Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
parts and they host bike-themed flea markets along with the occasional environmental
fundraiser or band.
Non-bike geeks can gather at
Mayo 68
(Luis Cordero and Juan León Mera) for a taste of
local color - namely mature Ecuadorians getting their salsa on in a dark, sweaty bar to the
tune of national classics and a lot of liquor. The friendly staff creates a fun, homey atmo-
sphere on weekends while weekdays are totally dead. Nearby in Guápulo, sleepy bohemi-
an hangouts like
Café Guápulo
and
Café ChiQuito
(Camino de Orellana) come alive at
night with indie music and local artists giddy on strong Canelazos, the signature village
drink homemade here to perfection. Over on the edge of Old Town, crowds race to grab
terrace seats after sunset when the popular cocktail hour at
Café Mosaico
(Manuel
Samaniego #30 and Antepara) sets in for the night. Deeper in the heart of the
Centro
,
Café Dios No Muere
(Flores and Junin) offers a charming colonial backdrop to a round of
cocktails or a sampling of their famous steak. Though the establishment can't be counted
as non-touristy, it remains unspoiled and easy to miss if you were just passing by.
Biking
Biking is big in Quito, and over the years the city has developed its service standard in re-
gards to the sport in an effort to curb traffic and give people something fun to do together.
Every Sunday the
Ciclopaseo
shuts down bustling Amazonas avenue and opening it ex-
clusively to cyclists. The city has numerous bike rental stands stationed all over the city,
with a strong concentration in La Mariscal and down Amazonas avenue. El Ejido,
Alameda and La Carolina Park all have smooth paths popular with cyclists while the
largest urban park in South America,
Parque Metropolitano
features an extensive network
of bike trails in its forested hills overlooking Quito.
To venture outside of Quito, you can rent a bike or join a tour with reputable outfitters like
Gulliver Travels
(Juan León Mera and Jose Calama)
,
The Biking Dutchman
(Mariscal
Foch and Juan León Mera) or
Arie's Bike Company
(Reina Victoria and Wilson). Almost
all operators in town offer more or less the same itinerary: anything ranging from biking
downhill on Cotopaxi Volcano in a half day to trips to Papallacta Hot Springs about an
hour east of Quito, to 14 day adventures that lead you throughout the country's contrasting
regions.
There's also a bubbling community of bike-lovers in Quito who hang out at places like
Green Wheels
(Reina Victoria and Wilson) and
La Cleta
(Lugo and Guipuzcóa off Mad-
