Ruta del Sol Cycling Tour Salinas-Manta, Ecuador
Beautiful "Sun Route" Follows Ecuadorian Coast and Beaches
Apr 6, 2009
Cycling the Ruta del Sol is a great way to experience the heart of the Ecuadorian Coast. Starting about 2 hours from the international airport in the largest city of Ecuador, Guayaquil, cyclists will enjoy riding along pristine beaches and enjoying the delights of local cuisines. This route is one of the most fun and beautiful in Ecuador and is not extremely demanding from an athletic point of view.
Much of the route is paved, although there are long stretches of secondary dirt roads or beach which are not asphalted. There are many hosterías (resorts or inns) along the way where one can stop and rest. Camping is also an option, although cyclists should camp only in designated areas.
Preparation for Cycling Along Ecuadorian Coast
Along with general preparation for any cycling tour, cyclists of the Ruta del Sol should take a few precautions.
- The route is best traveled from south to north during the months of July to November. This season is the least hot and humid on the coast. Also, during this time of the year the winds blow from south to north.
- Bring enough water and energy bars or other energy-rich foods.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen and stay well protected from the strong equatorial sun.
Tropical Landscapes and Beaches: Salinas-Ayampe Stretch (100 km)
Much of this leg is paved, with a few sections that run along the beach. It is mostly flat, although there is a general incline of about 300 m in the last part of the ride, between San José and Cantalapiedra, which continues for about 3.5 km.
Cantalapiedra is a cloud forest and is known for its lush green scenery and cooler weather. It is worth it to take the rest of the day to enjoy the local sights and beaches. For example, in Montañita one can take a swim in the ocean, or in Olón one can visit the church which has been built on a cliff overlooking the Pacific.
Cycling Through Machalilla National Park: Ayampe-Puerto Cayo Stretch (50 km)
Possibly the most interesting stretch of the first leg of the Ruta del Sol, this section of the tour will take cyclists through the National Park Machalilla. The route is paved and offers a few hills which are less challenging than the one going into Cantalapiedra. About 16 km north of Puerto López, there is a detour along a dirt road to the arquealogical site of Agua Blanca. Before reaching Machalilla there is another detour to Los Frailes Beach. Puerto Cayo is pleasant destination for beach lovers, and also offers snorkeling.
Cycling Through Cloud Forest: Puerto Cayo-Manta Stretch (62 km)
One of the longest and most challenging stretches of the Ruta del Sol tour, this section is also paved. It is important to note, however, that most of the route is dry tropical forest, and there are no formal accommodations, such as resorts or inns, along the way. There are various hills, the largest being those of Capes San Lorenzo and San Mateo, right before arriving to Manta. The highest points of the route exhibit cloud forest interspersed with fields of paja toquilla (the straw used in the fabrication of Panama hats).
For the more dedicated cyclists, Ruta del Sol continues north through two more routes: Manta-Pedernales and Pedernales-Same.
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