Gravel Fest Morlaco

Gravel Fest Morlaco – Cuenca, Ecuador

• Date: December 5-6, 2025
• Location: Cuenca, Ecuador
• Distances: 129 km
• Event Type: Gravel Race

The Gravel Fest Austro brings a challenging high-altitude gravel race to Ecuador, set in the historic city of Cuenca. This is more than a competition; it is a gathering of cyclists from across the nation, drawn together by a shared passion for riding. Set against the backdrop of the southern Andes, the event finds its home in a city known for its rich culture and striking landscapes. It promises a weekend of demanding riding, community connection, and the quiet beauty of the Ecuadorian sierra.

The route is a single, formidable loop of 129 kilometres, designed to test the resolve and fitness of every participant. With over 3,000 metres of elevation gain, the course is rated as difficult and demands an excellent physical condition. Riders will navigate a true mixed-terrain course, a signature of any proper gravel race in Ecuador. The parcours shifts between natural tracks, unpaved roads, sections of pavement, and local bike paths, providing a varied and engaging rhythm under the tyres.

Participants should prepare for a significant climbing challenge. The route profile confirms a net elevation gain of 3,220 metres, presenting long ascents through the Andean highlands. The terrain is not entirely rideable, with certain steep sections specified as requiring riders to dismount and push their bikes. These brief interludes offer a moment to catch one's breath and take in the scale of the surrounding landscape before the gravel descents begin, dropping a total of 3,080 metres on the return journey.

Gravel Fest Morlaco is centered around the experience in and around Cuenca. The city itself acts as a perfect stage, its colonial architecture providing a stark contrast to the rugged páramo landscapes encountered on the route. The event is designed as a celebration that transcends the riding itself, fostering a spirit of camaraderie among those who make the journey. It is a chance to explore one of the most scenic parts of the country and discover why there are so many excellent other gravel events in Ecuador.

The atmosphere is one of shared effort and mutual respect, where the focus is on the personal challenge and the collective experience. It is an invitation to pedal through the quiet landscapes of the Andes and connect with a community united by the love of gravel cycling. More details about the route, registration for individuals or pairs, and event regulations can be found on the official event website.