The best traffic-free bike rides in La Merced
4.8
(55)
726
riders
6
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in La Merced traverse a landscape characterized by lush jungle, crystal-clear rivers, and tree-covered hills. The region, often referred to as the "Coffee City," serves as a gateway to the central jungle, offering diverse terrain for touring cyclists. Routes often follow river valleys or ascend through coffee and fruit plantations, providing varied elevation profiles. This area is defined by its natural features, including numerous waterfalls and dense forests, making it suitable for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and physical challenge.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in La Merced
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is El Chaguiñán Ecological Route – Chaquiñán River loop from el arenal, a 26.2 miles (42.1 km) trail that takes 3 hours 31 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain through ecological zones.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Chaquiñán River loop from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, a Difficult 32.5 miles (52.2 km) path. It offers challenging climbs and descents along the Chaquiñán River.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Bike loop from Cumbaya, a 18.6 miles (29.9 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 18 minutes.
- Touring cycling in La Merced is defined by lush jungle, crystal-clear rivers, and tree-covered hills. The network offers options for moderate to difficult ability levels.
- The routes in La Merced are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 50 reviews. More than 800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore La Merced's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4.7
(21)
230
riders
42.2km
03:31
740m
740m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(16)
157
riders
52.3km
04:27
950m
950m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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37
riders
29.9km
02:18
590m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
30
riders
33.9km
02:54
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
80.4km
06:25
1,590m
1,590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Popular route close to Quito. It’s an old railway track. Great path and views. We loved it! There’s a 20 km south of this, we didn’t cycled that part. We did cycle the track up to El Quinche, that’s almost 50 km. Last few kilometres are also nice.
1
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Nice place to stay for a night. Can use the kitchen to cook and very hot showers. It is 10 dollars p.p.
0
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Cobblestone road to Cotopaxi. It is not fun but doable with touring setup.
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No matter whether day or night. The Cotopaxi flashes at any time of the day.
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The northern entrance to the national park. After the formalities at the entrance (entrance fee and passport control), we now go to Cotopaxi. Thank God most of the elevation gain has now been achieved and the condition of the path is noticeably better.
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Camping is also possible!
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Very nice small gastronomy with delicious food and breakfast. And we were even allowed to pitch our tent free of charge. Great hospitality and you feel like you're staying with friends.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in La Merced?
There are 8 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in La Merced, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists looking to explore the region's natural beauty away from busy roads.
What is the typical difficulty level for no-traffic touring cycling routes in La Merced?
Most of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in La Merced are classified as difficult, with significant elevation gains and distances. For example, the El Chaguiñán Ecological Route – Chaquiñán River loop from el arenal covers over 42 km with more than 740 meters of ascent. There is also one moderate route available.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes traverse diverse terrain, including lush jungle, tree-covered hills, and sections along crystal-clear rivers like the Chanchamayo. You'll encounter varied surfaces, from paved sections to more rugged paths, reflecting the region's Amazonian landscapes and agricultural areas with coffee and fruit plantations.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes in La Merced?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Chaquiñán River loop from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, which offers a challenging 52 km ride with over 950 meters of elevation gain.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
While cycling, you can expect to encounter the region's stunning natural beauty, including verdant forests, the Chanchamayo River, and views of tree-covered hills. La Merced is also known for its spectacular waterfalls like Bayoz, Velo de la Novia, and Kimiri, which are often accessible via short detours or nearby trails.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in La Merced?
The ideal time for touring cycling in La Merced is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. During these months, there is less rain, making the trails more pleasant and the overall experience more enjoyable.
Are there any longer no-traffic touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a longer challenge, routes like the Guesthouse Near Cotopaxi – View of Cotopaxi loop from Alangasi offer significant distances. This particular route spans over 72 km with more than 1400 meters of ascent, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.
What do other touring cyclists say about the no-traffic routes in La Merced?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experiences in La Merced, with an average score of 4.6 stars based on 58 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the stunning jungle scenery, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs.
Can I find routes that offer a rural experience away from urban areas?
Absolutely. Many routes are designed to take you through the rural landscapes surrounding La Merced. For instance, the Rural View Behind Ilaló loop from Tumbaco provides a scenic journey through the countryside, offering a true escape into nature.
Are there any shorter, yet still challenging, no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, if you're looking for a challenging ride that's not excessively long, the Bike loop from Cumbaya is a great option. It covers nearly 30 km with almost 600 meters of elevation gain, offering a good workout in a shorter timeframe.
Most popular routes in La Merced
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