Sincholagua Volcano

Hiking, National Park

By Christopher Sacco

Sincholagua is an inactive volcano located 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Quito and about 15 km (9 miles) northeast of Cotopaxi Volcano. It’s less frequently climbed than any of the other mountains listed here for the simple reason that it’s difficult to access. Nevertheless, those who make the effort to get to Sincholagua will be well rewarded with a beautiful hike and spectacular views of Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui and the back side of Pasochoa.

Getting to Sincholagua from Quito

Drive one hour south on the Pan American Highway to the town of Machachi. Go to the main plaza in Machachi and then turn right just after you pass the plaza’s northeast corner. This road will take you through town to a cobblestone road that continues on into the countryside. About five minutes outside of town, the road dips down into a river valley and then winds up for approximately one hour through a number of small villages and past the Guitig factory on the left. Stay on the main road; there a number of secondary roads that can be hard to distinguish from the principal one. You will eventually come to a “T”. Go right for about another 10 minutes until you reach the north entrance to Cotopaxi National Park.

Even though Sincholagua resides outside of the National Park’s boundaries, rangers will likely charge you a fee of either $2 or $10 (depending on whether you are a resident or foreign visitor) per person to drive through the Park.

Immediately after the ranger station, take a left on the dirt road and follow it east and south for 10 to 15 minutes. When you start driving downhill, to your right you will see a collection of small white buildings at the bottom of a gulley. Take the switchback left and then right to get down to these buildings. There is a gate but it is generally not locked. Continue on about 500 meters past the building to a well constructed concrete bridge spanning the Río Pita. If the gate is open, drive across the bridge and park along side the dirt road. If it’s closed, park in the grassy area adjacent to the bridge and continue on foot.

Hiking Sincholagua

Once you have crossed the bridge, follow the vehicle tracks northeast up the ridge through a series of pine groves and meadows. After about one and a half hours of steady walking, you will find a concrete survey marker from where you should be able to see a clear approach along a rocky ridge to the mountain. Make your way across this ridge and then traverse the right side until you reach the barren base of the mountain. From here, traverse left and up the northwest face.

You will drop down into a basin and then climb up to a saddle below the summit. The final ascent and the summit itself are exposed and require good scrambling skills.

For rock enthusiasts, a great nearby climb is Pico Hoeneisen, which is the prominent peak below Sincholagua. Hoeneisen should only be done by experienced climbers with technical gear.