Ecuador offers great
adventures for mountain bikers. Downhill or uphill, the
geographic variety and diversity of routes in Ecuador
will amaze you. The country is covered by backroads and
trails that date back from the pre-Hispanic era. These
include the Inca road system, the colonial trade pathways
and the more recent Republican hacienda backroads. Most
tours are designed so that each day you bike through areas
of great natural value. The culturally rich indigenous
and mestizo communities settled along the way will leave
you with a sense of Ecuador's rich cultural identity.
From Quito, cyclists have access to a large diversity
of rides ranging from snow-capped Andean volcanoes exhilarating
páramo, cloud forest or jungle on hundreds of miles
of mostly traffic-free unpaved roads and trails. The massive
scale of the Ecuador's Andes turns cycling uphill into
a torture, so most tours are essentially downhill.
Ecuador is great any time of the year
for mountain biking, but we recommend the dry season (July
- September) when it is sunnier and the scenery can be
better enjoyed. We recommend guided tours as the best
and safest way to bike Ecuador.
If you are bringing your own bicycle, be sure that it
is in excellent condition and that it is ready for the
terrain to be covered. The trails and roads in Ecuador
are extremely demanding. If you rent a bike, check that
the bicycle fulfills the requirements for the trajectory.
Equipment
Helmet, gloves, elbow and knee pads
Clothing according to the type of place and kind of biking
to be done, that will provide comfort and security
Sufficient liquids
Rain jacket
Sun screen and sun glasses
Repellent
Camelback or backpack to carry what is necessary
Tool kit
Camera
A good lock is essential for parking your bike in certain
areas.
Depending on the tour that you pick, don't forget to take
extra provisions such as batteries, snack, flashlight,
compass, rain jacket, etc.
Trip Levels
Easy: Suitable for most people in good health.
Moderate: Requires a reasonable level of fitness - these
trips can require sustained endurance levels, hills, longer
days and higher altitudes.
Challenging: Physically demanding and best suited for
strong people with a lot of endurance. Days can be long,
often at altitude, and in remote regions with tough terrain
