“We provide adventure, you create the unique experience.”
Court Rand and Sylvain Gallea know a thing or two about adventure. Having met in 1990 while Court was working as a motorcycle courier in Paris, the two later hit the road in 2008 on a motorcycle tour of the Americas.
Departing New York, where Court worked as the director of a software company, their southbound route took them through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and terminated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. More than just a trip of a lifetime, it was an affirmation of what motorcycles and open roads represent – a sense of liberation.
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In 2009 Court and Sylvain, expats from the United States and France, decided to make their passion their vocation and launched Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental in a small shop in Quito, Ecuador. To get their fledgling company off the ground, they leveraged their eclectic experiences gained over the years. Sylvain’s previous titles included bartender, shop owner, and electrician.
In addition to his tenure in the software industry, Court worked as a hotel manager, night auditor and Outward Bound instructor for learning disabled children. Since opening the doors, Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental has evolved into the pre-eminent touring company in Ecuador. They have added more motorcycles, more employees, and recently moved into a brand new, full-service location.
Their continued success is the result of their unwavering commitment to their guests and their adopted community. Every tour is handcrafted to deliver the ultimate Ecuadorean experience. Court and Sylvain are continually developing new routes, discovering hotels, and creating trips which showcase the best of Ecuador.
Central to their company mission is a dedication to the people of Ecuador by giving back whenever they can. They’ve come a long way since first hitting the road on their big adventure a decade ago. Perhaps their most impressive accomplishment is proving everyone is deserving of the trip of a lifetime. Everyone needs freedom!
10 Best Days in Ecuador
This tour is all about showing off the best parts of Ecuador in just 10 days, combining a wide variety of roads, which is aimed at intermediate and more advanced riders.
The tour goes through remote areas of Ecuador, allowing tourers to catch glimpses of wildlife and experience the culture of the rural indigenous Ecuadorians. The tour visits areas of Ecuador that most people do not get to see.
The goal of the tour is not only to provide an excellent ride but also to enjoy the incredible outdoor activities and things to see in Ecuador. There are visits to coffee growers, opportunities to swim in a crystal clear secluded waterfall lagoon, a visit to a chocolate and banana plantation, indigenous markets and art galleries, a chance to swim in the warm Pacific ocean.
Also, there will be opportunities for kayaking, white water rafting, whale watching, rock climbing, rappelling and numerous other “first-class” outdoor adventure activities. There will be some extra time to share some “relaxing laughs, a cold beer, and local stories with Ecuadorians and other compatriot adventurers along the way.”
For more info, check out the tour for yourself, click here.
Andes, Amazon and the Pacific Tour
This tour traverses three distinctive regions in Ecuador: the Pacific Coast, Andes Mountains, and Amazon jungle basin, whilst passing through several climatic zones. This includes cloudforests, coastal savannah, beach, desert, rainforests on both the eastern and western slopes of the Andes, and the unique Amazon jungle.
The routes selected are backroads, avoiding busy thoroughfares such as the Panamerican highway. Accommodations are non-touristy, boutique hotels, lodges and inns. This is an all-inclusive tour designed for relaxing and experiencing Ecuador at its finest.
This is an opportunity to “experience several different cultures and varied ways of life from traditional coastal villages to those of indigenous people in the highlands and Amazon basin.”
The tour goes through some of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and areas of rural Ecuador that few get to see. Activities include a special coffee and chocolate tour, the Inti-ñan Solar Museum, and an Amazon jungle hike and canoe excursion. The tour packs a lot into a very exciting nine days to “create memories that will last a lifetime.”
For dates, pricing, and more on what to expect, click here for more information.
Backroads of Ecuador Tour
This motorcycle adventure tour is designed to take you on Ecuador’s best paved roads and to its most unique and comfortable lodging available in the country.
The ride explores the three distinct worlds of continental Ecuador; the Andes, the Amazon and the Pacific Coast. The tour includes several off-bike activities as well including the hot springs at Papallacta, a motorised canoe expedition in the Amazon jungle, zip lines across the Pastaza River, surfing in the Pacific and a traditional cleansing ceremony by the Tsachilla Tribe of the Ecuadorian Rainforest.
This is an all-inclusive guided motorcycle tour where single occupancy rooms are standard, and all meals, fuel, and activities are included. There are no hidden or additional costs. The Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental tours generally start at 8pm each riding day and finish at 6pm with various off-bike activities, museums, and tours which fill up the time.
For dates, pricing, and more on what to expect, click here.
Cloudforest, coast and craters tour
This dual sport tour is a combination of the most popular tours and takes visitors on “some of the best roads and to the best sights in South America.”
The tour passes through several climatic zones, including the cloudforests, coastal savannah, beach, desert, and the rainforests on the eastern and western slopes.
“You will ride through some of the most biodiverse parts of the world, seeing rural parts of Ecuador that few visitors get to see. Experience warm sandy beaches and volcanic spring baths. Plus a variety of foods and cuisines along the way!”
For more info, check out the tour for yourself, click here.
Dirt Deluxe Adventure Tour
The six day luxury motorcycle tour crosses the northern Ecuadorian Andes, an enigmatic part of the country that is subtly accessible and not saturated with tourists. It is an area known for its pristine wildlife refuges, coffee plantations, timeworn colonial buildings, and therapeutic hot springs.
The route will bring you to a vast variety of climates, cultures, and altitudes. You’ll visit the beautiful cloud forests on the Western Slopes of the Andes, soak in five different unique volcanic hot springs, haggle at the indigenous markets in Otavalo, savour freshly grown coffee from the some of the world’s top growers, and revel in the outstanding vistas all along the way.
“Adventures tailored for every interest, awesome staff, and the best stable of well-maintained/equipped bikes! It was an epic day! I’ll be back!”
Steve Cline
“Each night’s accommodations are in exclusive, luxury haciendas and wilderness lodges that are as diverse as the terrains you will traverse. The hospitality of each venue has its particular regional character which is evident in every gesture.”
For dates, pricing, and more on what to expect on the Dirt Deluxe Adventure tour, click here.
High Andes, Deep Amazon Tour
This tour brings places that are far off the beaten path, a combination of dirt and paved roads.
“The goal is not to challenge you with highly technical off-roading skills, but rather to take you to places that few people ever see and experience. You can only get to these places by leaving the pavement and, sometimes, the roads altogether.”
During this “unforgettable” tour, visitors will leave the road behind as they load the motorcycles into a motorised canoe and float down the Napo River, deep in the Amazon River basin, travelling through communities that are only accessible by river canoe.
“This is also a ride high into the Andes into small, isolated villages that time has forgotten, where farming is still done with the help of animals and the pace of life is to a very different rhythm from the rest of the world.
“We will not lack for comfort, staying in some top-notch hotels, haciendas and lodges with amazing meals, hot water and comfortable beds. This tour is for intermediate to advanced level riders.”
The tour requires endurance and stamina for portions of this trip, particularly when travelling through very remote areas of Ecuador.
For dates, pricing, and more on what to expect on the High Andes Deep Amazon Tour, click here.
Inca Royal Roads Tour
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 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 engineering achievement as it passed through different terrains, including the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Andes, rainforests, fertile valleys, and stark deserts.
On this “exhilarating” tour, riders will follow in the footsteps of the Inca and explore many of Ecuador’s national parks and wildlife areas, experiencing the country’s diverse terrains, climates, and cultures. There will be 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, this tour includes some of the best motorcycle roads in South America. You’ll tackle the twists around active volcanoes, ride the altiplanos at 14,500 feet, carve through deep river canyons and go deep into the Amazon jungle.”
For dates, pricing, and more on what to expect on the Inca Royal Roads Tour, click here.
Introduction to Ecuador Tour
Ecuador is one of the most geographically, culturally, and biologically diverse countries in the world. Amazing landscapes encompassing rainforests, Andean mountain ranges, coastal ranges, deserts, and tropical grasslands make this South American country “a haven for astonishing wildlife, stunning panoramas as well as rich anthropological and cultural sites, all of which are best enjoyed on an adventure motorcycle.”
This guided motorcycle adventure tour takes riders to the best that continental Ecuador has to offer on this “unforgettable motorcycle adventure.”
“We will visit all of the major regions of continental Ecuador – the Andes, the Coast, and the Amazon Basin. We will have time to explore the major cities of Quito, Loja, Manta, Esmeraldas, and Cuenca, including many places, declared “World Heritage Sites” by the United Nations. We’ll visit the popular “gringo” hangouts such as Canoa, Vilcabamba, Otavalo, and Baños.”
Visitors will experience the various cuisines and cultures of Ecuador such as the criolla cuisine in Esmeraldas, fresh coffee from plantations in Loja, pure chocolate from the cacao plantations in Vinces, hearty soups of the Andean highlands, and steamed fish wrapped in Amazonian jungle leaves.
One of the things that sets a motorcycle trip apart from other types of tourism are the scents, fragrances, and aromas that you can experience while riding – you can’t experience these while traveling in a bus or car.
Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental
Ecuador provides a feast for all of the senses – passing through brilliant fields of multi-coloured roses, wild orchids in the rainforests, smelling the eucalyptus and pine forests, ripening bananas, and riding through the salty mist along the shore.
“The motorcycle tour will also take you off the beaten track to explore some of the wild areas of Ecuador. It is one of the most adventurous motorcycle tours that you can do, giving you access to untouched wildlife and unforgettable insight into how native Ecuadorians have lived for centuries.”
For dates, pricing, and more on what to expect on the Introduction to Ecuador Tour, click here.
Off-road Ecuador Adventure Tour
“For the adventurous, this tour is for you.”
“It is for those who love to ride off-road and way, way off the beaten track. The tour aims to avoid pavement as much as possible and will take the rider immediately out of Quito and onto some spectacular off-road riding and to parts of Ecuador that most people don’t ever get the opportunity to see.”
The route passes through a part of this world that time has forgotten, where farming is still done with ancient techniques and where people are surprised to see strangers come through their village.
Riders can stop to meet people that are happy to show us their way of farming, cooking, and living. It is a ride through incredible terrain, mountain passes and around crater lakes. The Off-road Ecuador Adventure Tour passes through several climatic zones and offers a chance to view native wildlife, gaining an intimate understanding of the incredible bio-diversity found in Ecuador.
Want to know more about the Offroad Ecuador Adventure Tour? Click here for more info!
Offroad Ecuador Excursion Tour
“We designed this motorcycle adventure for the truly adventurous -those who love to ride off-road and way, way off the beaten track.”
This tour aims to avoid pavement as much as possible and will take the rider immediately out of Quito and onto some spectacular off-road riding, to parts of Ecuador that most people don’t ever get the opportunity to see.
It is a ride through incredible terrain, mountain passes and around crater lakes. The Offroad Ecuador Excursion Tour passes through several climatic zones and thus offers a chance to view native wildlife while gaining an intimate understanding of the incredible biodiversity found in Ecuador.
“This off-road adventure tour will be the most memorable ride to the beach you will ever have. The route brings you through several wildlife refuges and protected forests, to sparkling waterfalls and to the small fishing villages and sandy beaches of Ecuador’s enamouring coastline.”
This is an opportunity to experience several different cultures, varied ways of life and distinctive cuisines. The tour goes through some of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and parts of rural Ecuador that few visitors get to see.
Lodging is in exclusive lodges and hotels that are truly off the beaten path. As with all of the tours, Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental believe Ecuador is best unlocked through its people.
“We’ll meet people from many walks of life from farmers to fishermen to archaeologists. Our resident guides will show you their secret places along this route and introduce you to friends we have along the way.”
Off-bike activities include a visit to the Tulipe archaeological site, a visit to a palm tree farm and processor, the Inti-ñan Solar Museum, and a surfing lesson. The tour packs a lot into a very exciting week to “create memories that will last for a lifetime.”
For dates, pricing, and more on what to expect on the Offroad Ecuador Excursion Tour, click here.
Offroad Pacific Discovery Tour
This off-road adventure tour will be the one of the most memorable ride to the beach. The route brings you through several wildlife refuges and protected forests, to sparkling waterfalls and to the small fishing villages and sandy beaches of Ecuador’s enamouring coastline.
“These guys are first class operators and offer amazing rides! We took the 10 Best days in Ecuador Tour and it was simply awesome! Everything that is said about Ecuador Freedom is right and they will not disappoint. The country is beautiful with views that will simply take your breath away! Book your trip, GO and RIDE!!”
Brian Howenstein
This is an opportunity to experience several different cultures, varied ways of life and distinctive cuisines. The tour goes through some of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and parts of rural Ecuador that few visitors get to see. Lodging is in exclusive lodges and hotels that are truly off the beaten path.
Off-bike activities include a visit to the Tulipe archaeological site, a visit to a palm tree farm and processor, the Inti-ñan Solar Museum, and a surfing lesson.
Find out more info on dates, pricing and what to expect from the Off-road Pacific Discovery tour here.
Women’s Tour: Andean Roads with Edle Gerulaityte
“Ever wanted to ride the Andes Mountains and visit the jungles of Amazon with your gal pals? Start packing: we’re kicking off October 4, 2019 with a women’s motorcycle tour in the Ecuadorian Andes, guided and supported by all-female staff!”
On this “seriously awesome” Andes to Amazon tour, riders will be able to experience some of the best motorcycling roads in South America and getting a little taste of dirt riding on mountain passes.
“You’ll tackle the twists and turns around active volcanoes, ride the high plains at 14,500 feet, carve through river canyons and go deep into the Amazon jungle – all in the company of other female riders!”
Visitors will also get to hang out with the locals, visit national parks, remote Andean villages and colourful indigenous markets, and discover the Amazon.
Explore stunning scenery, immersion in local culture, great riding and camaraderie.
“Don’t worry about your riding skills or the dirt road sections: we’re not here to race, we’re here to have a great time, and we won’t ever try to ride above anyone’s ability – but we promise we’ll make it fun! You don’t need to be an expert rider for this tour: you just have to show up and enjoy.”
Ecuador is a diverse and culturally rich country: most seasoned travellers claim that seeing Ecuador is like seeing a compact version of all of South America. Snow-capped volcanoes and Andean passes, vast green jungle, wild beaches along the Pacific coast, beautiful colonial towns and authentic indigenous villages and settlements – Ecuador offers so much that “riding here is a truly unforgettable experience.”
The Women’s Motorcycle Tour: Andes to Amazon is guided by Egle Gerulaityte, traveller, adventurer and editor of Women ADV Riders, and Hanna Klein, an expert Ecuador guide and rider. Dream about a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on two wheels with a posse of like-minded women riders? Come ride the Andes and the Amazon with us!
For dates, pricing, and more on what to expect on the Women’s Tour: Andean Roads with Edle Gerulaityte, click here.
So what are you waiting for? Discover you freedom and book your tour.
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Take a look at the gallery below of some of the tours in action!
