TelefériQo - Hiking Quito - Ecuador

Quito’s best-known tourist attraction offers some of the most spectacular and most easily accessible views of the city. There are 18 gondolas that soar up the side of Quito's western mountain range along the Pichincha Volcanoes. The ride lasts only 10 minutes but takes you to an altitude of 4,050 m (13,300 ft).

At the top, there is a lookout platform complete with coffee, snacks, horse rental and oxygen for the faint of breath. Walk up the hill from the platform and you'll find some excellent hiking trails that lead to more views of Quito and the Pichincha Volcanoes, which are snow-capped from time to time throughout the year.

In spite of the thin air, the hike up toward Rucu Pichincha is not technically challenging, and you can reach the Cava del Oso ("bear cave"...but no bears in sight!) in about an hour and a half. There have been reports of assaults on the path, though, so it is best to hike in a group. Because the mountain tends to cloud over very quickly, try to go as early as possible for clear views.

At the base of the TeleferiQo, there is popular Vulcano Park, an amusement park, and a slew of restaurants, cafés and gift shops, though some of them are closed now that the initial excitement over the TeleferiQo opening has died down.

The easiest way to get to the ride entrance on Avenida Occidental is by taxi; the cab ride costs about $4-6 from anywhere in Quito. You can also take a bus from La Marin to the top of Avenida La Gasca or to Comuna Alta and walk a few minutes from there. To get past the guard booth, you must pay $2. To avoid this fee, just wait for one of the free TeleferiQo shuttle buses to pick you up at the bottom of the hill and take you to the main entrance; the building is not far, but getting there is a steep uphill walk.

Location:
Northern Quito, Quito, Ecuador

Hiking, City Park

Price Description: ROUND-TRIP RIDE: $8.50 foreigners, $6.50 foreign children, teenagers under 17 and seniors, $4.90 Ecuadorian nationals and residents, $3.60 national teenagers under 17, $2.50 national children and seniors

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:daily 8 a.m

Open Hours to:daily 7:30 p.m.

You Need to Bring: You may want to bring warmer clothes, especially if hiking further up. It tends to be chilly at the top of the TeleferiQo.

Contact Information:
Phone: 02-222-2996