Hiking Around Quito

Hiking, Info., Trekking, Activity Info.

V!VA User‘s Description

Few large cities can top Quito when it comes to nearby hiking and climbing opportunities. Just 65 kilometers (40 miles) from the capital, dozens of volcanoes and mountains jut forth from the rich tapestry of cultivated fields and high-altitude grasslands that extend north and south across the 400 kilometer (249 mile) long “Avenue of the Volcanoes".

Some favorite day hikes among Quito’s outdoors community include Fuya Fuya, Pasachoa, Papallacta, and Rucu Pichincha. None of these require any technical skills and, since they are day hikes, you won’t need much more than a good pair of boots. Hikes and non-technical climbs that can be done in a long day (mostly because of the drive) include Iliniza Norte, Imbabura, Rumiñahui, and Sincholagua. If you are out to tackle snowcapped volcanoes, Cayambe and Cotopaxi await just 60 km (37 miles) north and south of Quito respectively. Summiting either of these two glaciated beauties requires an overnight stay and, unless you are an expert, the help of one of Quito’s numerous guiding companies.

The peaks within striking distance of Quito are numerous enough that you could easily spend a lifetime of vacations exploring them, and the breadth of hiking and climbing prospects are bound to satisfy regardless of your level of experience.