Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito worth booking?
Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito is a 6-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $70 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (17)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $70 per person
Join me to cycle through unique trails in the Middle of the World. We will begin our adventure in Quito towards the community of "Guachala" where the equinoctial line crosses. You can check several times with your GPS th
What you get
- Lunch
- Carbonated beverages
- Bicycle use
- Guía Bilingüe
About this experience
Join me to cycle through unique trails in the Middle of the World. We will begin our adventure in Quito towards the community of "Guachala" where the equinoctial line crosses. You can check several times with your GPS that you are at latitude 0'0 "0". We will also visit pre-Columbian archaeological sites that were used by our ancestors as astronomical observatories wich offer us incredible views of the Cayambe volcano. We will visit all these beautiful places by bicycle along a route of approximately 25km full of history and adventure. After the biking we are going to visit one of the bigest craftmarkets in south Amrerica, "La Plaza de los Ponchos" where you can find a lot of handycrafts made in Ecuador.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Carbonated beverages
- Bicycle use
- Guía Bilingüe
What you'll see and do
Mirador de Oton
We visit "Otón" viewpoint to appreciate the wonderful landscape of the Andes and hopefully the beautiful Cayambe volcano
10 minutes here · Admission included
Departing from Quito we are going to visit this rural community where the aboriginal people of Ecuador discovered the Middle of the World becuse of the advance knowledge in astronomy.
180 minutes here
Cayambe
Our route goes through several sites close to the snow-capped Cayambe volcano. Indigenous archaeological sites where astronomical observations were made, ancient roads and incredible viewpoints.
180 minutes here
After we ride our bicyles we end this adventure with a delicius Ecuadorian lunch right in front of the first momument of the Middle of the World, this place was where the French mission in XVIII century discover the Equator for the western world.
45 minutes here
Otavalo Market
Otavalo market is very famous because of the big amount of habdycrfts that you can find mostly textiles but if you explore deep you will find incredible things.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
Just in the corner at Foch Plaza
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Just in the corner at Foch Plaza
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mauro Andrade
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best tour I’ve had in Ecuador! Highly recommended.
A small group tour that gives exceptional bang for your buck. Mauro has good bikes that are maintained, shift well, comfortable. He picked just the right size for me. We biked for about 2 hours back and forth across the equator on abandoned train track and in a canyon. The lunch was excellent. This equator is much less crowded than the more popular one, it has a great solar museum and agave garden nearby (dozens of types of agave). We met some indigenous Otovalo women along the way, who told us about their culture and sang for us. And plenty of time at the Otovalo market. Mauro is an exceptional guide, knows all about the history and also current events of his homeland. There wasn’t a question that he couldn’t answer.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing guide!
Highly recommend! Mauro was an amazing guide. We were with him for 2 days, doing the bike ride to the middle of the world and Otavalo, and going to Mindo. He was very informative the whole time and interacted well with my two boys. He helped and watched over my youngest during the bike ride. Even helped my oldest with his Spanish. He was very flexible with the itinerary. He was also very helpful outside of the tours. We had problems with a laundry place and with another travel agency, and he was very quick to help out and resolve the issues. My kids give him 6/5 stars! My son actually said he missed Mauro while we were in Baños. Thank you, Mauro!
via Tripadvisor
Fun mountain biking day!!
This was such a fun day. I wanted to get in a mountain bike ride and this ride is no joke. The trails in this region are mostly dirt roads, but Mauro gave me two options in which we chose some mild single track train track riding. It was fun! You ride through a bunch of farm land initially, then the ride enters a beautiful gorge with waterfall views. The end climb is brutal (good luck), but you can walk your bike as well. Lunch was at a roadside cafe where you can sit outside right by the equator. The Otavalo market was charming. It had many local gifts and I found some affordable items. Mauro gives you ample time to explore at your leisure. He was so kind and accommodating. I highly recommend his tour if you want to get your blood pumping. Also, his bikes were in great shape. A cross between a gravel bike and a mountain bike. Lastly, don't forget to tip your guide. They deserve it! :)
Response from the operator: Thank you for the fantastic review! It was such a pleasure riding with you. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the challenge of the single tracks and those breathtaking waterfall views in the gorge—it’s definitely a great way to get the blood pumping! I take great pride in keeping our equipment in top shape, so I’m glad you liked the bikes. It’s also wonderful to hear you enjoyed the charm of the Otavalo market and our lunch by the equator. Thank you for your kindness and for recommending the experience to others. Safe travels! Best regards, Mauro Andrade Nantu Ecuadorian Experience
via Viator
A great day of biking and shopping
We had a great day with our guide Mauro. The biking was very nice and he did a great job adjusting the ride to our abilities -- we rode for over 2 hours. It was interesting riding alongside the huge greenhouses for roses and the other scenery of his selected route is very pretty. We enjoyed our shopping at the Otavalo market and were glad we had done something other than just driving there and back. Mauro was also a good and safe driver
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review! It was a pleasure sharing the day with you. I’m glad you enjoyed the cycling route; riding past the rose greenhouses is a unique way to experience the local landscape. I always strive to adjust the pace to my guests' abilities to ensure the best experience possible. It’s great to hear that biking made the journey to the Otavalo market even more special for you. Thank you for your trust in my driving and guiding. I hope to see you again in Ecuador! Best regards, Mauro Andrade Owner, Nantu Ecuadorian Experience
via Viator
More Than a Bike Tour
Mauro was an outstanding guide. He clearly knows Ecuadorian history and culture and shared it in ways that felt relevant to where we were riding and visiting. His explanations of indigenous traditions, regional history, and daily life added meaning to each stop and to the bike ride itself. He welcomed questions and adjusted the pace to my ability. This was of my favorite parts of visiting Quito!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a true pleasure to be your guide and share the history and indigenous traditions that make our culture so unique. I’m glad you felt the explanations added meaning to our ride; for me, connecting the landscape to our daily life is the best way to experience Quito. I’m thrilled to hear this was a highlight of your trip and that the pace felt right for you. It’s always a joy to answer questions and explore together. I hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future! Best regards, Mauro Andrade
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 8+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $70 to $88
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito cost?
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Prices start at $70 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 8. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 6-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small-group Otavalo market and Middle of the World Mountain Bike Tour from Quito start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
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On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities, Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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