4.7
(33)
326
riders
22
rides
Gravel biking around Manta, Ecuador, offers diverse terrain ranging from coastal paths to routes venturing inland towards natural areas. The region is characterized by its Pacific coastline, with opportunities to explore unpaved roads and trails away from urban traffic. While Manta is known for its beaches, the surrounding landscapes, including areas near the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge and San Lorenzo Point, provide varied surfaces suitable for gravel cycling. These routes often feature a mix of compacted dirt, gravel, and rural tracks,…
Last updated: October 16, 2026
5.0
(1)
21
riders
54.5km
03:21
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(7)
52
riders
76.6km
05:13
1,540m
1,540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5.0
(1)
7
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(3)
13
riders
40.4km
02:31
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.5
(2)
10
riders
46.8km
03:22
910m
910m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Popular around Manta
Beautiful village, cut off by the ring road but perfect to visit by bike. The main church has a huge fresco on the facade, and beautiful Gothic terracotta details. Next door, the Confraternita del Gonfalone is also interesting. Here and there, other points of interest: frescoes, smaller chapels, alleys and stairways, the portico of the old market (with a sign from the Ventennio period and a plaque to the Fallen), medieval gates. Absolutely worth visiting.
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Equipped picnic area at the foot of the church of Santa Cristina, near the Carestia fountain (which, despite its name, provides excellent drinking water). Tables with benches, barbecue area, but obviously, being in Italy, an absolute lack of restrooms (there are some at the Santa Cristina church above, but it's already a good walk). Nice spot for a break.
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Beautiful dirt road that connects Costigliole Saluzzo to Rossana, passing halfway up on the right side of the Varaita. Continuous ups and downs, generally soft and not demanding on the Costigliole side, while on the Rossana side it presents some rather impactful uphill ramps and worrying downhill sections - but they can be tackled without particular technical skills and with almost any bicycle; at worst, if necessary, you can resort to a few meters of <i>pushing</i>. The surface is usually compact and regular, sometimes a bit slippery due to pebbles on the climbs, but it's manageable. Here and there, some beautiful views of the valley. Several points of interest (an abandoned chapel, an old drying shed, a wonderful beech forest).
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Nice little village, very small, but rich in traditional architecture - starting with the church of San Massimo. Two fountains with drinking water. To get there you have to leave the provincial road, but it's absolutely worth it (if only to avoid traffic). Be careful that if you exit at the highest point, the last ramp exceeds 15% by a considerable margin.
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Cathedral of Saluzzo, stunning in its Gothic architecture, and located at the end of the main street of Saluzzo, which in turn is a small gem that must be visited.
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Komoot offers 10 curated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Manta. These routes range in difficulty from moderate to difficult, providing diverse options for gravel cyclists looking to explore the region's landscapes away from vehicular traffic.
The no-traffic gravel bike trails around Manta often feature a mix of unpaved roads and natural paths. While specific details vary by route, you can expect varied surfaces suitable for gravel bikes, venturing into rural areas and offering a different perspective of the region's rugged beauty, distinct from the coastal urban environment.
While many of the gravel routes around Manta are rated as 'difficult' due to elevation gain and distance, there are also 'moderate' options available. For families, we recommend reviewing the route details carefully for shorter distances and less challenging climbs. For example, the route starting from Piasco, "Kauss Brewery – Historic center of Piasco loop from Piasco," is rated moderate and could be a good starting point, though it still involves some elevation.
Many natural trails and rural roads around Manta are suitable for cycling with dogs, especially if they are accustomed to running alongside a bike or riding in a trailer. However, it's always best to check local regulations for specific areas, especially within protected zones like the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, and ensure your dog is well-behaved and on a leash where required for their safety and that of local wildlife.
Many routes offer opportunities to discover local history and nature. For instance, you might pass by historical sites like the "Historic center of Piasco" or natural features such as the "Hill with centuries-old chestnut trees." Some routes also lead near impressive structures like "The Castiglia of Saluzzo" or the "Manta Castle," offering cultural stops during your ride.
Manta's climate is generally warm year-round. However, for outdoor activities like gravel biking, the dry season (typically June to December) might offer more comfortable conditions with less humidity and rain, making trails more predictable. The wet season (January to May) can bring more challenging muddy conditions on unpaved routes, though it also makes the landscape lush and green.
Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel bike trails around Manta are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the "Historic center of Saluzzo – The Castiglia of Saluzzo loop from Piasco" and the "Devil's Bridge of Dronero – Devil's Bridge loop from Termine." These circular routes are convenient for planning your day's adventure.
The duration of gravel bike rides in Manta varies significantly based on the route's length and difficulty. Our routes range from approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes for a moderate ride like "Kauss Brewery – Historic center of Piasco loop from Piasco" to over 5 hours for more challenging, longer routes such as "Pian Pietro Plateau – Lemma Village loop from Termine." You can filter routes by duration on Komoot to find one that fits your schedule.
Given that many of these routes start from smaller towns or rural areas surrounding Manta, parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check the specific starting point of your chosen route on Komoot for details on parking. Often, you'll find street parking in villages or designated areas near trailheads, but it's always good to plan ahead, especially for popular spots.
The gravel biking community on Komoot highly rates the trails around Manta, with an average score of 4.75 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, the scenic beauty of the rural landscapes, and the opportunity to explore away from traffic, highlighting the rewarding experience of discovering the region's hidden gems.
Absolutely. Manta's surrounding terrain provides excellent opportunities for challenging gravel rides with substantial elevation gain. For example, the route "Parish Church of Brondello – Historic center of Saluzzo loop from Costigliole Saluzzo" features over 1,700 meters of ascent, making it a demanding option for experienced riders seeking a significant workout and panoramic views.


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