Top 5 best bicycle rentals in Quito

Quito rewards anyone willing to pedal into it. On a Sunday morning the city hands you nearly 30km of car-free avenue on the Ciclopaseo de Quito, and it is the easiest, most joyful way to get your bearings before venturing further — up toward the TelefériQo for a view over the whole Andean valley, or down into Guápulo's cobblestone switchbacks with the church bell tower rising below you. You can rent a bicycle in Quito on our website and set your own pace through a capital that rewards the curious rider.

This is a city built on a volcano's flank, so distances that look short on a map come with real elevation, and traffic in the historic center can be dense and slow. A bike sidesteps both problems: you thread through streets a taxi would crawl through, park wherever you like, and choose your own mix of climb and coast. A sturdy hybrid or mountain bike suits Quito's character far better than a road bike — you will want the gearing for El Panecillo's climb and the confidence for a gravel trail in Guangüiltagua just as much as smooth pavement around Parque La Carolina.

Top 10 things to see in Quito by bike

1. Ciclopaseo de Quito — the weekly car-free cycleway closing around 30km of main avenues every Sunday morning, the classic first ride for any visitor.
2. La Mitad del Mundo — the equator monument north of the city, a rewarding longer ride or a bike-plus-bus day out.
3. Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua — a eucalyptus-forest park with dirt and paved trails and skyline views, a favorite among local mountain bikers.
4. TelefériQo / Cruz Loma — the cable car base station on Pichincha volcano's slopes; ride up for a viewpoint over the entire city.
5. El Panecillo — the hill topped by the Virgen de Quito statue, a steep climb rewarded with panoramic views of the historic center.
6. Centro Histórico — the UNESCO-listed colonial old town, with plazas and churches like San Francisco and La Compañía best explored slowly, by bike.
7. Parque La Carolina — the city's central park with a dedicated bike loop, a flat, easy ride to warm up on.
8. Guápulo — a steep cobblestone neighborhood below the Gonzalez Suarez cliff, a favorite scenic descent with a historic church at the bottom.
9. Yaku Parque Museo del Agua — a water museum and hillside gardens with views over the old town, a short climb from the center.
10. Parque Itchimbía — a hilltop park with a glass cultural center and one of the best panoramic viewpoints over the historic center.

What do you need to rent a bicycle in Quito?

Nothing formal — no licence, no registration and no minimum age apply to bicycle rentals. Helmets are strongly recommended, and rental shops normally supply one at no extra cost. If you join an organised downhill tour, such as a volcano descent near Quito, a helmet is usually a compulsory condition of the tour. Expect a small deposit, scaled to the bike's value, and no need for an International Driving Permit.

How much does it cost to rent a bicycle in Quito?

A standard city or hybrid bike runs USD 3–5 per day in low season, rising to USD 8–15 per day in high season. E-bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes can reach USD 15–25 per day at peak times.

• Prices climb during June–September, Ecuador's dry season and peak tourism months, and again around the December–January holidays.
• Prices drop during February–May, the rainiest and quietest stretch for tourism.
• Premium models like e-bikes carry a price jump year-round, most noticeable in high season.

When to book a rental bicycle in Quito?

Book ahead for June to September, when dry skies and clear Andean views bring the highest demand and the highest prices, as well as for the December–January holiday stretch. For better rates and more flexibility, aim for February to May, when Quito sees the most rain but also the lowest demand — a fair trade if you don't mind packing a rain jacket for the odd afternoon shower.

Local traffic rules in Quito

Ecuador drives on the right. There's no legal helmet requirement stated for adult cyclists nationally, though local rules can vary and a helmet is simply good sense on Quito's hills and traffic. For any motorised vehicle, helmets are compulsory for rider and passenger alike, and speed limits sit at 50 km/h in urban areas, rising to 90–100 km/h on ring roads and highways. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.3 g/l, with checkpoints common at night and on holiday weekends — worth knowing even if you're only sharing the road on two unmotorised wheels.

If you want to rent a bicycle in Quito, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of bikes available

On our website you can rent the following types of bicycles: classic bikes, tandems, road bikes, carbon, cyclocross, touring, trekking, hybrid, mountain bikes (MTB), cruisers, comfort, city, commuter, urban, Dutch bikes, lady, bike for kids, folding, tricycles with three wheels, bikes with basket, with gears, with suspension, with rear rack, fat-tire bikes, electric bicycles.

Models of bicycles available

On our website you can hire a bike of the following manufacturers: Avanti, Batavus, Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Cube, Diamant, Felt, Scott, Gazelle, Genesis, Giant, GT Bicycles, Ideal, K2, Diamondback, Schwinn, Jamis, Raleigh, Kona, Kross, Merida, Mongoose, Next, Orbea, Órbita, Murray, Roadmaster, Rocky, Miele, Rover, Shimano, Vélo, Specialized.

Which insurance is provided with my rental bicycle?

Bicycle rentals typically come with basic cover for third-party damage, but theft and damage terms vary from one provider to another. Some include simple loss or damage protection in the price, while others cover it through your deposit; always check the exact terms on the booking page before you confirm.

Extra services available

When you make a reservation of a bicycle you also can order the following extra services and equipment: helmet, GPS navigation, clip pedals, side cases, rear rack, basket, light, gloves, speedometer, individual guide or tour, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to the address of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for bicycle hire in the city;
• Compare prices of bicycle rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a bicycle online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local bicycle rentals have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept bike, lock, basket and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a bicycle, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!