Ultimate Andes MTB Advenutre

Mountain Bike colombia & Ecuador

Welcome to Ecuador!

Upon arrival at Quito International Airport (UIO), you will be picked up by our 2Wheel team and taken to your hotel. Should time permit, build your bike or explore Quito. No other activities are planned for this day.

*To acclimatize to the altitude and have full energy for the days to come, we suggest you arrive at least a day early.

• Accommodation:  Hotel Ilalo
• Meals Included:  None

For the first day of our Ecuadorian bike trip guests will pack their bags and load up in the car for an hour and half drive to the base of the CotoPaxi Volcano to ride the volcanic forests of the Cotopaxi bike park. This bike park is full of singletrack trails that are made of loamy volcanic earth that weaves in between the humid forests that are native to the highlands of Ecuador. The dirt is soft, humid and is what most cyclists dream about when they think about the best mountain bike trails. 

Cotopaxi Bike Park is a dream come true for bikers, loamy trails, jumps, natural features, and iconic views of the Cotopaxi. We will be shuttling trails that each have 300-400 meters of descent, guest will ride about 4 laps before lunch and then decide if they want to spend some time on the jumps lines, take some laps on the pump track or return to the trails and keep ripping up the MTB trails of Cotopaxi Bike Park. 

• Distance: 14.4 km /  9 miles 
• Max Elevation:  4100m/13,500 ft
• Ascent 125 m / 350 ft 
• Descent 1060 m / 3,500 ft 
• Lodging: Hostal Rondador Cotopaxi
• Food included: B, L, Snacks 

Every country has its iconic sight that captivates and attracts travelers from all over the world. For Ecuador, that sight is the Cotopaxi Volcano, a majestic active stratovolcano that symbolizes the Andean region’s raw beauty and geologic wonder. 

Renowned for its snow-capped symmetrical cone, Cotopaxi’s height of 5,897 meters /19,347 feet, makes it one of the highest volcanoes in the world and the 2nd highest peak in Ecuador. Over millions of years, the gradual retreat of glaciers has given rise to a remarkable terrain of soft volcanic dirt, perfect for freeriding adventures!

Today, we shuttle three epic Cotopaxi freeride routes, with each lap starting at 4,600m /15,500 ft and descending about 1,000 m / 3,300 ft.

Experience the thrill of choosing your own line and unleashing your creative MTB style as you surf your way down Cotopaxi’s volcanic scree fields. Chart your own path through the breathtaking high-alpine tundra and grasslands, teeming with natural features, massive rock wallrides, and thrilling volcanic shoots. Embrace the excitement that this terrain offers on what will truly be unforgettable day – one that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!

• Distance:  28 km /  17 miles 
• Max Elevation:  4,600m  / 15,500 ft
• Ascent:  220 m / 700 ft 
• Descent:  1,800 m / 5,000 ft 
• Accommodation:  Hostal Rondador Cotopaxi
• Meals Included:  B, L, Snacks

This morning we will sleep in, have a wonderful breakfast, pack our belongings, and get ready to travel 4 hrs to the northern deserts of Ibarra. On our way, we pass through the Valley of Volcanoes, then stop in Otavalo for a delicious traditional Andean lunch. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our Ibarra accommodation, Casa Suaya, a beautiful family-run property with artfully-decorated cabanãs and even has a hot tub!

• Accommodation: Casa Suaya
• Meals Included: B, L, Snacks

Ecuador is one of the world’s most diverse places, and the unique deserts of Ibarra are just another spectacle of why this country is so diverse. This area has over 150 different trails and each one of those trails has a dozen lines, creating what we believe to be one of the world’s biggest free ride zones, offering intermediate to expert riders so many options.

• Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
• Max Elevation: 3,200m / 10,500 ft
• Ascent: 90 m / 300 ft
• Descent: 2,250 m / 7,500 ft
• Accommodation: Casa Suaya
• Meals Included: B, L, Snacks

More Ibarra madness!!!! This area has over 150 different trails and each one of those trails has a dozen lines, creating what we believe to be one of the world’s biggest free ride zones, offering intermediate to expert riders so many options.

• Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
• Max Elevation: 3,200m / 10,500 ft
• Ascent: 90 m / 300 ft
• Descent: 2,250 m / 7,500 ft
• Accommodation: Casa Suaya
• Meals Included: B, L, Snacks

Today we ride one more day in the desert lands of Ibarra, then cap the night off with a large Pampa mesa and party at the Casa Suaya!

• Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
• Max Elevation: 3,200m / 10,500 ft
• Ascent: 90 m / 300 ft
• Descent: 2,250 m / 7,500 ft
• Accommodation: Casa Suaya
• Meals Included: B, L, Snacks

Today marks the beginning of our journey through the vibrant and diverse country of Colombia! We enjoy breakfast at 8:30 am, load the van at 10:00 am, then drive 5 hours to our destination within Colombia. En route, we’ll make stops at markets and points of interest, providing opportunities to delve deeper into the local culture and landscape.

Upon our arrival in Colombia, we’ll receive a warm welcome from our Colombian hosts before embarking on a captivating journey to the breathtaking Sanctuary of Las Lajas. Revered as one of the world’s most magnificent churches, it’s an essential stop on our itinerary. Here, we’ll marvel at the intricate details of the church, immerse ourselves in its rich history at the museum, and indulge in some delectable local cuisine. We’ll dedicate a leisurely 2-3 hours to basking in the beauty of Las Lajas, with the option to either bike or hike down to the church.

After our visit to the church, we’ll make our way to the hotel, where we can relax and prepare ourselves for an exhilarating ride on Colombian singletrack in the morning!

Accommodation: Hotel Mawa Campestre  
Meals included: B, L

For our first day of riding, we head over to shred the Portachuelo and Alisal trails. Both trails start from the same point, situated at an elevation of 3,100 meters. These picturesque trails offer captivating views of the Guaitara River Canyon and the towering volcanoes of Cumbal, Chiles, Azufral, and Galeras. With a length of 5 kilometers, Portachuelo, is an ancient path connecting the historic towns of Guaitarilla and Tuquerres, brimming with cultural significance and of course, flowy singletrack with a mix of all things mountain biking. We do 2 laps on each trail for a stacked day of riding! We’ll refuel with a delicious lunch in Imués and conclude our day’s adventures with refreshments at Alisal. 

• Distance: 30 km / 18 miles
• Max Elevation: 3,200m / 10,500 ft
• Ascent: 600 m / 1800 ft (optional)
• Descent: 2,400 m / 6,000 ft
• Accommodation: Hotel Mawa Campestre
• Meals Included: B, L, Snacks

Prepare yourself for an hour-long scenic drive to the Azufral Volcano, passing through the picturesque town of Tuquerres! Our day commences with a 2-kilometer gradual traverse, leading us to a mountain retreat perched atop the pass. Here, amidst the breathtaking vistas of the Andes, we’ll take a moment to savor a cup of panela tea. Then, our descent begins. Embarking from the Azufral Volcano páramo sector at Potrerillos, situated 3,750 meters above sea level, we’ll embark on an exhilarating journey offering unparalleled views and an unforgettable riding experience.

Following a delectable lunch in Tuquerres, our journey continues with a 1-hour and 30-minute transfer to the Guaitara River Canyon to go ride the”Passion of Christ” trail.  Prepare to embark on one of the finest trails you’ve ever ridden, because  the trail is laden with flow, berms, jumps, views, and dirt like no other out there. We will complete two laps of the Passion and take the short ride back to our accommodation.

• Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
• Max Elevation: 3,200m / 10,500 ft
• Ascent: 250 m / 800 ft
• Descent: 2,250 m / 7,500 ft
• Accommodation: Hotel Mawa Campestre
• Meals Included: B, L, Snacks

Let’s kick off the day with a 35-minute journey to the Yacuanqer Inca Trail, immersing ourselves in the legendary path of the Incas. Spanning 5 kilometers, this ancient trail forms a crucial part of the extensive network used by the Incas to connect their territories centuries ago, offering a captivating journey through the annals of time. Originally, this trail served as a pilgrimage route to the Galeras Volcano, utilized by indigenous peoples over 1,500 years ago. Today, it retains its authentic Incan essence, boasting natural pump track sections, rocky terrain, and fascinating Incan ruins.

Next on our agenda is the renowned Las Arepas Track in Pasto, celebrated for its thrilling features and as the venue for national downhill and enduro competitions. Following this adrenaline-packed ride, a quick 20-minute van transfer leads us to the Bosque del Comun Trail, where a 5-kilometer link known as Condor awaits. Featuring both flat and downhill sections, this trail treats riders to panoramic vistas and a seamless flow, ensuring a memorable conclusion to our action-packed adventure.

• Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
• Max Elevation: 3,200m / 10,500 ft
• Ascent: 90 m / 300 ft
• Descent: 2,250 m / 7,500 ft
• Accommodation: Hotel Mawa Campestre
• Meals Included: B, L, Snacks

Today, we enjoy an early breakfast before boarding the van to depart Colombia and return to Ecuador. The journey spans approximately 6 hours, with the aim to reach the border by 9 am. As we journey homeward, expect to immerse yourselves in cultural insights, savor delicious cuisine, and unwind from your unforgettable mountain biking adventure!

• Accommodation: Hotel Ilalo in Quito
• Meals Included: B, L, Snacks

Today, we say goodbye to Ecuador and all the new friends we have made during this incredible trip.

Following breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport for departure.

• Meals:  B