Ecuador’s capital city of Quito sits high in the Andean foothills, and is the first city to ever be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed on the ancient ruins of an Incan city, the city center contains remnants of its colonial heritage, including architecture in Moorish, European, and indigenous styles.
The streets of Quito are lined with historic churches from the 16th and 17th centuries, making the city a fantastic place to learn about the colonial history of South America. There is also a vast array of hotels varying from luxurious to extremely affordable. Ecuador’s developing foodie culture pays homage to the traditions of the region, and you can find both upscale restaurants as well as world-class street food. Overall, Quito has something to offer for any kind of traveler, and the best way to experience all that the city has to offer is by hopping on a rental motorbike and doing some exploring.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Quito. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter. This guide includes:
- Ecuador driving laws and safety issues
- The cost of motorcycle hire in Quito
- Where to rent a motorbike
- Whether you need an international driving permit to drive a motorbike in Ecuador
- Unique things to do by motorcycle in Quito
Is It Safe To Drive In Quito, Ecuador?
In recent years, the Ecuadorian government has made serious efforts to improve their road infrastructure in and around Quito. They’ve improved and added lanes to many of the highways, and they’ve built tunnels so that drivers no longer have to traverse dangerous mountain passes. However, in general, driving in Quito is still fairly difficult.
Ecuadorian drivers tend to be very aggressive and at times reckless. In certain neighborhoods of the city, stop signs and traffic signals are routinely ignored, which can make for very dangerous situations for foreigners who are unfamiliar with the territory. One of such areas is the Bellavista neighborhood.
Drivers in the city will also routinely cut you off in traffic. If a driver in a lane next to you is about three-quarters of the way ahead of you, they won’t hesitate to start merging into your lane, meaning that they’ll hit you if you don’t slow down. Look out for people putting on their turn signals, and you’ll probably have a better chance of avoiding a collision.
What Does Motorcycle Rental Cost In Quito?
If you’re looking to hire a proper motorcycle in Quito, you can expect to pay around $75 per day on the low end. More powerful bikes, like a KTM Super Adventure 1290, can cost up to $200 per day.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, most motorcycle rental shops also have scooter hire available for as little as $30 per day, and you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around the city on a rental scooter.
Where Can You Hire a Motorbike in Quito?
If you’re looking for motorbike hire in Quito, your best bet for finding a shop is to go to the neighborhood of La Carolina. This is the area with the highest concentration of motorcycle rental shops. However, you’re probably better off searching for motorcycle hire on the internet before arriving in Quito, because motorcycle rental shops are less common in Quito than in other parts of the world.
Mariscal Sucre International Airport, or Quito Airport, does not have any services that rent out motorbikes; however, there are places where you can rent an ATV or a car.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit To Ride a Motorcycle in Ecuador?
While many people choose not to get an international driving permit before operating a motor vehicle in Ecuador, you are technically required to carry one at all times while driving if you do not have an Ecuadorian license. While this law is often not enforced, it’s better to be safe than sorry and get an IDP before driving in Ecuador.
If you want to get an international driving permit, you can apply here. You should apply at least two weeks before departing for Ecuador, as that’s how long it typically takes to arrive in the mail. There is a $20 application fee, and once you have your permit, it’s valid for one full year.
What Are Some Unique Things To Do In Quito by Motorbike?
Now that you’re aware of everything you need to know about motorcycle hire in Quito, here are some unique things to do with your rented wheels:
El Panecillo
On the south side of Old Town is El Panecillo, one of the city’s top attractions. At the top of the hill you can find La Virgen de Quito, a massive madonna statue that overlooks the entire city. The statue was erected in 1976 by Spanish artist Agustin de la Herran Matorras and is made entirely of aluminum. From the top of the hill, you can get majestic views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes if the weather is clear.
If you plan on driving a motorbike up to El Panecillo, you’ll find ample parking around the area. The admission cost to see the statue costs just $1 for adults.
Crystal Palace
About a 20 minute drive to the northeast from El Panecillo sits Itchimbia, a beautiful grassy park with a laid-back feel and some beautiful views. Within the park, you’ll find another one of Quito’s most famous landmarks, the Crystal Palace. The erection of the structure was overseen by Gustave Eiffel, creator of the Eiffel Tower, and it was brought over piece by piece from Belgium and rebuilt.
The best way to experience the Crystal Palace and Itchimbia in general is to park your rental motorcycle and walk around. You can leave your motorbike in one of the several car parks outside Itchimbia and take a relaxed stroll through the footpaths.
Independence Square
From Itchimbia, you can drive 15 minutes to the west and arrive at Independence Square, also known as Plaza Grande. This area is typically filled with bustling crowds of people, making it one of the best places to observe the streetlife of Quito. There are plenty of food vendors and merchants wheeling their carts around, and you may even see a musician or a dancer performing.
Independence Square is surrounded by the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace, and a cathedral, all of which are beautiful works of architecture and definitely worth walking by.
Explore Quito on a Rental Motorcycle
While driving in Quito is definitely a little scary at first, it’s still one of the best ways to get around the city and make the most of your time there. So, if you have the heart for it, jump on a rental motorbike and start exploring.
Do you still have questions about motorcycle rentals in Quito? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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