Ecuador

Ecuador

Ecuador is a country straddling the equator on South America’s west coast. Its diverse landscape encompasses Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. In the Andean foothills at an elevation of 2,850m, Quito, the capital, is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial center, with decorated 16th- and 17th-century palaces and religious sites, like the ornate Compañía de Jesús Church.

Cuenca, Ecuador to Vilcabamba, Ecuador(HDR)
Cuenca, Ecuador to Vilcabamba, EcuadorCuenca, Ecuador to Vilcabamba, EcuadorCuenca, Ecuador to Vilcabamba, Ecuador(HDR)

Ride Day 45: Cuenca, Ecuador to Vilcabamba, Ecuador

After spending only one night in Cuenca, Ecuador, I had a long trip to Vilcabamba, Ecuador via Guayaquil.Vilcabamba is a small town nestled in a valley surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Vilcabamba is where I would spend New Year’s Eve and get myself ready for the border crossing to into Peru. The ride was a long one, mainly because I stopped so many times and also took my AirDog Drone out on top of a gorgeous little mountain

Quito to Cuenca, Ecuador
Quito to Cuenca, EcuadorQuito to Cuenca, EcuadorQuito to Cuenca, Ecuador

Ride Day 44: Quito, Ecuador to Cuenca, Ecuador

After spending 4 nights in Quito Ecuador, I needed to get back on the road and the 290+ miles (487 kilometres) to Cuenca, Ecuador. The ride would take me deep into the Andes Ranges and would take over 8 hours. It was so great to get on the road again and driving high up mountains and then deep into the valleys through some spectacular villages on my way to Cuenca was a treat I had been missing for a while.

Quito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa Loop
Quito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa LoopQuito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa LoopQuito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa Loop

Ride Day 42: Quito, Ecuador to The Quilotoa Loop

From my base in Quito Ecuador, I decided to take the Quilotoa Loop. which is a remote circuit that crosses through mountain villages such as Quilotoa, Latacunga, Saquisilí, Chugchilán, Sigchos, Zumbahua, Toacazo, Guangaje, Isinliví and Tigua. I took off early morning and made my way up to the mountain. The first part of the trip was mainly along the highway, then as you enter the loop you circle up high into the mountains and the roads are well paved and fun.