Long distance bike journey

Hi all! I want to put together a long distance bike trip around Ecuador (10-14 days). I've been looking over maps and every post/article I can find, trying to find an interesting route. Anyone have suggestions.... I've thought of Chimborazo to Puyo, Papallacta to Tena, Riobamba to Montanita. Any suggestions?

The first 2 options you mentioned would be mostly downhill from the high Andes to the low Amazon basin. I'd prefer the route that goes through Baeza from Papallacta, myself.

Also it depends on what time of the year. The Pacific beaches get good weather until early June or so, and then the clouds and fog move in. Also in the height of the rainy season, like June/July, a bike trip in the Amazon basin is probably not a good idea.

Thanks for the input! Why would you say the Papallacta to Baeza route? I'm intrigued by that as well. Chimborazo to Baños seems like it would be fun and scenic, but I'd like to visit Montañita after, which would mean taking a bus/car back the exact same route through Riobamba.

In reference to your comments about weather.. is this chart totally off base? http://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/ecuador/travel-guide/best-time-to-visit-ecuador
It makes it look like the driest month in both the Andes and Amazon basin is July

I just said the route through Baeza to Tena is better because of the scenery. The downhill route that you get from Banos to Puyo is in a very narrow valley, so you usually can't see anything but the close in hills above your head.

This website gives a strange weather chart for Tena in the Amazon basin. Maybe better is this one: http://www.levoyageur.net/weather-city-TENA.html

I have travelled the route from Baños to Puyo and the scenery was spectacular and it is a very popular bike ride with many people taking the bus back up with the bikes on the top of the bus. We thought the scenery was beautiful looking out over the valley and not like you described at all mstep. We took this route since it was given and excellent review by a former writer of the LP in the 1990's and other writers and travellers as well so do consider that as part of your route too...

Yes, but have you done the route from Papallacta down through Baeza, so you have some basis for comparison, as to the scenery?

Why can't the OP do both trips? They have 10-14 days and Baños to Puyo can be done in less than one day and the OP could enjoy the waterfalls on the way as many people have done.

I'm not at all concerned about the ride from Baños to Puyo, as that is a well established route. Does anyone know if buses allow bikes on board? Here is the itinerary I'm looking at now:

Day 1: Chimborazo Ride overnight in Riobamba
Day 2: Riobamba to Guamote
Day 3: Guamote to Atillo Lakes
Day 4: Atillo Lakes to Macas
Day 5: Macas to Puyo (potentially a stop in between)
Day 6: Puyo to Baños

I have 2 questions. Does anyone know if bikes are allowed on public buses? Im thinking it might be best to bus from Guamote to the Atillo Lakes and potentially from Puyo to Baños. Also, is there anyway to stay at the Atillo Lakes, besides camping?

A I said many people put their bikes on the buses for the return trip Puyo to Baños as it is an uphill bike ride. I suppose most buses will take bikes if there is room and somewhere to store them... usually on the roof....

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.