The Inca reigned over South America before the arrival of the Spanish and were some of the best road builders in history. When their empire expanded from Peru into Ecuador in the early 1500s, they built impressive cities, fortresses, burial grounds, and temples connected by an extensive system of paved roads and suspension bridges known as the “Qhapaq Nan” or “Royal Roads.” These roads were of such high quality that vast stretches of them are still intact to this day and were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. The Qhapaq Nan road system was a unique achievement of engineering skills as it passed through varied geographical terrains, including the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Andes, rainforests, fertile valleys, and stark deserts.

The Royal Inca Roads Tour will take you on an exhilarating ride following in the footsteps of the ancient Inca and explore many of Ecuador’s national parks and wildlife areas. You’ll experience Ecuador’s mega-diversity of terrains, climates, and cultures as you ride through the Amazon Jungle and various altitudes of the Andes mountains. You will have the opportunity to visit rich cultural areas such as the famous markets in Otavalo, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca, and the traditional villages of Salinas de Guaranda and Alausi.

Above all, the Inca Roads Tour includes some of the best motorcycle roads in South America. You’ll tackle the twisties around active volcanoes, ride the altiplanos at 14,500 feet, carve through deep river canyons, and go deep into the Amazon jungle.

This tour was developed after years of research and exploration, and the Ecuador Freedom guides know the route thoroughly, having ridden it several times. The Guide will make many stops throughout the day to introduce you to the locals, explain the local history and show you “hidden gems” that are not common knowledge.

All meals are included during riding days as well as all expenses such as gas, tolls, etc. There is no need to pay for anything apart from personal spending (snacks, souvenirs, tips to hotel personnel, etc.) on riding days. The route primarily consists of paved backroads that avoid traffic as much as possible. You will have many opportunities for amazing photos and stops in remote villages where visitors are infrequent. Locals are friendly and the areas visited are very safe with very low crime rates. All the accommodations are selected for their exceptional quality, location, and unique character.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Quito- Inti’ñan – San José de Minas – Laguna de Mojanda – Otavalo (94 miles / 151 km)
• Day 2: Otavalo – Papallacta – Baeza – Puerto Misahualli (320 Km / 199 miles)
• Day 3: Puerto Misahualli – Puyo – Paillon del Diablo – Baños (160 km / 99 miles)
• Day 4: Baños – Penipe – Riobamba – Alausi (143 km – 89 miles)
• Day 5: Alausi – Nariz del Diablo – Ingapirca – Cuenca (189 Km / 117 riding miles)
• Day 6: Rest Day in Cuenca (Distance Covered: 0 km / 0 miles)
• Day 7: Cuenca – Paute – Sucua – Macas (247 Km / 154 miles)
• Day 8: Macas – Sangay National Park- Chimborazo National Wildlife Refuge – Salinas de Guaranda (263 Km / 163 miles)
• Day 9: Salinas de Guaranda – Tigua – Laguna de Quilotoa – Chugchilán (234 Km / 145 miles)
• Day 10: Chugchilán – Sigchos – Saquisilí – Quito (161 Km / 100 miles)

Ride Details

• Tour Starts and Ends: Quito, Ecuador. Airport Code: UIO
• Time Needed: 11-12 days vacation
• Tour Duration: 10 Days / 9 nights
• Riding Days: 9
• Rest Days: 1
• Total Distance: approximately 1865 km / 1160 miles
• Average distance per day: 207 km / 129 miles of twisty Andean roads
• Lowest Elevation:1332 feet / 406 meters
• Highest Elevation: 14,416 feet / 4,394 meters
• Paved Route: 97% asphalt road / <3% dirt or cobblestone roads
• Quality Riding: The best roads in Ecuador- only the most scenic and safest routes are taken.
• Premium Lodging: Unique luxury hacienda and boutique hotel accommodations for most nights
• Single occupancy: Your own private hotel room)
• Guides: Experienced, LOCAL RESIDENT multilingual tour guide (you will be shown an insider’s view of the country).
• Pricing: All 100% inclusive price including all meals, gasoline, and entrance fees to parks and attractions.
• Chase vehicle: For groups of 5+ riders.
• Guaranteed Departure: The tour runs no matter what – even if there is only one rider signed up!

* Tour price varies according to bike selected (starting at $4,830).

Event Organizer: Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental & Tours

For more information and bookings go to Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental’s site here.