Quito's Telefériqo

Hiking, City Park

By Dawn Wohlfarth

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 4050 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 towards 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, cafes and gift shops, although some of them are closed now that the initial excitement over the Teleferiqo opening has died down.

Getting to the Teleferiqo from Quito

The easiest way to get to the ride entrance on 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 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.

Prices

The round-trip gondola ride is $8 for foreigners, $4.50 for Ecuadorian nationals and residents (discounts for senior citizens and children). Entrance to the complex for cars is $2. Food, drinks, rides, and arcade games are all extra.

Traveler Reviews of Quito's Telefériqo

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