If you are visiting Quito and looking for a combination of incredible views, fresh mountain air, and a bit of adventure, taking the Teleférico de Quito and hiking towards Rucu Pichincha is one of the best ways to spend a day.
Quito is already one of the highest capital cities in the world, but the Teleférico takes you even higher, leaving the busy streets behind and bringing you up into the mountains above the city.
Taking the Teleférico de Quito
The adventure starts with a ride on the Teleférico de Quito, a cable car that climbs from the city to the slopes of the Pichincha volcano.
As you travel upwards, Quito slowly spreads out beneath you. On a clear day, the views are spectacular. You can see just how long and narrow the city is, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes in almost every direction.
The upper station sits at around 3,945 metres above sea level, so you will probably notice the altitude as soon as you start walking.
There are several viewpoints around the top of the Teleférico, making the trip worthwhile even if you have no intention of doing the full hike. You can walk around, take photographs and simply enjoy being high above Quito.
But if you are looking for something more adventurous, this is also where the trail towards Rucu Pichincha begins.
Hiking to Rucu Pichincha
From the Teleférico, you can continue walking through the páramo towards Rucu Pichincha, one of the peaks of the Pichincha volcano.
The landscape changes quickly once you leave the cable car station behind. Quito disappears into the distance and the surroundings become increasingly wild, with open grasslands, mountain ridges and enormous views across the Ecuadorian Andes.
The trail gradually climbs towards Rucu Pichincha, which reaches approximately 4,696 metres above sea level.
Although much of the route is straightforward hiking, the altitude makes it considerably more challenging than the distance alone might suggest. Even if you are reasonably fit, you may find yourself walking more slowly than usual and stopping regularly to catch your breath.
The final section approaching the summit is steeper and more demanding, with loose volcanic terrain and some scrambling. You do not have to reach the summit to enjoy the experience, though. Walking even part of the route gives you fantastic views and a completely different perspective of Quito.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust to the Altitude
Altitude is probably the most important thing to consider before attempting the hike.
Quito itself sits at around 2,850 metres, while the Teleférico takes you close to 4,000 metres before you have even started hiking.
If you have only just arrived in Quito, it is a good idea to spend a couple of days exploring the city and allowing your body to adjust before attempting Rucu Pichincha.
Take your time, drink plenty of water and pay attention to how you feel. Headache, dizziness, nausea or unusual weakness can be signs that the altitude is affecting you. Reaching the summit is never more important than turning around when your body is telling you to.
What to Take
Weather on Pichincha can change surprisingly quickly. Quito might be warm and sunny when you leave, while conditions higher on the mountain can be cold, windy, cloudy or wet.
For the hike, it is worth taking:
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
- Warm layers
- A waterproof or windproof jacket
- Water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a hat
- A small backpack
Sun protection is particularly important at this altitude. Even when the air feels cool, the equatorial sun can be extremely strong.
Start Early
An early start is one of the best choices you can make for this trip.
Mountain conditions around Quito are often clearer earlier in the day, while clouds and changing weather can develop during the afternoon. Starting early also gives you plenty of time to enjoy the walk without worrying about getting back to the Teleférico too late.
Before setting out, check the current Teleférico operating hours and the weather forecast.
More Than Just a Hike
One of the best things about visiting Rucu Pichincha is how quickly the experience changes.
You begin surrounded by the traffic and buildings of Ecuador’s capital, step into a cable car, and a short time later you are walking through an Andean mountain landscape at nearly 4,000 metres.
You can make the day as easy or as challenging as you want. Simply ride the Teleférico and enjoy the viewpoints, walk a section of the Rucu Pichincha trail, or continue all the way towards the summit if you are prepared for the altitude and conditions.
Whichever option you choose, the combination of the Teleférico de Quito and Rucu Pichincha offers one of the most memorable views of Quito and a fantastic introduction to Ecuador’s spectacular Andean landscape.