Intro

Day 210 dawned with a quiet simplicity, a gentle continuation of the long journey through Ecuador. The initial calm mirrored the landscape around me, a feeling that settled deep as I prepared to leave Huamboya. Today felt less about conquering miles and more about simply existing within the flow of the road.

Ride Overview

The day covered 77.95 kilometers with a gain of 721 meters and a loss of 898 meters, mostly on good paved roads. The weather was partly cloudy, though a light rain would make an appearance later in the afternoon. It was a day of gradual descent, moving deeper into the Amazonica region, with the air growing perceptibly warmer and more humid.

Highlights

Waking up on the dam was a peaceful start, the gentle gurgle of water running down its face a natural alarm clock. It was a reminder of how simple pleasures can anchor a day. The morning light diffused softly through the clouds, promising a ride that, at least initially, felt effortless.

Reaching the intersection for Macas around 3:15 p.m., I felt surprisingly early. Macas would have been a fine stop, especially after hearing about a vanilla farm tour there. I’d even considered it as a potential overnight spot. However, a quick call revealed the farm was closed for vacation, which made the decision to push on to Sucua much easier. It was another 25 kilometers, but with a mostly slight downhill grade, the extra effort felt justified.

And once again, the kindness of strangers shone through. The local firefighters in Sucua were incredibly welcoming, offering a safe space for my tent in their backyard. It wasn’t the usual indoor meeting room, but a secure, quiet corner, which was all I needed. Their generosity always humbles me.

Lowlights

The carnival season brought with it some frustrating moments. Twice, while cycling, people threw water balloons at me, thankfully missing. But later, as I paused to check my map, a passing car slowed just enough for someone to hit me directly in the face with a water gun. It’s a cowardly act, hitting someone who is stationary and vulnerable. There was nothing to do but accept it; the car was gone too fast. I’m certainly glad the carnival will be over soon.

In the afternoon, the skies decided to open up with a light rain. It started just as I was making the decision between Macas and Sucua, a gentle drizzle that persisted for a good stretch of the road. It only truly stopped a few kilometers before I reached my destination, leaving me a bit damp but not entirely soaked.

There were no grand, sweeping vistas today, no “foto perfect” overlooks of the Amazonica that demanded a pause and a photograph. But then again, it feels a bit greedy to expect breathtaking views every single day. Sometimes the beauty is in the subtle changes, the texture of the air, the sound of the jungle.

Overnight

I pitched my tent in the backyard of the fire station in Sucua. It wasn’t the most glamorous spot, but it was safe and offered a sense of security that is invaluable on a long tour. This allowed me to truly relax.

Reflection

Today confirmed that flexibility is paramount on a journey like this. Plans can shift based on a phone call, a passing shower, or simply the time of day. It also reinforced the profound impact of simple human kindness, whether it’s a safe space to sleep or just a friendly wave. My quiet takeaway is that even on days without dramatic landscapes or grand adventures, the road always provides something – a lesson, a challenge, or a moment of unexpected grace.

Route summary

• Date: 16.02.2026 09:52
• Distance: 77.95 km
• Elevation gain: 721,438 m
• Elevation loss: 898,647 m
• Duration: 532 min
• Time in Motion: 326 min
• Average Speed: 14,339 km/h