5 Epic Motorcycle Routes in Ecuador You Have to Ride
Few countries pack as much terrain, biodiversity, and jaw-dropping scenery into such a small footprint as Ecuador. From snow-capped volcanoes to steamy jungle, every twist of the throttle reveals a brand-new world. If you’re plotting your next Andes MotoRent adventure, start with these five legendary routes.
1. The Avenue of Volcanoes (Quito ➜ Baños ➜ Riobamba)
Distance: ~300 km
Road type: Mostly paved Pan-American Highway with mountain detours
Why ride it?
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Cruise between twin rows of 5,000-plus-metre volcanoes—including Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, and Chimborazo, the closest point on Earth to the sun.
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Warm up in Baños’ thermal springs and feel the thunder of Pailón del Diablo waterfall.
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End the day sharing altitude stories over canelazo (spiced aguardiente) in Riobamba.
Pro tip: Leave Quito after rush hour and plan a sunrise photo stop at Cotopaxi National Park. The light on the glacier is unreal.
2. Quilotoa Loop (Latacunga ➜ Zumbahua ➜ Quilotoa ➜ Sigchos)
Distance: 200 km round-trip
Road type: Paved & compact gravel; switchbacks galore
Why ride it?
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Eyeful of emerald-green farm terraces and soaring canyon drops.
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Meet Quechua communities selling colourful textiles in Sunday markets.
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Park at the rim of Laguna Quilotoa, a collapsed volcanic crater filled with turquoise water.
Pro tip: Pack layers—temperatures swing from blazing sun to icy wind in minutes at 3,900 m.
3. Ruta del Sol (Montañita ➜ Puerto López ➜ Manta)
Distance: 160 km
Road type: Smooth coastal highway, seaside curves
Why ride it?
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Pacific panoramas on your left, green coastal hills on your right—pure moto zen.
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Pull over for fresh ceviche in Puerto López or hunt giant waves in surf-crazy Montañita.
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June–September, step off the bike and onto a boat: humpback whale season!
Pro tip: Sunrise over a quiet beach is worth the pre-dawn start. Strap a dry-bag for your swim gear.
4. Amazon Gateway (Baños ➜ Puyo ➜ Misahuallí)
Distance: 150 km
Road type: Paved with short gravel spurs to viewpoints
Why ride it?
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Descend from cloud forest to steamy rainforest in a single day.
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Cross 80-metre suspension bridges and watch vapor roll off the Pastaza River.
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End in Misahuallí where capuchin monkeys patrol the main square.
Pro tip: Afternoon storms come fast—ride early and pack waterproof gear. Tarabita cable cars over the river are safe parking-lot entertainment.
5. The Southern Highlands (Cuenca ➜ Saraguro ➜ Vilcabamba ➜ Loja)
Distance: 320 km
Road type: Mix of sweeping asphalt and rural cobblestone
Why ride it?
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Colonial Cuenca’s red-tile roofs segue into misty páramo and Incan ruins at Ingapirca.
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Saraguro’s indigenous community still rocks traditional black ponchos—stop for their famous corn soup.
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Wind down in Vilcabamba, “Valley of Longevity,” where locals claim 100 years is no big deal.
Pro tip: Fuel can be scarce between Saraguro and Loja—top up whenever you see a Petroecuador station.
Planning Your Ride with Andes MotoRent
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Pick your style – Rental only, self-guided with hotels booked, or a fully-guided, all-inclusive expedition.
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Tell us your dream – Solo or two-up? Pavement or dirt? High adrenaline or laid-back? The more we know, the sharper the route.
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We prep the bikes & logistics – GPS tracks, insider stop suggestions, mechanical checks, and 24/7 phone support.
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Throttle up & explore – Your only job is to twist the wrist and soak up Ecuador’s infinite variety.