Ecuador Bike Expedition
ExtremeGuided high-Andes bike expedition from Quito through Cotopaxi, Toachi Canyon, Quilotoa, and Chimborazo landscapes. Daily routes combine gravel roads, rugged double track, some singletrack and hike-a-bike at elevations up to roughly 4,387 m.
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
SHARE THIS RACE
>> COMMUNITY
▌ Guided high-Andes bike expedition from Quito through Cotopaxi, Toachi Canyon, Quilotoa, and Chimborazo landscapes
South America bikepacking event organized by Vagabond Trails
12 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]286 km of extreme gravel through Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Chimborazo
- [+]8,702 m of climbing — proper elevation
- [+]Self-supported / ultra format = adventure focus
- [+]Organized by Vagabond Trails
- [+]Varied terrain: Gravel, Mountain Roads, Doubletrack
RED FLAGS
- [!]Ultra distance — needs serious training base
- [!]Extreme rating — only attempt with prior ultra experience
- [!]Self-supported — no aid stations expected
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
RIDER FIT
Built for hours in the saddle — your distance
Significant climbing rewards low-watt grinding
Ultra format = guided adventure with timing chips
Self-supported format suits bikepacking instincts
Technical terrain rewards bike-handling
Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here
8,702 m of climbing means raw watts matter less than grinding low and steady. Your gearing choice will shape your day.
TIRE INTEL
Mixed gravel with no extreme demands — go for rolling speed.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Chimborazo in autumn (May): expect mild conditions — pack for variable weather. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Sit in. Let the start sort itself out. Pace by feel, not by rivals.
Where the field shatters. Stick to your power numbers, not the surge.
Save one match. The last 20% is where placement is decided.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Late-race climbs after the legs are gone
- [!02]Mental low point on the long, lonely middle section
- [!03]Resupply gaps — carry more food than you think
- [!04]Wall-style punchy climbs that destroy rhythm
INSIDER INTEL
“The climbs are the whole point at Ecuador Bike Expedition. You don't do this race for the flats.”
“South American gravel is a frontier — vast, raw, and largely uncrowded. Ecuador Bike Expedition is the kind of event that introduces riders to that.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Self-supported by design. Carry your own food, water, tools, and shelter. Resupply from towns en route.
Plan for 6-8 hour stretches between resupply points. Carry food and purification.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
- -All food and water beyond the start
- -Shelter / sleep system
- -Tracker (rider-supplied for many ultras)
- -Drop bag transport (unless specified)
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
- ▸Mandatory pre-race brief — non-negotiable attendance.
- ▸GPS device with full route loaded is required, not optional.
TRAVEL OPS
Ecuador Bike Expedition is a destination-worthy bikepacking event in Ecuador. A solid bucket-list addition.