery that makes Baños one of Ecuador’s most exciting adventure destinations. Descend back toward town surrounded by steep green mountains, waterfalls, and spectacular valley views.
Adventure level: Moderate to Advanced
Terrain: Singletrack, mountain trails, technical sections, climbs, and descents
Highlights: Pilishuro trails, Baños valley, Lush Andean scenery, technical riding, and rewarding descents
Included: Transport, guide, lodging, breakfast, and lunch
Not Included: Dinner
Day 8: Take a well-earned break in Baños, one of Ecuador’s most spectacular adventure towns. After several days of riding through the Andes, enjoy a relaxed day to recover, explore, and take in the dramatic scenery surrounding the town.
Spend the day at your own pace—wander through Baños, enjoy the local cafés and restaurants, visit waterfalls, or simply relax and recharge. Surrounded by lush mountains and volcanic landscapes, Baños is the perfect place to reset before the next stage of the adventure.
Adventure level: Rest Day
Terrain: Relaxation and optional sightseeing
Highlights: Recovery, Baños town, waterfalls, lush mountain scenery, local culture, and time to recharge
Included: Lodging, breakfast.
Not Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Head into the remote Andean landscapes around Guaranda, Bolívar, for an unforgettable day on the Hieleros Plus + Lourdes route. This ride takes you deep into the Ecuadorian highlands, combining rugged mountain terrain with spectacular views across valleys, peaks, and traditional rural communities.
The route features a rewarding mix of climbs, flowing sections, technical terrain, and fast descents, with the high-altitude landscape providing a dramatic backdrop throughout the ride. As you make your way toward Lourdes, experience the quiet, remote character of the Andes and the diverse terrain surrounding Guaranda.
Adventure level: Advanced
Terrain: High-altitude mountain trails, technical sections, climbs, and descents
Highlights: Guaranda highlands, Hieleros trails, Lourdes, remote Andean scenery, rural communities, and challenging mountain riding
Included: Transport, lodging, guide, breakfast, lunch
Not included: Dinner
Day 10: Take on an epic day of high-altitude riding around Guaranda, Bolívar, combining the challenging Cacería 1 & 2 trails with an exhilarating freeride descent in the shadow of Chimborazo.
The Cacería trails deliver a mix of technical terrain, flowing sections, steep climbs, and rewarding descents through the rugged Ecuadorian Andes. From there, the adventure opens up into a spectacular freeride experience, with the enormous Chimborazo landscape providing an unforgettable backdrop.
With dramatic volcanic scenery, high-altitude terrain, and varied riding throughout the day, this is one of the standout adventures of the trip.
Adventure level: Advanced
Terrain: High-altitude trails, technical sections, steep climbs, freeride terrain, and descents
Highlights: Cacería 1 & 2, Chimborazo, Guaranda highlands, volcanic landscapes, technical riding, and epic freeride descents
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Guide, Hotel
Not Included: Transport, Lunch, Guide, Dinner
Day 11:
Explore the rugged Andean terrain around Guaranda, Bolívar, on the Mamarumi ride. This route delivers a true highland adventure, combining remote mountain trails, challenging climbs, technical sections, and rewarding descents through the spectacular countryside.
The changing terrain and elevation make Mamarumi a memorable riding experience, with sweeping views of the surrounding Andes and a chance to experience the quieter, more remote side of Ecuador. Expect a demanding but rewarding day immersed in the dramatic landscapes around Guaranda.
After riding we will return to Quito and your hotel.
Tonight we will have our farewell dinner and pack our bike bags for tomorrow’s flights out.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Guide, Hotel
Not Included: Transport, Lunch, Guide, Dinner
Adventure level: Advanced
Terrain: High-altitude mountain trails, technical sections, climbs, and descents
Highlights: Mamarumi trails, Guaranda highlands, remote Andean scenery, challenging terrain, and spectacular mountain views
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!”
Included: Breakfast, airport drop off
Not Included: Guide, hotel, flights, lunch, and dinner
General Information
What’s included in your 12-day Ecuador mountain biking tour:
Included
Not Included:
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.
Each person is required to have a specific travel/trip insurance outside of your credit card or regular medical insurance.
You should get comprehensive coverage with trip interruption/cancellation and with personal liability. Mention all activities that you will be involved in such as mountain biking, hiking at high altitude and whatever other activities you may have planned.
We do not provide refunds. If you should get hurt or sick not only will travel insurance cover your medical expenses it will also cover the lost portion of the trip. Make sure you have trip interruption or trip cancellation included! South America is famous for people striking and shutting down all activities. If you miss your Machu Picchu trip, Galapagos or any other side trip, or even your flight due to strikes the insurance will cover the loss or additional costs that are incurred.
Check out our blog on travel insurance and why it is a must for any South America Vacation!
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.
For our Ecuador mountain bike trips we recommend guests purchase a round trip flight from their home airport to Quito Airport. 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.
Reviews
My Girlfriend and I took a 10 day bike trip to Ecuador with Nicole and Bill from Haku Adventures in November of 2021. This was a trip of a lifetime! Our group was a total of 6 with 3+ professional guides every day. Trip catered to the rider types in our group and was very well organized. We stayed in some very unique farm houses and hostels throughout the trip. Over the 10 days, we got a lift day in Quito, 2 bike park days at Santa Rita and Cotopaxi, 2 long volcano rides on Cotopaxi and Chimborozo and some of the best downhills in Ecuador. I wouldn’t hesitate to take another trip with Nicole and Bill and am already trying to figure out how I can get more time off work and get down to visit them in Peru. If you are looking for a professional put together bike trip with super fun descending and super good times, I would recommend Haku!
Our 12-day Ecuador Mountain Bike Adventure has a focus on enduro and downhill mountain biking. We mainly conduct shuttle rides that have large downhills up to 3970 m/7,500 ft of vertical descent and up to 500 m/1,500 ft of uphill.
Mountain bike trails in Ecuador are raw, long, scenic, flowy, and technical. You will ride on active volcanoes and into sub-tropical jungles which were once agricultural centers of the pre-Incan civilizations. You will descend on footpaths that are still used by local peoples, grazing their llamas the same way their ancestors did over 2,000 years ago.
Our 12-Day Ecuador MTB trip is perfect for you if:
Giving back
Haku Expeditions donates 1% of all profits to support local education programs.
What’s included in your 12-day Ecuador mountain biking tour:
Included
Not Included:
Our Cross Country MTB tours take you from one spectacular destination to the next. On these, you’ll cycle literally across whichever country you’re visiting. For instance, check out our Andes to the Amazon tour, where you travel from Cusco to the Peruvian Amazon.
Our current XC vacations are made up of long-distance rides on backcountry roads. If you are looking for XC singletrack, get in touch with us, and we’ll set up a one-of-a-kind MTB tour suited to your needs.
How we define XC: Anywhere from old logging or fire roads to rolling singletrack, Cross Country trails are generally long distances with both ascents and descents. While trails may be somewhat technical with rock gardens and tight switchbacks, they generally do not have intense steep rock gardens like those you might find in DH or Enduro racing.
An XC bike is often lighter with a slacker head tube angle for better climbing ability and tends to not have a dropper post although the trend is changing. Usually it will be a hardtail or a full suspension bike with a smaller amount of suspension — 100-130mm.
Most XC riders do not wear pads such as elbow or knee pads and wear a half-shell helmet.
Our MTB expeditions are multi-day trips that involve camping, hiking and/or local home stays in the mountains with cooks and porters. At the moment Haku Expeditions offers one complete mountain expedition and also two packages that combine an MTB vacation with a smaller expedition nestled in it.
The front travel for DH bikes is usually somewhere around 200mm with the rear measuring slightly less. Because they generally aren’t pedalled uphill, these bikes are rugged and heavy and usually have less gears. DH riders wear full-face helmets, goggles, and body armor.
At the moment we do not offer a 100% DH trip. Contact us and we can make a custom trip for you! Below, you’ll find our Enduro MTB tours listed that are mostly all downhill and can be done either with a DH bike or an Enduro bike.
How we define DH: DH riding – or Downhill riding — is regarded as an intense, extreme kind of cycling, made for advanced riders who love to navigate roots and rocks and huge drops with furious downhill speed. It requires a stellar sense of balance and technique and a bike with slacker geometry.
The front travel for DH bikes is usually somewhere around 200mm with the rear measuring slightly less. Because they generally aren’t pedalled uphill, these bikes are rugged and heavy and usually have less gears. DH riders wear full-face helmets, goggles, and body armor.
Our Enduro/All-Mountain MTB tours are by far our most popular trips to date. While some of them focus more on descent like Ecuador and Peru, others include plenty of pedaling such as those in Colombia and Nepal.
How we define Enduro/All Mountain: Enduro mountain biking, also known as All-Mountain biking, emphasizes technical ability. If you’re looking for a more adventurous ride, this is the kind of ride for you; usually, an Enduro/All-Mountain trail will involve adrenaline-pumping downhill mountain biking along with sustained climbs.
Enduro riders need bikes that can take burly drops and rugged technical obstacles efficiently while still being light enough to climb with; they almost always use full-suspension bikes with wide tires and longer rear and front suspension travel. Dropper post is a necessity and standard. The front suspension can be anywhere from 140mm to 170mm. Full-face enduro helmets and body amour are a must for Enduro racing.
1 – The Haku Christmas Drive, which includes yearly clothing giveaways, shoe drives, and a public hot chocolate panettone lunch.
2 – School supply giveaway for children of the High Andes.
3 – Bringing bread and fruit to kids living at elevations where none is available.
4 – Facilitating connections between local organic farmers and local restaurants.
5 – Affordable MTB classes for locals taught by professional coaches.
6 – Sustained commitment to hiring out locals to work as drivers, office workers, etc., allowing a great amount of flexibility for family commitments, and paying them fair, livable wages.
7 – Donating 1% of all profits to help educate children in a technical field such as carpentry.
8 – Helping young adults begin a small business working in their technical field or purchasing products from them to help them get started after high school.
1 – Getting your heart rate up isn’t really your thing, and you rarely (if ever) exercise. Your idea of a perfect vacation is total relaxation: sitting on a beach, sipping a mojito, and just generally vegging out.
2 – You don’t necessarily work out regularly but you aren’t averse to the idea of doing something active. Although you don’t exercise that often, you don’t necessarily consider yourself out of shape.
3 – You exercise one to two times a week but do not have a normal schedule that keeps you biking or doing other activities weekly. You don’t go to the gym or train for any specific sports but you lead a relatively active lifestyle by biking, hiking, skiing, or whatever it may be. For biking: climbs and long descents give you some trouble and you tend to get tired after about 2-3 hours on the bike.
4 – You exercise 3-4 times a week and enjoy physical activities such as biking, hiking, skiing. You are active. For biking: you enjoy climbs that are are moderately long and being on a bike for 3-5 hours in one day doesn’t get you too tired or fatigued.
5 – You exercise at least 4 times a week and are an avid athlete that is consistently in good shape. You’re more or less game for any kind of adventure. For biking: you’re comfortable with being on your bike for 5-7 hours a day.
6 – You live and die for exercise, sweat, and suffering. You only want to climb higher, go farther, and prove how much of an animal you are. Steep climbs, long descents and big days are something you are looking to do more of and you can’t wait for your next adventure.
Beginner:
You’ve been riding a mountain bike for a couple of years or less and you’re most comfortable on smooth single-track and wider, forgiving doubletrack. You like rides with scenic views; you like both ascending and descending on well-maintained, safe trails. You’re looking for an active but relaxing mountain bike vacation; you’re not into jumps, drops, super steep trails, rock gardens, roots or taking big risks on your bike.
Intermediate:
You’ve got two plus years of experience mountain biking on single-track trails under your belt; you’ve gotten pretty confident behind the handlebars and are beginning to expand your mountain bike abilities. You like riding most types of terrain, and you’re comfortable both climbing and descending on single-track trails with smaller technical features such as rocky sections, small drops, and small steep sections. You aren’t trying to walk on most of the trail and are looking to take small risks with things like speed, jumps, rock gardens, and stair sets to improve your skills as a mountain biker.
Intermediate Tech:
You’ve got three plus years of riding on singletrack trails of all sorts with features such as rock gardens, steep sections, rolls and drops, roots, and small jumps. You are confident on the bike in most situations. You’re constantly looking to improve your riding skills and enjoy riding for extended periods of time climbing and descending in terrain of all sorts.
Advanced:
Ten plus years of experience riding single-track, freerides and biking of all sorts. You live for steeps, jumps, rock gardens, techy trails, long descents, big ascents and discovering new terrain. Mountain biking is one of your passions and you are ready and confident to do what you love in a new and challenging place. You can handle anything we throw at you — jumps, rock gardens, steps, technical descents, tough ascents, etc. Biking is a central part of your life. For you, the bigger the challenge, the more excited you get.
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"So glad we found Bill and Nicole, this was by far one of the coolest and most fun DH rides we have done so far, Close second is heli biking in Canada.
Everything was as described, Great shuttle transportation had ample room for people and gear, fresh water on board.