There are many ways to explore Ecuador’s capital and one of them is by bike. Quito’s location in the heart of the Andes, makes of this city an ideal destination to explore its streets and natural surroundings while cycling. It’s authentic and exciting, it allows you to move at your own pace, far from the crowds and it’s also affordable.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people in Quito are cycling every day, not only as an alternative to avoid crowded public transportation, but also for its multiple environmental and health benefits.
Recreational Urban Biking
Quito preserves in its streets, buildings and squares a multifaceted city that unites the past and the present, a historical city and one that is continuously modernizing, which makes of the Ecuadorian capital the ideal destination to discover by bike. Beyond the tourist attractions and the city centre, cycling tourists are still something of a novelty, giving you a chance to experience regular Ecuadorian life.
The city has more than 60 kilometers of bike paths to enjoy in the company of family and friends. Kid–friendly cycling paths are located at the Itchimbia Metropolitan Park, with a total of three kilometers of circuits designed according to the age and experience of each child.
For more available routes, visit Cycling in Quito.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is undoubtedly becoming an increasingly popular sport year after year and Quito’s surroundings are a paradise of extensive network of roads, unpaved tracks, backroads and off-road trails that will take you to new adventures and amazing places.
Approximately 70 kms from Quito, in the parish of Pacto, there is an ideal area for mountain biking. The Pacto-Mashpi route begins at the Iglesia de Pacto and ends in the community of San José Mashpi, with a perfect area to have a picnic, camp or take a bath in its crystal-clear waters. The route crosses a large part of the Mashpi-Guaycuyacu-Sahuangal Conservation and Sustainable Use Area. This one is the first Protected Natural Area of the Metropolitan District of Quito.
In the same area, there’s another famous route, Pacto – Santa Rosa. The place offers a warm temperature and a humid climate due to its location at the foot of the Western Andes mountain range. It is 1,145 metres above sea level, which is advantageous for cycling without worrying about unexpected rain.
Another place not to be missed for mountain biking lovers is the Cotopaxi National Park with its mesmerizing volcanic landscapes and an eight-hour mountain biking and hiking tour. During this tour, emblematic places are visited, such as the Jorge Rivas Refuge, Los Glaciares Park, or the Limpiopungo Lagoon.
When travellers visit Quito, they will find magical biking paths and all the nature and culture the Ecuadorian capital has to offer. For more information download the Outdoors Adventure Guide.
Source: Quito Tourism Board
