Ride.
The Andean highland of Ecuador is probably the only place in the world where you will ride through tropical and glacial climates on the same day. In fact, it’s not easy to imagine the Amazon, Andes, and Pacific within a short distance of each other.
- Miles: 571
- Start: Quito
- End: Quito
- Time: 2 to 4 days
- Suitability: adventure or dual sport
Depending on your pace, the journey can be wrapped up in 4 to 6 days. It kicks off and finishes in Quito, the capital city. From day one, you’re treated to stunning scenery as you leave Quito, cruise along the Pan-American Highway, and venture into the breath taking “Avenue of Volcanoes.”
It begins with stunning views of the peaks of Pichincha Volcano, Volcán Cayambe, and the snow-covered Cotopaxi Volcano. The path winds through charming colonial settlements before arriving at the breathtaking, sky-blue Quilotoa Crater Lake. This entire region is a hiker’s dream, offering endless opportunities to explore for days.
The next stretch takes you through the stunning grasslands of the Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge, with the road winding past the breathtaking view of Chimborazo Peak. Some off-road trails let you get closer to the snow-capped summit. The weather here can change in an instant, so keep your thermals handy for when the chill rolls in.
Once you arrive in the city of Puyo, you’ve stepped into the Amazon Basin. Take a relaxing canoe ride along the Napo River and explore stunning waterfalls along the way.
In the final stretch of the ride, you’ll pass through the town of Baeza and climb the winding mountain roads to cross a pass over 4,000 meters high. From there, the route takes you back down to the city of Quito.
