THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride from high Andean puna to humid banana valleys on a two-day enduro that links Chimborazo’s Hieleros trails with the famed Mamarumi descent. Expect high-altitude climbs, rocky singletrack, and fast technical drops along centuries-old Incan paths.
Ride from high Andean puna to humid banana valleys on a two-day enduro that links Chimborazo’s Hieleros trails with the famed Mamarumi descent. Expect high-altitude climbs, rocky singletrack, and fast technical drops along centuries-old Incan paths.
Morning air is thin and clear as riders mount at 16,000 ft, the Chimborazo massif looming like a slow-moving force that nudges the sky closer. The first day pushes uphill through chilly high puna and into ancient Polylepis groves before giving way to the Hieleros singletrack — a mix of sandy switchbacks, volcanic scree, and exposed ridgelines that demand attention and reward with views across the high Andes.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Activexpedition · Quito, Pichincha
Morning air is thin and clear as riders mount at 16,000 ft, the Chimborazo massif looming like a slow-moving force that nudges the sky closer. The first day pushes uphill through chilly high puna and into ancient Polylepis groves before giving way to the Hieleros singletrack — a mix of sandy switchbacks, volcanic scree, and exposed ridgelines that demand attention and reward with views across the high Andes.
This route threads through geologic layers of volcanic sediment, relic glacial scars, and the cultural remnants of mule tracks once used to harvest glacier ice. Hieleros recalls the old glacier-ice collectors; Mamarumi follows an Incan footpath, a route hardened by centuries of trade and clandestine transport. Local towns like Guaranda hold bright fiestas and mountain crafts; riders pass through landscapes shaped by colonial roads and indigenous agricultural terraces.
The second day drops hard — fast, technical enduro with steep switchbacks descending from the cool highlands into humid, banana-lined valleys. Expect rooty forest sections, loose volcanic sand, and longer technical descents used by international downhill racers.
Practical guidance: acclimate in Quito or Riobamba for at least 24–48 hours, use a full-suspension bike with good brakes, and pack layered clothing for rapid temperature swings between 4,800–5,000 m and coastal humidity. Hydration, altitude-aware pacing, and basic bike repair skills will keep the expedition moving. For experienced riders seeking varied ecosystems, cultural stops, and sustained technical descent, this two-day enduro is an intense, memorable crossing of Ecuador’s spine.
Yes — riders should be familiar with riding and pacing at elevations above 3,000 m and take time to acclimate before the tour.
Bicycle use is included in the tour inclusions, but confirm bike size and suspension specs when booking to ensure an appropriate setup.
Trails range from intermediate singletrack to technical rocky and rooty sections; advanced riders will be most comfortable on the faster descents.
This trip is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or serious cardiovascular conditions due to altitude and physical demands.
Activexpedition operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Morning air is thin and clear as riders mount at 16,000 ft, the Chimborazo massif looming like a slow-moving force that nudges the sky closer. The first day pushes uphill through chilly high puna and into ancient Polylepis groves before giving way to the Hieleros singletrack — a mix of sandy switchbacks, volcanic scree, and exposed ridgelines that demand attention and reward with views across the high Andes.
Morning air is thin and clear as riders mount at 16,000 ft, the Chimborazo massif looming like a slow-moving force that nudges the sky closer. The first day pushes uphill through chilly high puna and into ancient Polylepis groves before giving way to the Hieleros singletrack — a mix of sandy switchbacks, volcanic scree, and exposed ridgelines that demand attention and reward with views across the high Andes.
This route threads through geologic layers of volcanic sediment, relic glacial scars, and the cultural remnants of mule tracks once used to harvest glacier ice. Hieleros recalls the old glacier-ice collectors; Mamarumi follows an Incan footpath, a route hardened by centuries of trade and clandestine transport. Local towns like Guaranda hold bright fiestas and mountain crafts; riders pass through landscapes shaped by colonial roads and indigenous agricultural terraces.
The second day drops hard — fast, technical enduro with steep switchbacks descending from the cool highlands into humid, banana-lined valleys. Expect rooty forest sections, loose volcanic sand, and longer technical descents used by international downhill racers.
Practical guidance: acclimate in Quito or Riobamba for at least 24–48 hours, use a full-suspension bike with good brakes, and pack layered clothing for rapid temperature swings between 4,800–5,000 m and coastal humidity. Hydration, altitude-aware pacing, and basic bike repair skills will keep the expedition moving. For experienced riders seeking varied ecosystems, cultural stops, and sustained technical descent, this two-day enduro is an intense, memorable crossing of Ecuador’s spine.