The best cycling routes in Quito

Quito offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes. According to komoot data, there are currently over 19 routes available, catering to various skill levels and preferences. These routes explore everything from urban parks to the dramatic Andean foothills.

The touring cycling routes in Quito are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from accessible urban loops to more challenging volcanic landscapes, and the unique experience of cycling in the Andean environment.

Touring cycling in Quito offers an incredible range of landscapes. You can experience high-altitude paramo grasslands with views of towering volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Antisana, lush cloud forests west of the city (such as Mindo), and scenic Andean highlands with rolling farmland and valleys. Urban routes also provide a unique perspective of the city's green spaces and historic areas.

Yes, Quito has several touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. These often feature easier terrain and shorter distances. For example, La Carolina Park – Parque de los Recuerdos loop from Metro Carolina is an easy 9.9-mile (15.9 km) path through city green spaces, ideal for a relaxed ride.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Quito offers routes with significant elevation gains and longer distances. Routes like La Carolina Park – Route to the Zonales of Quito loop from La Carolina, spanning 37.6 km with over 800m of ascent, provide a more demanding experience. The region's volcanic terrain also offers opportunities for multi-day expeditions with high-altitude riding.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. Urban parks like La Carolina offer accessible and relatively flat loops. The La Carolina Park – Bicycle Dismount at Carolina loop from Kennedy is an easy 21.2 km trail that provides a pleasant urban park experience for all ages. The El Chaquiñán route, following a former railway line, is also known for its gentle gradients and scenic views, making it a good option for families.

Many touring cycling routes in Quito are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular La Carolina Park – Bicycle Dismount at Carolina loop from Kennedy and Bicycle Dismount at Carolina – La Carolina Park loop from Kennedy, both offering circular paths through urban parkland.

Quito's touring cycling routes can lead you to stunning natural and historical sites. You might encounter panoramic views of the city and distant volcanoes from areas like Cruz Loma on Pichincha, accessible via the TelefériQo Cable Car. The Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, an inhabited volcanic crater, offers unique landscapes. For historical landmarks, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town features sites like the Basilica of San Francisco and Plaza de la Independencia.

Quito, being near the equator, experiences two main seasons: a dry season (roughly June to September) and a wet season (October to May). The dry season generally offers more consistent sunny weather, making it ideal for touring cycling, especially for routes involving higher altitudes or unpaved sections. However, even in the wet season, mornings are often clear, with rain typically occurring in the afternoons.

Yes, many routes in and around Quito provide breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes. The Ruta Lloa a Palmira, for instance, features natural viewpoints of Guagua Pichincha and Atacazo. Cycling tours around Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes offer spectacular vistas of these and other peaks, especially on clear days. The Rucu Pichincha Summit, though a hike, is a prime spot for panoramic views of the city and distant volcanoes.

While the immediate vicinity of Quito's urban routes may not feature waterfalls, venturing west into the cloud forest region, particularly towards Mindo, will bring you to areas rich with waterfalls. Cycling routes that descend from the Andes into the Mindo Cloud Forest often pass by numerous cascades, offering a refreshing and scenic experience amidst lush vegetation.

Beyond the city, unique cycling destinations include the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, where you can cycle within an inhabited volcanic crater. The El Chaquiñán route, a former railway line, offers a distinct experience through valleys with tunnels and panoramic views. For a dramatic change of scenery, the Mindo Cloud Forest provides routes descending into a vibrant ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna.