Ecuador Advanced All-Mountain MTB

Arrival

Today, we will warmly welcome you upon your arrival at Quito Airport and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. This day is dedicated to your acclimatization and personal exploration of the city. Feel free to wander at your own pace, soaking in the rich culture, stunning architecture, and local cuisine that Quito has to offer.

In the evening, at 6 PM, we invite you to join us for an important briefing session. This will be an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow adventurers, as well as to gather essential information and tips for the exciting days ahead.

Overnight: Dann Carlton Hotel
Meals included: none

Mountain Biking in Quito

Welcome to day one of our mountain biking adventure! We'll kick things off at the Metropolitan Forest Park near Quito, where dirt paths, roots, and thrilling drops on green and blue trails offer the perfect chance to find your legs and acclimatize to the altitude. Afterward, we'll stop at a local organic farm just outside the city for a farm-to-table lunch made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Our afternoon takes us to Lumbici Bike Park, set within a beautiful eucalyptus forest and offering trails for every skill level. Shuttles are available to bring you back to the top between runs, keeping your time on the trails maximized. We'll then return to our hotel in Quito to rest up for the days ahead.

Overnight: Dann Carlton
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Teleférico Downhill and Equator Line Exploration

We start the morning with a short drive to the foothills of Pichincha volcano, where we'll board the Teleférico cable car, designed for both passengers and bikes, to ascend near the crater's rim. From the top, we'll descend on high-elevation singletrack through grassy landscapes, small jumps, and steeper sections that flow into native Andean forest and towering pine and eucalyptus trees. The descent is short but thrilling, so we'll have the chance to lap it a few times based on the group's energy.

In the afternoon, we head north into the Ecuadorian highlands, stopping for a traditional lunch along the way. We'll also visit the equator line to learn about its significance to ancient civilizations before arriving at our guest house by late afternoon, where a homemade dinner highlighting regional flavors awaits.

Overnight: Family-run Guest House
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Northern Andes and El Chota Valley Adventure

We journey by car into the high mountains of the Northern Andes, where, weather permitting, we'll take in views of the Cayambe and Imbabura volcanoes and learn about their cultural significance. Our ride begins in the paramo ecosystem with scenic vistas of Yaguarcocha lagoon and fast, flowy singletrack past local farms, before dropping into the El Chota dry valley. The landscape shifts dramatically from lush greenery to arid terrain of cacti and agave, with technical trails featuring loose dirt, rocky sections, and steep areas with stunning views. Trails will be selected based on the group's skill level to ensure everyone has a great time.

The ride concludes in the lower El Chota Valley, home to the Afro-Ecuadorian community, where we'll visit a local artisan workshop to learn about their craftsmanship and traditions. In the afternoon, we return to the guest house for a cooking class using local ingredients with our family host.

Overnight: Family-run Guest House
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Cultural Exploration and Relaxation Day

We dedicate the morning to cultural exploration with a visit to the famous Otavalo indigenous market, one of the largest in South America, where colorful handicrafts, textiles, and traditional artwork from local artisans fill a lively and aromatic atmosphere. Afterward, we head to the Papallacta hot springs spa to unwind in natural thermal pools surrounded by mountain scenery, with optional spa treatments available for those seeking extra relaxation.

In the afternoon, we travel by car to a charming hacienda near Cotopaxi Volcano, taking in breathtaking landscapes along the way. As evening settles in, we gather by the fireplace for a social hour with wine and drinks, sharing stories from the day and connecting with fellow travelers.

Overnight: Family-run Farm Hacienda
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Cotopaxi Volcano Trails

We spend the day in Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes at 19,347 feet, and wildlife including bulls, horses, foxes, and condors. Our ride begins at the parqueadero, nearly 15,000 feet above sea level, where we descend along sandy and rocky trails back to the volcano's base. Depending on the group's energy, we may shuttle up for additional runs. Note that trail access can vary based on seasonal conditions and reserve authority decisions. If trails are closed, we will visit the nearby Cotopaxi Bike Park, which offers flowy alternatives for all skill levels.

In the afternoon, we travel to a historic hacienda where we will spend the night.

Overnight: Historic Hacienda
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Chimborazo Iceman Trail

We journey to the Chimborazo Reserve, home to the highest point on Earth when measured from the planet's center. Ascending to nearly 16,000 feet, the highest elevation of our trip, we'll ride the Iceman Trails, named after local communities who collect and transport ice from the volcano by donkey to sell in nearby markets. Depending on the season, trails may be sandy or snow-covered, and the descent takes us through rocky sections and flowy singletrack with sweeping views of deep canyons, the Central Andes, and fertile volcanic farmland responsible for roughly 40% of Ecuador's vegetables.

We finish the day at a cozy family-run mountain lodge, where we'll make our own pizzas from scratch using fresh local ingredients, a fitting communal end to an adventurous day.

Overnight: Family Run Mountain Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Mamarumi Downhill Trail

We close out the trip on the Mamarumi Downhill Trail, one of South America's top downhill rides and a frequent competition venue. The trail follows ancient Incan trade routes connecting the Andes to the coast, descending through tunnels of lush vegetation, steep switchbacks, and native Andean forest before opening into banana and sugarcane plantations. We aim to finish before midday to allow time for the drive back to Quito. Note that seasonal weather can affect trail access, in which case we will explore the Quilotoa Volcano trails, featuring singletrack along a crater lake rim and ancient paths into scenic canyons.

What a way to end the adventure!

Overnight: Dann Carlton
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Along South America’s northwest coast lies beautiful Ecuador, a country the size of Nevada yet one of the most biodiverse places in the world. From the rugged, snow-capped highlands of the Andes to the lush Amazon jungle, the array of wildlife and landscapes here are spectacular and the opportunities for outdoor recreation are plentiful. Ecuador is equally rich and diverse in its cultural heritage, with 14 Indigenous nationalities as well as deep-rooted African and European influences that make for colorful markets, traditional villages, and cosmopolitan cities. This adventure takes us to a select handful of wild places, iconic national parks and reserves, and diamond-in-the-rough trails.

Although you’ll ride a number of trails on this adventure, Mama Rumi deserves its own spotlight as Ecuador’s finest MTB trail and one of the best in all of South America. An ancient path carved many centuries ago by Incan travelers and bootleggers, Mama Rumi (meaning “Mother Rock” in Quechua) was lost to the jungle until more recent years when it became rediscovered. After some serious trail work it reopened for mountain biking, and is now home to the annual Downhill Mama Rumi race. Riders experience almost 6,500 feet of descent with only a couple of climbs, and a mix of technical and fast terrain. The scenery change is dramatic, from glaciated Andean highlands to coastal banana plantations. Most of the trail is singletrack with lots of bobsled sections offering great, natural berms and ruts, as well as many rocks, roots, and natural jumps.