15D-14N Biking & Hiking tour in Ecuador / private tour / experience the true natural wonder of the world

Private transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Quito with English speaking driver/guide.

Please be aware of the sign with your name on it.

You will spend the night at Hotel Sierra Madre.

Included: guide, arrival transfer, breakfast, room

Quito historical city and Middle of the World tour With this historical city tour,

You explore the beautiful colonial center of Quito. Your first stop is at Basilica Church, considered to be one of the most important
pieces of neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. The tour continues to Plaza Grande (also called Independence Square), to admire its historical buildings, among which the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace. You walk through the lively colonial streets of the old town to visit other historical highlights, such as the famous Compañia Church, with its interior covered with gold. Finally, you visit the famous Panecillo Hill, from where you will have an amazing view over the city and see the contrast between colonial and modern Quito from above. After lunch, you head out of the city to visit the Middle of the World, where the equator line meets the prime meridian and the coordinates indicate point 0° 0’ 0”. This unique location allows you to stand in both hemispheres next to the Middle of the World monument and play with gravity in the adjacent interactive museum Intiñan. In the afternoon you return to your hotel in Quito.

Entrance to Museum Intinan (Mitad del Mundo) included.
Entrance to Panecillo viewpoint included.
Entrance to La Compañía church included.
Entrance to Mitad del Mundo monument included.

You will spend the night at Hotel Sierra Madre.

Included: guide, entrance fees, breakfast, room

After breakfast, you leave Quito to travel north, to Imbabura. This beautiful province is famous for its traditional handicrafts, folklore, and many lagoons, and is also known as ‘The Province of the Lakes’. The trips leads through spectacular landscapes of rural areas. On the way, you make a quick stop in the valleys of Calderón and Guayllabamba, after which you try the area's local specialties: leaved cheese and airy biscuits at the foot of the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano (5790 meters).

Also Otavalo is located at the foothills of a volcano, the Imbabura (4630 meters), and next to the largest lagoon of Ecuador, San Pablo. In Otavalo, you visit the famous indigenous market to wander around the colorful blankets, handmade ponchos, and alpaca shawls. It is a wonderful place to learn more about the local culture and look for souvenirs. Next, you go to the charming town of Cotacachi that is specialized in leather products. Not far from Cotacachi you find the crater lake of Cuichocha; a beautiful volcanic lake with two small islands in the middle. In the afternoon you return to Quito.

You will spend the night at Hotel Sierra Madre.

Included: guide, breakfast, room

Antisana (5705 m) is the fourth highest and one of the most beautiful snow capped volcanoes in Ecuador. It has huge extensions of paramo which has endemic plants and endangered animals, such as the Condor which is the national emblem of Ecuador. The tour starts early with a departure from Quito at 7am, from there we head east for 45 by jeep , until we reach the town of Pintag. Once in the protected area, we
continue for approximately one hour along the plains of this outstanding volcano, up to an altitude of 4.000 meters towards La Mica Lake to enjoy beautiful surroundings and sights. In La Mica we start biking back to Pintag for about 30 kilometers. The first 7 kilometers is mainly plain and the last 2 kilometers before reaching the highest point of the pass will be uphill. When we reach the pass there will be an awesome downhill through different landscapes until we reach the Entrance, where the bike tour ends. We’ll serve a hearty box lunch en route. There will be some up hills but it will be mainly down hills or plain stretches and
always accompanied by a 4-wheel-drive. The bike ride is approximately 30 km. We then drive by jeep in a southwest direction into the stunning western Cordillera arriving at Urbina to spend the night. The night’s retreat is a simple but clean inn located on the foot of Chimborazo.

Note: you must go to the meeting point in Quito by your own (closed to your hotel, (around 15 minutes walking).

Included: Box lunch, equipment rental, guide

We head out early for the drive south to volcano Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador at 6310 meters (20,697 ft.) At the base camp we hop on our bikes and begin the downward descent through a magical Andean landscape to the small village of San Juan, nearby Riobamba. Before reaching this point, we’ll be served our lunch in a very typical Indian village.

In San Juan we load the bikes on the jeep roof and drive to Baños, a small town famous for its hot springs, and spend the night there. (B,L)

Included: Box lunch, breakfast, equipment rental, guide

We take a pre-breakfast dip in the thermal baths of Baños before pedaling east toward Puyo. You’ll notice the dramatic temperature and vegetation changes as we descend into the steamy Amazon basin. Bike along the Avenue of the Orchids to the Amazonian frontier town of Puyo. Lunch. Drive through quichua villages and tropical rainforest to Tena town in the Amazon basin.

Overnight and dinner in a jungle lodge at the river bank (B,L)

Included: Box lunch, breakfast, equipment rental, guide

Today our travel is by foot as we explore pristine Amazon rainforest. On this hike, we will see a beautiful waterfall as well as exotic flora and fauna. We stand a good chance of spotting flocks of Amazon parrots, macaws and toucans. We have a 30 km bike ride through the forest back to the lodge.

In the afternoon we relax at the lodge, enjoying a swim in a protected bay in the river.

Included: Box lunch, breakfast, equipment rental, guide

We begin by driving by jeep up into the Andes (Guacamayos Pass). We cycle to the town of Baeza at the base of the Andes. We enjoy a picnic lunch, and then drive up to the Papallacta thermal baths for a well-earned soak in the toasty hot springs. From the Ave Maria Pass (4200m), we then bike back towards Quito along the Chiche river basin. This is one of the longest all downhill rides in the world, about 45 km. The last 12 kilometers will be on the famous railroad line going through five tunnels, one of which is 322 meters long. The spectacular ride takes us speeding through wide stretches of paramo and cloud forest, with the Andean sun illuminating the way. Some days can be chilled by occasional fog, so don’t forget your mittens and fleece.

In Tumbaco we pile the bikes on the jeep’s roof and head back to Quito. (B,L)

You will spend the night at Hotel Sierra Madre.

Included: Box lunch, breakfast, equipment rental, guide, room

Cotopaxi National Park visit Today’s adventure starts early in the morning when you drive south on the Avenue of Volcanoes. The destination of today is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and a popular highlight of Ecuador: the elegant Cotopaxi (5897 meters). This impressive, snow-capped volcano stands proudly in the middle of the beautiful national park that wears its name. Upon arrival at the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, your guide explains you about the unique flora and fauna of the area, and about the history of the volcano. Subsequently, you continue to the Limpiopungo Lake (3850 meters), to you enjoy a hike through the stunning paramo landscape where you can see hummingbirds, wild horses, and other animals. All this time, the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano is just a few steps away and on a clear day you can admire him in its full glory. In the afternoon you head to your hotel located close to the Cotopaxi National Park.

Local guide at Cotopaxi National Park included.

You will spend the night at Chuquiragua Lodge.

Included: guide, transport (private), local guide, breakfast, room

We leave in the morning to visit the Quilotoa crater lagoon. Quilotoa is a beautiful lagoon at the top of the Quilotoa volcano. It is one of the most spectacular places in the Ecuadorian Sierra. Its name comes from two Quechua words "Quiru" which means tooth and "toa" means queen due to the shape of the lagoon. The mineral water of the lagoon are showing an emerald green color, which can vary to bluish green or almost yellow, according to the season. It also has a large quantity of carbon dioxide mixed with hydrogen sulphide as not suitable for consumption. You can hike down to the lagoon and then back to the top of the crater (you can either hike or rent a mule).
On our way back we make a stop in a little village that is famous for its local paintings and masks, called Tigua.

You will spend the night at Hotel Casa Real.

Included: guide, transport (private), entrance fees, breakfast, room

While the Ingapirka Inca Trail in Ecuador is not as famous as its southern cousin, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it was actually more important when it was constructed 1,000 years ago. The Ecuadorian Inca Trail once connected the Incan empire’s northern capital Quito with the city at its heart, Cuzco in Peru. It was used to move trade and messengers as well as large marching armies during the civil war that broke out between the two Incan princes, Huáscar in Quito and Atahualpa in Cuzco. Later, the Spanish called it the Camino Real (Royal Road) during their conquest of the Incan empire in the years after the Incan civil war. Centuries later still, Commander Sucre, the Ecuadorian independence leader, led his troops over this Incan highway to fight the Spanish royalists, and the giant mounds of stones on the mountain pass marks the cemetery where hundreds of Commander Sucre’s troops were buried.

Day 1 Inka Trail: From Riobamba to Achupallas

We leave Riobamba at 8.30 by car and drive south until we reach the small village of Achupallas at 3300 m. / 10.827 ft. altitude. Here we put our equipment on donkeys and then start hiking on the paramo grasslands. After about 4 hours of hiking we make our camp for the first night at about 3950 m. / 12.959 ft. altitude.

Included: Camping, full board, guide, guide (hiking)

Today, you will hike for about 7 hours, starting with a climb from 3950m to 4400m. After 2-3 hours you’ll reach the highest point of this trek, called Cuchilla de Tres Cruces. From here you’ll have a stunning view of Sansahuín lake, one of the several lakes located in this area. Later, you’ll go down again and pass the Paredones ruins, which used to be a resting-place for Incan couriers.

From here you can continue on the Inca road southwest until you reach Patococha at 3800m, where you pitch your tent.

Included: Camping, full board, guide, guide (hiking), horses to carry luggage

Follow the old Inganan in southwest direction. It becomes wide and rocky in some areas but it gets marshy later on. The road continues uphill for a while, passes near an area with lots of scattered boulders on the right side of it and then descents gradually until it finally gets covered by the vegetation. There's a new green sign, Parque Nacional Sangay.. continue a few meters southwest and then gain the first narrow footpath which runs in west direction to the reservoir. After a 30 minute – hike the footpath joins a narrow dirt road which runs parallel to a concrete aqueduct. It'll take you to a small cattle fence, cross a footbridge few minutes later and start hiking on the vehicular rode south to the village of San Jose (3,650 m/ 11,972 ft). Keep hiking on the dirt road through the village. Turn right (southwest) on the first road at the T-road junction (there's a house on the left with a brick fence). After 40 minutes to 1 hour hiking on the same vehicular road you'll get Rio Silante bridge. Continue uphill for about 30 more minutes up to Ingapirca Archaeological Complex (3,160 m / 10,365 ft), the ending place of the trip. Upon arrival we will visit the archeological site and learn about the culture of the Inca’s and the Cañari’s. From here we return by car to Riobamba. Private transport from Ingapirca to Cuenca with English speaking driver/guide. On
the way you will make a stop at the archeological site of Ingapirca Ruins, where the guide will give you a tour and explain all about the ruins. The entrance to Ingapirca ruins is included. You will spend the night at Hotel Posada del Angel.

Included: breakfast, guide (hiking), horses to carry luggage, guide, entrance fees, room

Today, you have the opportunity to explore Cuenca together with a guide. Cuenca is the fourth city of Ecuador and its gorgeous colonial center is declared as Cultural Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO. The beauty of the city center is
complemented by the friendliness of its people and the cozy atmosphere. With this half day city tour, you see the architectural highlights of the city, such as the impressive cathedral. Subsequently, your guide takes you up the viewpoint Turi for a splendid view over the entire city. 'Turi' means 'brother' in Quichua, the language of the pre-colonial indigenous people. You also visit an artisanal Panama hat factory. Unlike what the name suggests, Panama hats are originally from Ecuador and Cuenca is one of the most important producers of these hats that are made out of Paja Toquilla palm leaves. Depending on the quality and size, it can take weeks or even months to produce a handmade Panama hat. Private transport from Cuenca to Guayaquil with English speaking driver/guide.

You will spend the night at Hotel Unipark.

Included: guide, breakfast, room

Guayaquil is the main port and the largest city of Ecuador. Situated on the banks of the Guayas River and with the beach at less than 1, 5 hours driving distance, Guayaquil has the ambiance of a coastal city. Furthermore, the mix of modern and historical buildings create a unique atmosphere. Your guide picks you up at your hotel in the center for this half-day city tour, starting with a visit to the boulevard. This historical place is recently renovated.
Subsequently, you go to Las Peñas, a 16 th century neighborhood that is declared Cultural Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO in 1982. Located on top of a hill, this colorful neighborhood offers you a wonderful panoramic view of the city. The next highlight of the day is the Seminarian Park, also known as the Park of Iguanas because of its inhabitants. The iguanas in this park are not scared of people and patiently pose for photos while your guide tells you about this part of the city. Afterwards, you return to your hotel. Private transfer from your hotel to Guayaquil airport.

English speaking guide included.

ACE Insurance (liability insurance) is included.

Included: guide, departure transfer