Rucu Pichincha: A Cable Car Ride to the Heights

The Rucu Pichincha, located a few kilometers from Quito, is at an altitude of 4,696 meters above sea level. An ideal option is to access it by the Quito Cable Car, which offers an exciting aerial trip.

A place that will change your perspective

As you take the cable car up, you will be able to admire the mountain covered by the pine forest and contemplate a breathtaking view of the city. At the top station you will find handicraft stores, a cafeteria and restrooms. It gets better when you reach the trail that takes you to the summit, here it is worth venturing up to get one of the best views of Quito and its surroundings. Along the way you will find tourist sites such as the Dolorosa Chapel, the swing or the viewpoints. If you plan to reach the summit, be sure to start as early as possible, as the hike will take between 5 and 7 hours. Wear warm but light clothing. 

For your safety, always follow the marked trail. The route has challenging sections that can be dangerous for inexperienced hikers. If you are not an experienced hiker, we recommend joining a group or hiring a local guide. Remember: taking these precautions can be crucial to your well-being.

How to get to the Cable Car?

There are several alternatives to get to the site. If you have your own vehicle, you can enter through Occidental Avenue (Mariscal Sucre) in a north-south direction. You can also enter through José Berrutieta Street, which you access through La Gasca Street. Remember that the parking lot has an additional cost of $2.50 per fraction of an hour or per full day.

If you are coming by bus, you can take the following bus lines: Mitad del Mundo line, San Carlos line or Rapitrans line. Any of these three options runs along Occidental Avenue. All public transportation options have specific stops along their routes where you can board to get to the Teleférico.

Ruta del Gorrión: A Place in the Heart of Quito

La Ruta del Gorrión is a trail located in the Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park, which means "Hill of the four waters", in the middle of the city in the Batán Alto sector.

How to get to the Sparrow Route?

If you come by bus, you can take any line that leaves you at Avenida Eloy Alfaro and Gaspar de Villarroel, and enter through the main entrance.

Each trail in the park is marked with colors, so you won't get lost; you just have to pay close attention. On the trail you will be able to appreciate a viewpoint with a fantastic view of Quito, as well as observe birds and other animals.

The route is short, so it will not be complicated to plan a visit. You can wear comfortable clothes and a light coat in case the weather changes.

Ilaló Volcano: The Volcano of the two Valleys

Located between the Chillos Valley and Tumbaco, the Ilaló Volcano offers a unique experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. This sleeping colossus of 3,161 meters above sea level awaits you with open arms. Your tour will take you about two and a half hours.

You can access guided hikes from Tumbaco to La Cruz, or you can try mountain biking or even camping under the starlight. This volcano has a Stone Cavern where you will find remains of volcanic lava and you can witness the last eruption, which occurred more than a million and a half years ago.

How to get to Ilaló Volcano?

These 3 routes are just a sample of what Quito has to offer. Whether you prefer an urban adventure or an escape to nature, its landscapes will take you to live a unique experience.

Get your hiking boots ready and experience the natural beauty that surrounds our capital city!

If you want to know the most beautiful landscapes of Quito you can follow us in our social networks @visitquito and visit www.visitquito.ec