The journey up to the Virgin is similar to the Bellavista hike in that it's an uphill trek to an equally rewarding viewpoint, though this one involves hiking up hundreds of steps. Follow the blue signs to the end off Calle Juan Leon Mera and head up the first flight of 82 steps. There is a short dirt path before the second set of 54 steps… and then it's only another 539 more to the top!

This short hike can be combined with the Bellavista hike to make a loop which will take three to four hours depending on your pace. To do this, follow the route to the Bellavista cross, then backtrack down the path you came up until you see a sign to Café del Cielo. Follow this path steeply upwards until you reach the café (part of Luna Runtun Lodge) where you will probably be in need of a break, as it’s a tiring climb. From here the sign posted track to the Virgin gently descends until you reach the concrete statue and lookout. To head back to town, just follow the steps down.

Hiking

By Tom Ravenscroft

Initially intending to just pass through Ecuador on his year-long sojourn across the world, Tom Raven Scroft decided to set up camp in Quito as an...

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