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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.
Biking down Chimborazo Volcano, one of the highest volcanoes in the world, is a favorite amongst mountain bikers....
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.
