Blasting down mountains with only two wheels between you and the earth is becoming an increasingly popular way to spend a day or two close to Quito. The surrounding countryside offers some awesome adrenaline rides, plunging down from mountains to the plains below. But Ecuador and the Quito region is also a great country just to enjoy from the frame of a bike, stopping at highland villages, coming across markets, and camping in the wilds or staying at humble hosterías.

For routes, one of the most thrilling rides in South America is the “up hill by jeep, down hill by bike” Cotopaxi descent, but you can also do the ‘Latacunga/Quilotoa Loop’ by bike; from Pichincha near Quito down to Nono near Mindo; along the train tracks of the former Quito to Otavalo route; down from the Papallacta hot springs to Baeza or beyond; and the long-distance Cotopaxi to Chimborazo expedition.

OPERATORS:

Many operators organize the above trips, providing support vehicles and all-inclusive deals. Among the most experienced are

Biking Dutchman
tel (02) 256-8323
www.bikingdutchman.com

Arie’s Bike Company
tel (02) 222-3220
www.ariesbikecompany.com

Ecuador Adventure
tel: 593 2 2223-720; 593 2 2520-647
Fax: 593 2 2544-073
Email: info@ecuadoradventure.ec
www.ecuadoradventure.ec

For the Cotopaxi area, Hacienda San Agustín de Callo www.incahacienda.com, can arrange bikes with experienced guides, as can Volcanoland on the north side of the park, www.volcanoland.com.

For the Otavalo area, both the Hotel Ali-Shingu and Hacienda Cusín rent mountain bikes in excellent condition, but some operators in town do also.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

On a practical level, as with climbing or hiking, you shouldn’t over-exert yourself too soon at high altitudes. Carry plenty of water with you, and lather yourself in sunblock. Bring a lock which passes through both wheels and frame. Most buses will carry bikes on their roofs, but supervise the loading to avoid any damage. You can take your bike onto TAME domestic flights, but arrive early to ensure all goes smoothly.

If you’re renting bikes, then check them out carefully and go for a test ride before committing. As a rule, it’s best to avoid the congested and often dangerous Panamericana. So, for example, if heading north of Quito to Otavalo, head out to El Mitad del Mundo and continue on the old road through San José de Minas, and from Cayambe, take the old road to Zuleta and then cross over to Lago de San Pablo and Otavalo. Heading south of Quito, ask for detailed directions for the quieter route through Machachí.