Quilotoa Loop (two or three days):

Those looking to explore the Quilotoa Loop by bike will find it is best to go with an organized tour out of Quito. Most offer Quilotoa Loop extensions to trips to Cotopaxi National Park, and they usually include a combination of hiking and biking. Both Biking Dutchman and Arie’s Bike Company have these options. After hikes into the crater, cyclists set out to bike toward Zumbahua along Ecuador’s ¨Grand Canyon¨ and downhill to Pujillí, or to Chugchilan and Sichos, where bikers may enjoy its market depending on the day.

Chimbarazo-Baños-Cotopaxi-Ilinizas-Yanacocha-Quito (five days):

This tour begins in the city of Riobamba, where bikers will be taken by car to Chimborazo and will mountain bike to Ambato. After spending a night in Baños, cyclists continue mountain biking from Antenas to Rio Chico, Rio Chico to El Triunfo and El Triunfo back to Baños for a total of 47 km (29 mi). Day three consists of biking 32 km (20 mi) through Cotopaxi National Park, while day four is filled with cycling around Sierra Loma. The fifth day is reserved for biking 30 km (18.5 mi) in the Yanacocha Reserve, supplemented by some hiking and birdwatching, with transfer back to Quito in the afternoon. The entire route covers 200 km (124 mi).

Papallacta-Tena-Baños-Chimborazo-Cotopaxi National Park (eight days):

This mountain biking adventure makes stops in Otavalo, Tena and Baños, and at the Papallacta hot springs, Volcano Cayambe, Chimborazo and Cotopaxi National Park. Highlights include a four-hour ride through the rainforest, hikes in the jungle and at Chimborazo, a stop at the colorful indigenous market in Otavalo and a bike ride through Cotopaxi National Park and its nearby ruins, and a visit to the Chuicocha crater.

Ruta del Sol (nine to 12 days):

Cyclists are able to bike the Ruta del Sol, a nine- to 12-day, 600 km-route from Salinas to Same on the Pacific coast. The route can be broken up into three logical stretches: Salinas to Manta, Manta to Pedernales, and Pedernales to Same. Most of the roads are paved, high athletic ability is not required and many hostels exist along the way providing adequate lodging options.

Quito-Otavalo-Ibarra-Papallacta-Baños-Riobamba-Chimborazo-Ambato-Cotopaxi-Quilotoa-Pichincha-Mitad del Mundo (14 days):

Bikers have the opportunity to experience nearly all of the best mountain biking areas of Ecuador in one trip. The circuit begins in Quito, with a city tour, continues to Otavalo and the Cuicocha lagoon, proceeds with a ride on the Pan-American Highway to Ibarra and stops at the Papallacta hot springs for a dip in the thermal pools. After a day of canoeing and hiking through the jungle, cyclists bike to Baños, onward to Riobamba, then descend Ecuador’s highest mountain (Chimborazo) to Ambato, ride downhill in Cotopaxi National Park, drive and bike to Quilotoa Volcano, bike around Pichincha Volcano, and then end with a visit to the Mitad del Mundo.

Mojanda- Otavalo

Bikers have the opportunity to travel to the Mojanda Lake scenic overlook, situated on the boundaries of the Pichincha and Imbabura Provinces. From there, bikers start with a short climb which passes along the edges of the Mojanda Grande and Chiquita Lakes. After this, they ascend for a while across the Andean moor to where a downhill stretches towards Cochasquí where bikers are able to visit this important archeological monument. Finally, bikers start the final descent to the ending point at the Cochasquí tollbooth.

The Tsachilas Route

This route allows bikers to travel from the Sierra to the Coast, towards the regions of the Tsáchilas by means of the old road, which is full of exciting and never-ending descents through diverse landscapes of forests, rivers, and cascades. The route starts in the small town of San Juan at 3500 m /11482 ft above sea level in the western mountain range of the Andes from where the 75 km/ 46,60 mi adventure full of diverse scenes and adrenaline begins, ending in the Coastal region of Ecuador.

Back to "Ecuador Mountain Biking, part 1"

Mountain Biking Ecuador

Many scenic bike routes exist in the Andes, along the coast and in the rainforest, but it is important to consider changes in altitude and temperature when planning your trip. Quito and the Pan-American Highway are both dangerous for mountain biking due to excessive traffic and reckless driving. Bike rental is available in Quito and Baños, but be sure to check the bikes for safety before renting. There are also multiple bike tour operators out of Quito and Riobamba that offer group tours to the surrounding volcanoes, craters and national parks. Popular ones include Biking Dutchman, Arie’s Biking Company and Biking Spirit.

Below are nine mountain biking hotspots in Ecuador:

Cotopaxi Volcano (one day):

Descending Cotopaxi Volcano is a very popular one-day mountain biking trip. Organized tours from Quito, drive cyclists to Cotopaxi National Park, where bikers begin the nearly 40 km (25 mi) ride. The first portion of the trip is completely downhill, beginning at around 4500 m above sea level. The ride then continues through Ecuadorian high plains and through Cotopaxi National Park.

Chimborazo Volcano (one day):

Biking down Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador’s highest mountain (6310 m/20,702 ft) and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, is a favorite amongst mountain bikers. Easily done in one day, descending the volcano is recommended with a guide or tour group and usually includes both hiking and biking components. Tour operators offer five different one-day tours down Chimborazo, which all originate in Riobamba. They each differ in difficulty and range from five to ten hours in length.

Pichincha Volcano (one day):

It is possible to hike and bike down the Guagua Pichincha Volcano. Starting at about 4,400 m (14,435 ft), the group hikes 384 m (1260 ft) uphill to the rim of the crater. Since the volcano is still active, it is highly likely to see smoke spitting out of the top! Afterwards, bikers ride down the volcano, ending up in the cloud forest. The trip is designed for more experienced cyclists so it is not recommended for beginners.

Chaquiñan Railroad (one day):

This prime mountain biking trail outside of Quito follows along a restored part of a railroad that once served as a link between the cities of Bucay and San Lorenzo. The bike path is 20 km (12.5 mi) long and stretches from the valley of Cumbaya to the town of Puembo, passing through five tunnels and through the Chiche Canyon. Some organized tours include a jeep ride up and a 12 km (7.5 mi) bike ride down the nearby Ilalo Volcano.

Baeza-San Rafael Waterfall-Papallacta-Tumbaco (two days):

Beginning with a downward descent from the ¨Paso de la Virgen¨ to the town of Baeza, continuing with a bike ride through the rainforest to San Rafael waterfall, and culminating with a 2000-meter descent into the valley of Tumbaco, this biking route is organized by the Quito tour operator Biking Dutchman. Riding through the páramo, the cloud forest, the tropical rainforest and the Andes mountains, with a stop at the Papallacta hot springs, cyclers truly get a taste of Ecuador’s various ecosystems.

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