Itinerary

1. Day 1: Quito to Calacali, Nono, Tandayapa, Mindo

   • This morning, we loaded the bikes onto the vehicle and transferred out of the busy city center. Only now, a few kilometres out of the city and a few hundred meters gained in altitude is the vast size of Quito appreciated, as it spreads in a half-moon shape around the mountains. 
   • Approximately 45 minutes out of town, we leave the tarmac and start ascending a stony, unpaved "eco road" steeply into the luscious green landscape on the northern flank of the Pichincha volcano. 
   • Reaching 3200 meters in altitude, we offloaded the bikes and prepared ourselves for our first ride.  This morning's route is predominantly downhill through an incredibly fertile landscape, surprisingly reminiscent of the Alps of France and Switzerland. 
   • After resting and having refreshments and a snack in the pretty town of Nono, we prepare ourselves for the first serious ascent of our tour. Topping out at 3300 meters, we reach the high point of our day. Of course, we stop to admire the magnificent view and catch our breath. 
   • We are further rewarded for our efforts by another long, beautiful descent following the course of the Alambi River, upon the banks of which we will have lunch and relax for a while. 
   • After lunch, the descent continues into a transforming landscape, and before long, we're deep in the cloud forest amongst weird and wonderful vegetation. 
   • Eventually, we reach the small village of Tandayapa, where most of us will be ready to finish our ride and load the bikes back onto the vehicle. From here, we can drive for 45 minutes to meet Mindo and arrive around 4-5 p.m. 

   Casa Divina Lodge. (B, BL)

2. Day 2: Full day in Mindo area and hotel

   • Today, we have a full day in the Mindo Area to raid by bike to go to the point to make Tubing on the Mindo River, a Birden tour, and Canyoning a full-day activity over the nice areas of Mindo.

   Overnight at Casa Divina Lodge.  (B/BL)

3. Day 3: Breakfast with the Hummingbirds

   • On the last morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the restaurant near the trees, where hummingbirds and other birds come close to the hut windows. Afterwards, relax until after lunch. 
   • Then, drive back to Quito around 2 or 3 p.m., arriving in Quito around 5 or 6 p.m.