Ultimative Ecuador-Mountainbike-Expedition 9 Tage

This is a trip of a lifetime! It’s hard to put into words how cool this experience is but I will try. You will bike three unique types of riding, all are very challenging from a downhill perspective. I’m an experienced rider and my skills were put to the test, also my nerves. From rain forest to desert riding you will explore every type of micro climate Ecuador has to offer. If I had to pick my favorite ride it would be the downhill off Cotopaxi volcano. Mostly its a super steep fast and loose downhill; ash mixed with pebble sized rock that you almost “ski” the bike down. It’s unbelievably fun! Then you go thru a mist forest dropping down a ridge that’s a super flowy downhill mixed with some technical steeps. Where you stay is a wonderful experience all on its own. Mostly in small towns, non touristy locations that offer great food and hospitality. That said, I would have to say our guide José and Valentina were the best part of the trip! Their knowledge and ability to get the most out of you on the bike was not only super rewarding but I had a great time hanging out with them. This is a must for any accomplished Mountain biker. Do yourself a favor and wear long sleeves and enduro type shorts or pants, as the mosquitoes can take a toll on you.

Hands down the most mind blowing week of riding I have ever experienced. Every moment of this trip was incredible. The guide -- The highest praise goes to Jose, "El Patron" of enduro riding in Ecuador. You can tell that he truly has a deep passion for riding and moreover, for sharing and teaching. So many times I felt underqualified to be riding on this trip but Jose had a way of being able to assess your strengths as a rider and give you the confidence to safely approach the trail. This meant at times that he would recommend taking an easier line or walking the bike itself. While this may seem contradictory to what you pay for - mountain biking - it meant that you never put yourself or your group in any danger. These trails are truly for an advanced rider and if you've spent as much time on trail as Jose has, he has developed an intuition for knowing limits. I can not express just how much he helped me improve as a rider in all facets. Whether I rode, walked, or fell --- I never for a moment lost my giddiness and awe of the experience. The team - Christian was quick to respond to questions and easy to reach over email and phone prior to the trip. George --- HOLY MOLY! This man is a zen master of driving in the craziest conditions. Thank you for transporting us safely from one incredible landscape to the next. Valentina and Diego -- Friends of Jose's joined us on different days to enhance our guided experience. They shared their passion and knowledge with our group and improving an already amazing experience. The accommodations --- I mean... good luck trying to put together a better itinerary of unique and over-the-top accommodations. Would you like to stay in a literal museum? Or perhaps a hacienda older than most of the US? Maybe a 5-star hotel in the swankiest neighborhood of Quito that will not bat an eyelash when you end your trip, grimy, exhausted, sun-burned and zapped. It was so amazing to fall asleep in beautiful rooms every night, wake up to delicious home-cooked meals every morning with a new juice and fruit to enjoy. The trails -- Allow the itinerary to unfold without second guessing. There was clearly so much thought put into the flow of the days and the progression. Each trail prepared you in one way or another for the following day(s). From the insanity of smashing down an active volcano to experiencing the historic Incan Hielieros trail, each day brought new terrain, challenges and successes. The food -- Sidenote about the guide, Jose. When he's not shredding, he works on an organic farm in Quito with his girlfriend and her family. Their passion for sustainable agriculture and food becomes one with the trip. Expect amazing, often organic, food and snacks as well as your standard fare. Quick sandwiches for lunch means more time on trail! TL;DR - Book this trip now! Leave your whiny friends behind. Bring a fullface helmet, preferably a Smith helmet. Don't be a dork in spandex like me and bring proper enduro gear. Prepare your mind to be blown.

This is a trip of a lifetime, absolutely incredible mountain bike riding. Our guides Jose and Valentina made the trip! I can’t thank them enough for their knowledge, kindness and generosity throughout. Ecuador is such an amazing place with wonderful people.