Quito's Teleferiqo

Hiking, City Park

By Dawn Wohlfarth

Quito’s latest and greatest tourist attraction opened to the public July 2, 2005 and offers some of the most spectacular and most easily accessible views of the city. Eighteen gondolas soar up the walls of the mountain range to the west of Quito leading to the Pichincha Volcanoes.

The ride lasts only 10 minutes but takes you to an altitude of 4050 m (13,300 ft). At the top, there is a grandstand-esque lookout point complete with coffee, snacks, horse rental and oxygen for the faint of breath. Walk to the second floor of the grandstand and head outside; there are some excellent hiking trails leading to more views of Quito and of the Pichincha Volcanoes, which are snowcapped time to time throughout the year. At the base of the mountain, there is popular Vulcano Park, an amusement park, and a slew of classy restaurants, cafes and gift shops.

Getting to the Teleferiqo from Quito

It is easiest to get to the entrance on Occidental by taxi; the cab ride costs is $4-6 from anywhere in Quito. To get past the guard booth, you must pay $2. To avoid this fee, just walk past the guard booth and wait for one of the free Teleferiqo shuttle buses to take you to the main entrance; it's not far, but is a steep uphill walk.

Prices

The roundtrip gondola ride is $4 (discounts for senior citizens and children). If you want to avoid the line, pay $3 more for a pass to the front. Entrance for cars is $2. Food, drinks, rides, and arcade games are all extra.

Traveler Reviews of Quito's Teleferiqo

Teleferiqo

Rating: 100%

The ride up was so much fun and the view from the top was breathtaking.

By V!VA User from New York, Jul 13, 2008

DONT HIKE PICHINCHA

Rating: 75%

Do not hike the path to the summit of Ruca Pichincha beyond the Teleferiqo. There have been recent and increasing incidences of armed, violent attacks on hikers, both individuals and groups as large as 8, males and females. The Teleferiqo is a wonderful, safe experience, but please do not hike beyond.

By V!VA User from USA, Apr 27, 2008

gorgeous Teleferico

Rating: 100%

I used to go to the Pichincha Volcano when I was a kid, either hiking or driving an SUV which reached only a certain level. It's astounding to get there now in 10 minutes! The view is fabulous and you can't miss the hot wine with typical food at the top. Get a Coca leave tea if you are not used to altitudes... Day and night experiences are totally different, both worth it...

By V!VA User from Ecuador, Dec 14, 2007