Biking and cycling in Quito, Ecuador

Quito

Quito, Ecuador's capital, is located at an altitude of 2,850m in the Andean foothills. Quito is in the heart of the Andes, blessed by a spring climate all year round.

Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th- and 17thcentury churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. 

Mountain biking and cycling in the self-styled Capital of the Centre of the World allows visitors with an adventurous spirit to connect their nature. 

Quito has cycle routes through rivers, waterfalls and forests, with different levels of difficulty, from the easiest for novice cyclists to real challenges for the more experienced mountain bikers. 

El Chaquiñán Route 

The El Chaquiñán cycle route passes through Cumbayá, Tumbaco and Puembo and crosses a stretch of the old railway. 

It is a simple path which does not present great difficulties and is recommended for cyclists with previous experience in routes of at least two hours of cycling. 

Ruta Lloa a Palmira 

The path from Lloa a Palmira has short elevations and gentle descents and offers natural viewpoints including the Guagua Pichincha and Atacazo volcanoes.

Mirador del Pululahua 

The Mirador del Pululahua descends into the heart of one of the few inhabited craters in the world, with its dramatic descents forming the backdrop to many cycle races. 

Ruta Pacto, Mashpi 

In the parish of Pacto, 70 km from the capital, there are wide paths surrounded by mountains, with this route crossing a large part of the Conservation and Sustainable Use Area of MashpiGuaycuyacu-Sahuangal Protected Natural Area 

Ruta Nono, Alaspungo 

This is a 13 km stretch of less travelled paths and prolonged ascents with views of the Rucu and Guagua Pichincha volcanoes 

Quito 

Quito is the closest city to the sun and the only place where it is possible to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. 

This city, declared the First Cultural Heritage of Humanity thanks to its Historic centre is the start of the Avenue of Volcanoes and offers the chance to visit the Andean Chocó, home to the spectacled bear and thousands of bird species. 

 www.visitquito.ec  www.comunicacioniberoamericana.com 

*Source: Andrea Martínez at amartinez@cciba.net