Near an inn perched on the steep mountainside we paused to observe a swarm of hummingbirds feeding. The Tiger was a treat as almost every curve gave way to increasingly stunning Andean views. In Mitad del Mundo, after lunching on roasted chicken and cuy (guinea pig), we turned onto a gravel road that ascended into a cloud forest. The chaotic Quito traffic calmed as we made our way out of town. Court briefed the group on the route and Ecuadorian road etiquette before we set off. I’d be riding a Triumph Tiger 800XC and she a BMW F800GS. My wife, Marisa, and I arrived early to get the bikes packed and ready, flying into Quito, Ecuador’s capital at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet. For me, motorcycling is a somewhat personal thing, but when Court Rand, the owner of Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental, invited us to join their nine-day Andes, Amazon and Pacific Coast Tour, how could we refuse? It would be a South American ride of a lifetime covering a thousand miles of twisting roads winding past white sand beaches, through dense rain forests and among active volcanoes on the highest mountain passes. But there’s an alternative-a guided tour may better suit if you’re looking for structure, or don’t have the time to plan a trip…. In my opinion, over-planning is a source of stress that often hinders the experience. Some travelers plan ahead in order to avoid potential problems, while others obsess over the tiniest details. ![]() Everything for the trip is packed in carry-ons to avoid arriving without gear. We double check our motorcycle bug-out bags, making sure they’re all in order.
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