Quito's Telefériqo

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.

Hiking, City Park

Academia Latinoamericana - Learn Spanish in Quito, Ecuador All levels. The most effective methods. University credit through New Mexico State University. Reasonable rates & more www.latinoschools.com

4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel