Ecuador Bike Park Blooms After Decades of Reforestation

Where bare hillsides once stood in Ecuador's highlands, a thriving reforested landscape now welcomes cyclists to rest and recharge.

The Pamba Bike Refuge opened in Ascázubi, Ecuador, at the base of Pambamarca Hill on land that has undergone extensive reforestation over recent decades. What was once agricultural property has transformed into a network of forested trails and natural clearings, creating a haven for mountain bikers and nature lovers alike.

URLO Studio designed the shelter to blend seamlessly with its regenerated surroundings. Two earth-toned concrete volumes emerge from the ground like natural formations, housing a reception area, shop, restaurant kitchen, and service spaces. A wooden roof stretches overhead, creating communal gathering areas where cyclists can share stories and take in panoramic views of the valley below.

The architects chose materials that honor the land's recovery. Pigmented concrete matches the surrounding soil, while laminated timber adds warmth to the shared spaces. Native plants including myrtle trees and white straw frame the pathways, with ferns and philodendrons softening the interior spaces.

Large glass panels protect visitors from Andean winds and rain without blocking views of the forest trails and distant peaks. Deep roof overhangs extend the shelter outward, blurring the line between indoor comfort and outdoor adventure.

The Ripple Effect

The refuge represents more than just a place to rest between rides. It stands as physical proof that degraded land can recover and thrive again with dedicated reforestation efforts. The transformed landscape now supports diverse plant species while providing recreational space that connects people to nature.

Local cyclists gain a year-round destination that respects the environment it serves. The bike park's trails wind through areas that were once bare, now shaded by trees that have grown over decades of careful restoration work.

This project shows how thoughtful design can celebrate environmental recovery while creating spaces that bring communities together in nature.