Andes to the Amazon: Ecuador Adventure

Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu village wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.

We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.

This is a “moderate” trip. This trip includes 4-5 hours of physical activity throughout the day, with many breaks along the way. The biking portion is the most cardiovascular portion of the trip, but there is always a support vehicle available. During the biking section, you don’t have to carry anything on your back as backpacks can be carried in the support vehicle.  During the hiking portion of the trip, the most you would have to carry on your back is a daypack.

The Andes to the Amazon adventure is a high altitude trip and it is necessary to take precautions while travelling at altitudes above 9,000 ft / 2,750 m. Upon arrival in Ecuador, it is important to take it easy for the first couple of days, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid the consumption of alcohol and heavy meals. The highest altitude we reach is 14,300 feet / 4,300 m for 15 minutes (this is at the trail head of the hike on Day 4). The highest hotel we stay at is at 11,000 feet / 3,300 m (Termas de Papallacta).

BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994.

The logistics of organizing tours to remote corners of the world can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.

Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. A typical trip is comprised of men and women, in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge. The age range on this trip is typically from 30-60, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.

We cannot give official medical advice. We advise you to contact your nearest travel clinic for updated information on health requirements, because this information can and does change frequently. You should plan ahead for your inoculations, as some of them require 30 days to take affect. Some shots cause mild reactions (fatigue to mild fever and nausea) and may require more than one dose over a period of weeks.

A good website for current information is The Centre for Disease Control. The provinces you visit on this trip include Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Imbaburra, Pichincha, Napo (Amazon) and Pastaza.

There are no visas required for people with a Canadian or American passport. For citizens of other countries please check your local embassy for updated information on entry requirements.

The Andes to the Amazon adventure is a demanding trip with a route that passes through varied terrain, altitudes and climatic regions. It is not unusual to bike in downpours, hike in colder temperatures or bake in the hot sun. In order to ensure comfort and health, good equipment is essential. We have prepared a packing list that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page.

Yes, wifi and cell reception is available in some areas, mainly in the cities. Most hotels are equipped with wifi. However, you’ll likely be without wifi most of the day and while hiking and biking, there are many areas where cell reception is unavailable.

Quito. You can arrive anytime on day 1 of the trip and depart anytime on day 10.

Anytime of the year is good for Ecuador. The country is full of microclimates, so some areas will be the rainy season and other areas will be the dry season. When in the mountains it will be colder than when you are in the rainforest. In the mountains, you will need to wear lots of layers to keep warm, whereas the jungle will be hot and shorts and t-shirts will suffice.

We will cycle on varied terrain from country paved and cobblestone roads to uphill winding dirt roads and downhill switchbacks. There is a good mix of up and downhill stretches with some sections following an abandoned railway line. On average we will be cycling 5 - 6 hours per day at a steady pace. The mountain biking isn't technical riding, however you might have to watch your line to avoid some rocks, etc. Our support vehicle will be close behind so wary riders can catch a lift if the need arises.

Ecuador is renowned for its exciting whitewater rivers and attracts rafting and kayaking enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Each self-bailing raft holds a guide who steers, and six participants – all of which paddle. We will be rafting on the Jatunyacu River on this adventure, rated Class II-III on the difficulty scale.

It is no problem if this is your first time rafting. Before the start of the adventure, you will be given a full safety briefing. When rafting, you must wear a lifejacket and a helmet. If the water levels are too high and the river is dangerous, the guides will come up with a plan B for the day.

This adventure includes four days with hiking activities. These hikes range between two and six hours in length, and include moderate to challenging uphill excursions. The hiking is always a day trip with no gear required apart from a light daypack.

On horses we will follow our guide along a network of trails and back roads at a gentle walking / trotting pace. For those who want to run with the horses, the option is available when the terrain is appropriate.

Ecuador does not have availability for E-bikes at this time.

Many of our travellers (both men and women) join as singles. On average, BikeHike groups are 75% single travellers and 25% couples. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike. 

We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.

While most of our trips are created with adults in mind, many of our itineraries are suitable for strong and active teenagers. This trip is generally not a family focused trip for young children. However, we do offer many Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.