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Offroad Ecuador Excursion Self-Guided Tour

4 DAYS
FROM $1,175

View All Prices

80% DIRT

<20% paved

SERVICE LEVEL

Casual

Family-Style Dining

AVAILABILITY

ALL YEAR

Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour Overview

  • Tour Start and Ends:  Quito, Ecuador.  Airport Code: UIO
  • Time Needed: 5-6 days vacation
  • Tour Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
  • Riding Days: 4
  • Rest Days: 0
  • Total Distance: 498 miles / 801 kilometers
  • Elevation Gain / Loss: 16,633 meters / 54,570 feet
  • Climatic Zones:  Tropical Rainforest / Tropical Grasslands / Highlands Pampa / Cloudforest
  • Roads: Unimproved Dirt Roads 80% - 20% Paved Roads 
  • Availability:  All Year.  Best Times: May 15- March 15
  • Navigation: Programmed GPS, Daily Route Sheets, and Maps
  • Support: 24-hour telephone support via local cell phone, back-office monitoring and tracking


WARNING: This is not a normal motorcycle ride. This tour requires elements of endurance and stamina. Riders must be able to ride in adverse weather conditions and adverse road conditions and for long time periods of time  (up to 10 hours)

We reserved this tour for the truly adventurous -those who love to ride off-road -  way, way off the beaten track. This self-guided motorcycle adventure aims to avoid pavement as much as possible and will take the rider immediately out of Quito and onto some spectacular off-road riding and to parts of Ecuador that most people don't ever get the opportunity to see.  

The mostly unpaved, dual-sport route passes through a part of this world that time has forgotten, where farming is still done with ancient techniques and where people are surprised to see strangers come through their village.  We'll stop to meet people that are happy to show us their way of farming, cooking, and living.   It is a ride through incredible terrain, mountain passes, and around crater lakes.  

The Offroad Ecuador Tour passes through several climatic zones and thus offers a chance to view native wildlife while gaining an intimate understanding of the incredible biodiversity found in Ecuador.

Motorcycle / 4x4Single Occupancy

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Hero Xpulse200*

$990

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Honda XRE 300*

$1,070

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Suzuki DR650*

Suzuki DR650 tooltip

LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches

REGULAR: 34.8 inches

$1,150

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Suzuki DR650 LOW*

Suzuki DR650 tooltip

LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches

REGULAR: 34.8 inches

$1,150

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Honda XR650L*

$1,190

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

SWM RS650S*

SWM RS650R tooltip

$1,150

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Aprilia Tuareg 660

Aprilia Tuareg 660 Tooltip

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Yamaha Tenere 700

$1,350

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Husqvarna 701 Enduro*

husqvarna 701 tooltip

$1,350

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

BMW F750GS

bmw f750gs tooltip

$1,350

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

BMW F800GS

BMW F800GS tooltip

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Triumph Tiger 800 XC

Triumph TIger 800xcx tooltip

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Tooltip

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

BMW F850GS

BMW F850GS Tooltip

$1,430

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Tooltip

$1,430

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Husqvarna Norden 901

Husqvarna 901 Norden Tooltip

$1,430

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Honda Africa Twin 1100 DCT

$1,510

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Suzuki Jimny 4x4

Motos Tooltips Jimny4x4

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4

Jeep Wrangler Tooltip

$1,430

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Volkswagen Amarok 4x4

Amarok Tooltip

$1,510

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Ford Ranger Diesel 4x4

Ranger Tooltip

$1,510

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Passenger Sharing Room

100x100 2 up on moto icon 1

If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price.

$175

100x100 2 up on moto icon 1

If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price.

* Bikes marked with an asterisk are not configured to take a passenger.

All prices are in United States Dollars (USD) - the official currency of the Republic of Ecuador

As featured in

Backroads Magazine Logo

Route Map

Elevation Profile

TIMELINE OVERVIEW

Travel day to Quito

Arrival in Quito

Travel day to Quito

Accommodations: Not included.  We will provide you with a list of recommended hotels in Quito near our shop in the heart of the fashionable La Carolina neighborhood so that you can relax and explore the nearby galleries, museums, and cafés.

Travel day to Quito

1 or 2 days prior to the tour start date

Pre-Tour Preparations

Arrive a day or two prior to departure to enjoy Quito and stop by our office to finish the paperwork.  For this tour it is highly recommended to pick the bikes up the evening prior to your scheduled departure so that you can make an early start out of Quito.  Day 1 is a long day.  Be sure to select a hotel with secure parking.  We can provide recommendations if requested.

Day 1

Quito - Chugchilan

Distance: 209 km | 130 miles
Included Meals:  Dinner
Activities: Swimming
Accommodations: Mama Hilda's Hostel

Day 1

Day 2

Chugchilan - Salinas

Distance: 191 km |119 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast
Activities: Quilotoa Lake, School Visit, Wood Carving, Moonshine Distillery, Guinea Pig Farm
Accommodations: El Refugio Hotel

Day 3

Salinas - Quevedo

Distance:  131 km | 82 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast
Activities:  Chocolate Maker, Soccer Ball Maker, Wool Mill, Cheese Makers, Palm Farmer, Chocolate Farmer
Accommodations:  Hotel Olimpico

Day 3

Day 4

Quevedo - Quito

Distance: 250 km | 155 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast 
Activities:  Winery
Accommodations: Not included

Return to Quito

Return home

Many international flights leave around midnight from Quito.  If you are catching a flight the same evening as the last day of the tour, you may enjoy VIP access to our "Freedom Riders' Lounge" - complete with a hot shower, jacuzzi, and honor bar.

Return to Quito

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 - Chugchilan

Elevation Profile - Day 1

motorcycle adventure riding up to sigchos ecuador
Day 1
Quito-Chiriboga-Alluriquin-Sigchos-Chugchilán
Distance Covered: 209 km / 130 miles

Quito Ecuador Motorcycle Adventure Tour Offroad Ecuador ExcursionYou’ll begin your four-day “Offroad Ecuador Tour" from our shop located in Quito, Ecuador - 2850 meters (almost 2 miles above sea level) in the Andes Mountains, on the Equator, in South America.  In 1978, Quito became the first place on the planet to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having the best-preserved historic center in all of Latin America. Quito is high on the Altiplano Plateau (the highest elevation capital city in the world) in the Andes at 9,350 feet.  jeep on offroad ecuador excursion self guided tour 4x4 rental

We suggest that you arrive a day or two early to experience our magnificent capital city while getting acclimated to the high elevation before beginning the tour.   Since the first day is long, we recommend picking up your bikes the evening before the tour so that you can get an early start out of Quito on day 1.

You’ll be outfitted with the offroad motorcycle of your choice and given a thoughtful presentation that will answer all your questions concerning local customs, rules of the road, riding signals, etc.   We'll show you how to operate your GPS unit and provide you with detailed daily route sheets that give you genuine points of interest, elevation profiles, and starting times.  We'll give you a thorough briefing to get you acquainted with your mission.

10154295_10152222739890829_767394537639855513_nYou will ride out of Quito, avoiding any suburban sprawl, and immediately begin navigating a dirt road that will take us first to a chilly highland pampa mountain pass and then through fertile farmlands, beginning our curvy descent into the lowlands of Santo Domingo Province.  As you descend the western slopes, you will pass several spectacular waterfalls as we ride through small villages such as Chiriboga and other settlements in the cloudforest on Ecuador's western slopes.   View over mountains on dirt road on way to sigchos from las pampas offroad ecuador motorcycle dirt bike adventure tour

Once down to about 3,000 feet in altitude, you will be in warm, humid air - quite a climate change from where you started just a little while ago in Quito.  You'll have a chance here to stop for a swim in natural basins formed by waterfalls.  Back on the bike, you will feel refreshed and regenerated by the mountain waters.  

You begin a climb that will last until the end of the day. You will tackle some steep switchbacks that will take you up for tremendous vistas over the valley below. Then passing through dense jungles and green pastures, arrive in the small town of San Francisco de las Pampas to have a great lunch of simple but delicious local cuisine and to chat with the townspeople.  IMG_8743

Continue on (sometimes) challenging dirt roads, climbing in elevation to over 11,400 feet, passing picturesque farmlands, cloudforest, and high moorlands before arriving in Sigchos, a town settled in the 1500s by the colonial Spanish.

offroad ecuador excursion motorcycle adventure tour climbing up abovd the cloudsIn Sigchos, you are officially on the famous "Quilotoa Loop" and will continue past some astonishing scenery and farmlands before arriving at Mama Hilda'sin Chugchilan.  Here you find a private cozy room with a wood stove and a family-style dinner of pots and pots of hearty, country-style Ecuadorian food that will replenish you after a full day of riding.  You will surely fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.

Day 2 - Salinas de Guaranda

Day 3 - Quevedo

Day 4- Quito

Photo Gallery

What to Expect

This self-guided adventure will start in our offices located in Quito's Carolina neighborhood, the safest and most convenient part of Quito.  Prior to your departure (on the day prior or the morning of departure), we will provide you with a detailed and thoughtful presentation on Ecuadorian rules of the road, customs, and courtesies. We will instruct you on how to operate your pre-programmed GPS unit and given a packet that includes your prepaid hotel vouchers and daily map sheets with points of interest, descriptions of local highlights information, and "hidden gems" that aren't common knowledge.  You can use this information to tailor your days - including as much or as little as you like. The route will be reviewed with you in detail to provide you with additional useful information about the timing, suggestions for lunch stops, and where to get gas along the way.  

On the morning of your departure, you will be provided the offroad-capable motorcycle of your choice, which is fitted with a waterproof luggage system, a first aid kit, a tankbag if you want one, spare innertubes (or tire repair kit), and a set of tools. You will also have a prepaid cell phone to call us for support at any time during your trip.  We will carefully review the bike using our multi-point checklist to ensure that everything is in perfect working order before your departure and that you know what to do in case of an emergency or breakdown.

After many years of research, testing, and developing it on our guided version of the trip, we created this tour.  The route is not highly technical and is composed primarily of unimproved dirt roads (natural dirt roads without gravel, etc.).  We have marked several available stops within the GPS unit and the daily route sheets.  You should be aware that there are two long riding days and that you will be traveling in areas where access to medical care may be several hours away.

You will have many opportunities for amazing photos and stops in remote villages where visitors are infrequent. Locals are friendly and the areas visited are very safe with very low crime rates. 

During your ride, Ecuador Freedom staff will monitor your daily progress using an onboard GPS satellite tracking system and can assist you by telephone if you need to change your route, need roadside assistance, or help in any way.

Upon returning, you will have access to our honor bar, jacuzzi, hot shower, and staff that can assist you with your next destination.

Weather and Temperatures

Weather and temperature ranges in Ecuador are generally the same year-round. You can expect the chance of passing showers in the highlands but rarely a full day of rain.  Chances for a full day of rain are more likely on the western slopes of the Andes in March, April, and early May.  This ride will be in elevations of sea level where temperatures can be around 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 13,500 where temperatures are in the 30's Fahrenheit. Dressing in layers is recommended.  Please see this article for more information about the weather in Ecuador. 

Accommodations
Throughout the tour, you will stay in ideally-located, comfortable, and clean accommodations. See this page for details and links to the accommodations provided.  Ecuador Freedom has the right to substitute accommodations of equal quality due to availability and will notify you of these changes.

Packing List and Preparation
Ecuador Freedom will provide you with detailed information to prepare for the ride, including a packing list.  You should know how to make general motorcycle repairs and maintenance and to be able to change an innertube (click for a video tutorial).  Before you travel, we recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with these recommended guidebooks and maps.

About Our Offroad Motorcycle Tours

Accommodations

Our accommodations are selected for their exceptional quality, location, and unique character. Below are the accommodations featured on this tour.

Pricing

Motorcycle / 4x4Single Occupancy

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Hero Xpulse200*

$990

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Honda XRE 300*

$1,070

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Suzuki DR650*

Suzuki DR650 tooltip

LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches

REGULAR: 34.8 inches

$1,150

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Suzuki DR650 LOW*

Suzuki DR650 tooltip

LOW SEAT: 33.2 inches

REGULAR: 34.8 inches

$1,150

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Honda XR650L*

$1,190

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

SWM RS650S*

SWM RS650R tooltip

$1,150

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Aprilia Tuareg 660

Aprilia Tuareg 660 Tooltip

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Yamaha Tenere 700

$1,350

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Husqvarna 701 Enduro*

husqvarna 701 tooltip

$1,350

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

BMW F750GS

bmw f750gs tooltip

$1,350

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

BMW F800GS

BMW F800GS tooltip

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Triumph Tiger 800 XC

Triumph TIger 800xcx tooltip

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Tooltip

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

BMW F850GS

BMW F850GS Tooltip

$1,430

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Tooltip

$1,430

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Husqvarna Norden 901

Husqvarna 901 Norden Tooltip

$1,430

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Honda Africa Twin 1100 DCT

$1,510

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Suzuki Jimny 4x4

Motos Tooltips Jimny4x4

$1,390

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4

Jeep Wrangler Tooltip

$1,430

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Volkswagen Amarok 4x4

Amarok Tooltip

$1,510

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Ford Ranger Diesel 4x4

Ranger Tooltip

$1,510

This is the standard pricing if you are traveling alone (or traveling with friends but each with a single room). Single occupancy is standard on all of our self-guided and guided motorcycle tours.

Passenger Sharing Room

100x100 2 up on moto icon 1

If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price.

$175

100x100 2 up on moto icon 1

If you will be riding with a passenger, (pillion) who will share your double room (1 or 2 beds), add this price.

* Bikes marked with an asterisk are not configured to take a passenger.

All prices are in United States Dollars (USD) - the official currency of the Republic of Ecuador

Before booking a self-guided tour with us, please carefully read our Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour Terms and Conditions

Our reservation system is automated and accessible through the "Book Now" or "Reserve Online" buttons. The system will take you through a few easy steps to book your tour and any desired extensions.  The system is secure and uses a third-party, Ecuadorian payment system called Kushki, which meets all international regulations and security standards. Payment may be made using any major credit card.  Please note that we must collect a government-issued ID number from you when booking due to Ecuadorian banking regulations.  You may use your passport, driver's license, or any other government identification number.

Alternatively, you may request payment through PayPal in the system (click the PayPal logo on checkout). If you prefer to send a wire transfer, please let us know (using the "Ask a Question" button or "Contact" menu item, and we will provide our banking details.

Deposits are refundable minus 10% of the total rental or tour price only if canceled at least 90 days prior to departure or pick-up date. Cancellations are very costly to us as they impede our planning and ability to sell rentals and tours to other customers. Therefore, cancellations for any reason made less than 90 days before the pickup or departure date are not refundable nor may they be applied to a future rental or tour.

To protect yourself from this loss of your deposit, it is up to you to secure travel insurance that covers cancellations due to health problems, civil unrest, acts of God, family tragedies, any issues, cancellations or delays with flight departures, etc. 

Medical and security emergencies happen; when they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world’s leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk, and crisis response services to travelers worldwide. Memberships start at $129

Global Rescue has created the industry’s most complete travel insurance that was built with the outdoorsman in mind. With minimal exclusions, the IMG Signature Travel Insurance is the perfect add-on to your Global Rescue membership.

To find out more information please visit our landing page at: https://partner.globalrescue.com/freedombikerental

The balance (second 50%) of your rental or tour is due when you pick up the bike in our office in Quito.   The second 50% can be paid in cash, (United States Dollars), with PayPal, or with a credit card.  We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.  A 100% refundable security deposit using a credit card for the rental motorcycle or 4x4 is also required and is separate from the payment for the tour.  Security deposits are $500 - $2500, depending on the vehicle selected.

What's Included
  • Unlimited Mileage Motorcycle Rental 
  • All Highway Tolls (with electronic toll payment system) 
  • GPS Navigation System with programmed routes for each day
  • Back-office tracking and monitoring
  • Road Book with daily maps and guide to points of interest
  • Detailed pre-ride briefing
  • Preparation lists, information, and videos
  • Prepaid cell phone with 24-hour support
  • Saddlebags or hard luggage system
  • Tank bag
  • Single occupancy hotel room or suite (best rooms available)
  • 3 Breakfasts
  • 1 Dinner
  • Souvenir T-Shirt
  • Souvenir decal
  • Luggage storage and locker usage
  • VIP access to the Freedom Riders' Lounge™ with hot shower, jacuzzi, and honor bar.
  • Exclusive 20% discount on high-quality riding gear from (you will not find this at any store - only for Ecuador Freedom customers!)
What's Not Included
  • 100% Refundable security deposit to cover any damage to the rental motorcycle
  • Hotel accommodations before and after the tour in Quito
  • Gas or Diesel Fuel
  • Trip cancellation, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Any activity not described in What's Included
  • Meals not listed
  • Gratuities
  • There are no taxes when you purchase a tour package (non-Ecuadorian residents only)

© 2024 Ecuador Freedom Corporation, Quito, Ecuador. All Rights Reserved. Todos derechos reservados.