A Journey Across Worlds

It is a 12-day loop with 9 days of riding from Quito, across the three worlds of Ecuador: the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the Andes, the Amazon around Macas, then the Pacific coast, with a rest day at Puerto López. In Peru, Inca Treasures in the High Andes is rated Sustained and stays above 3,500 metres almost all the way. In Colombia, The Coffee Route through the Andes winds through the coffee-growing Andes, with departures from January to March and in July.

No: the tour is rated Accessible, in our discovery range. We ride mostly on small paved mountain roads. The route includes about 47 miles (75 km) of easy tracks spread over 5 stages, and a stretch along the beach is possible depending on the tide. Days of 5 to 6 hours in the saddle follow one another and altitude is tiring, so good physical fitness matters. Some stages are far from medical help, and the support vehicle stays with the group.

The 9 riding stages range from 62 to 208 miles (100 to 335 km). The longest, from Cumanda to Puerto López, is also the easiest, across the farmland of the coastal plain. The first days are spent at altitude: Chugchilan at 3,200 metres, the Quilotoa crater at 3,900 metres, then a road above 4,300 metres at the foot of Chimborazo. The route then drops into the Amazon and down to sea level, before climbing back to Quito through the Mindo cloud forest.

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, at ease at altitude and on the tracks of the route, looked after by our mechanic. A pillion is welcome, at £3,190 (€3,540). Luggage travels in the support vehicle, but the stages are long and the first days are spent above 3,000 metres: if you have never ridden two-up in the mountains, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

On riding days, an English-speaking motorcycle tour leader heads the group. A local team backs them up: an experienced mechanic, and a driver at the wheel of the support vehicle, carrying bags and spare parts. At most 10 motorcycles ride together, so 12 participants counting pillions. In an emergency, our team in France can be reached around the clock.

£3,590 (€3,990) per rider and £3,190 (€3,540) per pillion. The price includes the motorcycle, fuel, the team, hotels and lodges, full board from dinner on day 1 (except lunch on the rest day), transfers from Quito airport and the Equator line museum. You pay for your flights, the international driving permit, drinks, most entrance fees, tips and a €600 deposit per motorcycle. The £31 (€35) registration fee is only charged on your first trip with us.

Yes, as options to book together with the tour: a 4-day stay in the Galápagos Islands, some 620 miles (1,000 km) off the coast, and a 4x4 expedition up to the Cotopaxi volcano. Your travel advisor will give you the prices and dates. During the tour, the rest day at Puerto López also lets those who wish take a boat trip to Isla de la Plata, nicknamed the little Galápagos, or go diving with the turtles.

The season runs from May to November. Next published departures: 9 to 20 May 2027 (full), 23 May to 3 June 2027, 10 to 21 October 2027, then 25 May to 5 June 2028. Expect average temperatures of 15 to 24°C, with possible showers: evenings and the Andes are cool, the coast warmer. Bring a warm layer, rain gear and light clothes for the Pacific.

The tour starts and ends in Quito, and you book your flights to the international airport. On day 1, our team meets you there and drives you to your hotel in the centre; the rest of the day is free to stroll around the colonial old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On day 12, we take you back to the airport in time for your flight. If you want to arrive earlier or leave later, you can add an extra night in Quito.

A passport valid for at least 6 months after you arrive in Ecuador. UK citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days; for other passports, check the GOV.UK travel advice for Ecuador or your own government’s advice. An international driving permit is required, to be shown with your full driving licence: apply early. The local currency is the US dollar. Your luggage travels in the support vehicle: bring a soft bag. We stay in standard to comfort hotels and lodges, with one rustic night in Salinas. Our list of documents for Ecuador covers the rest.