Quito, a Capital Surrounded by Lush Nature
Quito is not only known for its colonial churches and historic squares. It is also a city nestled between volcanoes, paramos, cloud forests, and dry valleys that literally start just minutes away from the urban area. One of its great advantages is that you can quickly go from urban traffic to a mountain trail, to a inhabited crater, or to an Andean dry forest.
The clearest example of Quito’s unique geography and accessibility is the [Teleférico](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telef%C3%A9riQo?utm_source=chatgpt.com). In about twenty minutes of cabin ride, you ascend from the edge of the city to over 3,900 meters above sea level, crossing different levels of vegetation until you enter the high Andean moorland. To the north, in less than an hour by car, you can overlook the crater of Pululahua; to the east, walk through cloud forests or [climb hills like Ilaló](https://soleq.travel/volcan-ilalo-easy-day-hike-close-quito/?utm_source=chatgpt.com); to the south and southeast, explore wildlife refuges like Pasochoa.
1. Quito Teleférico and Cruz Loma Trails
Riding the [Cable Car](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telef%C3%A9riQo?utm_source=chatgpt.com) is perhaps the fastest way to feel like you have left the city without actually leaving it. The base is just a few minutes by taxi from the center, and the ascent in the cabin takes about 18-20 minutes, covering more than 2 km of cable until reaching Cruz Loma, at almost 4,000 meters above sea level.
Up there, you are greeted by a landscape of Andean moorland: grasslands, chuquiraguas, cold air, and an almost complete view of the city stretched out in the valley. On clear days, volcanoes like Cotopaxi, Cayambe, or Antisana can be seen on the horizon. From the upper station, you can stay in the viewpoints, take a gentle walk along the marked trails, or if you have experience and are well-prepared, start the ascent towards Rucu Pichincha.
It is an ideal plan for:
- Travelers with little time who want an intense mountain experience without leaving Quito.
- People who enjoy landscape photography.
- Quiteños looking for a weekend “reset” at high altitude.
Specific details of the plan
- Time from the center of Quito: about 15-20 minutes by taxi to the base of the Teleférico.
- Suggested duration of the plan: between 3 and 5 hours (climb, walk leisurely, enjoy viewpoints).
- Difficulty: low if you only visit viewpoints; medium-high if you start the route to Rucu.
- Recommended to bring: serious warm clothing (it’s cold), hat, sunscreen, water, something light to eat.
2. Metropolitan Park Guangüiltagua: a forest above the city
The Metropolitan Park Guangüiltagua is literally a forest above Quito. With more than 550 hectares in size and largely covered by Andean forest and eucalyptus trees, it is considered one of the main lungs of the northern part of the city.
Its trails wind through the forest and connect different viewpoints overlooking the Tumbaco valley and the “avenue of volcanoes”. It is a perfect place for walking, running, mountain biking, or simply having a picnic under the trees. Being within the urban area, access is easy: you can reach it by car or public transport to the Batán Alto neighborhood and enter via the main road on Guangüiltagua street.
This plan is ideal for those who want nature without the need for long trips, for families with children, and for those who are training for more demanding routes but want to add kilometers in a safe environment.
Specific details of the plan
- Time from the center-north: 15–25 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
- Suggested duration: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the circuit you choose.
- Difficulty: low to medium; there are flat routes and others with more elevation.
- Services: picnic areas, grills with prior reservation, children’s playgrounds, bike paths, and several panoramic viewpoints.
3. Hike to Ilaló Hill: 360° view of the valleys
The [Ilaló](https://soleq.travel/volcan-ilalo-easy-day-hike-close-quito/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) is an extinct volcano that rises between the valleys of Los Chillos and Tumbaco. From Quito, you can reach areas like El Tingo in about an hour by bus or car, where several ascent routes begin.
The hike usually takes between 3 and 4 hours in total, depending on the starting point and the pace of each person. It is a constant uphill climb, with steep sections, but without technical steps; in return, you get open views of the valleys, the city, and the volcanoes surrounding Quito.
At the summit, there are simple crosses and viewpoints, and the environment is rather dry and open, different from the wetter páramo of other hills. It is a very popular plan among locals and an excellent “first summit” for those who are starting to explore mountains around Quito.
Specific details of the plan
- Time from Quito to the trailhead: about 1 hour by car or bus to El Tingo or other access points.
- Suggested duration of the plan: half a day.
- Difficulty: medium; requires good basic fitness, but no technical experience.
- Recommendations: start early to avoid strong sun, bring enough water and sunscreen, and carefully check the starting point of the route you are going to follow.
H4. Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge: Andean humid forest and viewpoints
The Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge is located about 45–60 minutes southeast of Quito and protects around 500 hectares of Andean humid forest around the crater of an extinct volcano.
The refuge offers several well-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulties: from short 30-minute walks through the forest to several-hour routes that reach the moorland and, for the more experienced, the summit of [Pasochoa](https://www.turismoecuador24.com/blog/Pasochoa-Volcano-Trail-Ecuador-hiking-adventure-nature-biodiversity?utm_source=chatgpt.com) at over 4,000 meters. Along the way, you can find Andean birds, forests of native trees, and clearings with views of other volcanoes such as Cotopaxi or Rumiñahui.
It is a perfect plan for those who want to experience “wilder” nature without going too far, and for those who enjoy hiking with some elevation but without crowds.
Specific details of the plan
- Approximate time from Quito: about 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and the departure area.
- Suggested duration of the plan: 4 to 6 hours if you take one of the longer routes.
- Difficulty: from low (short trails) to high (summit).
- Recommended: wear hiking shoes, bring waterproof clothing, and if you are going to the summit, hire a guide due to sudden weather changes.
5. Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve: walk inside an inhabited crater
Just a 30-45 minute drive north of Quito, very close to the Equator, you will find the [Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve](https://mytrip2ecuador.com/visiting-pululahua-geobotanical-reserve-in-quito-ecuador/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world.
The experience begins at the viewpoint called “ventanilla,” where you can see the crater covered in clouds, cultivated plots, and green hills. From there, a trail descends into the crater, where you can walk among farms, forests, and planted fields. There are also more physically demanding routes leading to internal viewpoints and nearby hills.
It is a very complete plan: it combines geology, landscape, hiking, and if you organize yourself, lunch at one of the rural inns in the area.
Specific details of the plan
- Time from Quito to the [Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve](https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Quito/Pululahua-Geobotanical-Reserve?utm_source=chatgpt.com): 30-45 minutes by car, following the route to Calacalí and the Middle of the World.
- Suggested duration: half a day or a full day if you do long hikes.
- Difficulty: easy if you only visit viewpoints; medium if you walk on trails inside the crater.
- Tips: wear layered clothing (the weather changes quickly), bring water, and check the entrance hours to the reserve.
6. Jerusalem Park: Andean dry forest at zero parallel
The [Jerusalem Park](https://iwannatrip.com/en/Park-and-natural-forest-Jerusalem—Ecuador/1415?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and Protective Forest is located about 28 km from Quito, in the direction of Guayllabamba, and it is the only formally protected Andean dry forest in the country.
The landscape here is completely different from that of the moorland: cacti, thorny bushes, light-colored soil, and a much drier and warmer climate. The park has interpretive trails, picnic areas, and viewpoints from where, on clear days, you can see the city in the distance. It is highly valued by birdwatchers and families looking for a spacious and safe place to walk and learn about this unique ecosystem.
Specific details of the plan
- Time from Quito: about 1 hour by car, following the road towards Guayllabamba. This makes it one of the ideal quick trips around Quito.
- Suggested duration: 3 to 5 hours between walks, interpretation, and picnic.
- Difficulty: low; trails suitable for families.
- Recommendations: bring a cap, sunscreen, and extra water, because the sun and dry environment are felt more than in Quito.
7. Yanacocha Reserve: the route of the hummingbirds in Nono-Mindo
The Yanacocha Reserve, a stunning high-altitude cloud forest, is located approximately one hour from Quito on the old Nono-Mindo road, which lies on the northwest slope of the Pichincha volcano. This protected area spans about 960 hectares and is managed by the Jocotoco Foundation.
The trails of Yanacocha lead into a lush, evergreen forest covered with mosses and epiphytes. Along the way, it is possible to observe various species of hummingbirds and Andean birds, especially in areas with feeders. It is a favorite among birdwatchers and nature photographers who are looking for a relatively short route, but very rich in biodiversity, without having to go all the way to Mindo.
For those interested in exploring more natural wonders close to Quito, there are several [day trips](https://neotropicalecuador.com/day-trips-close-to-quito/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) that offer unique experiences similar to that of Yanacocha Reserve.
Specific details of the plan
- Time from Quito: about 1 hour by car via the road to Nono.
- Suggested duration: half a day.
- Difficulty: low to medium; well-marked trails, but with humidity and some elevation.
- Recommended: bring binoculars, a light rain jacket, and footwear with good traction.
How to choose your ideal plan and make the most of natural Quito?
With these seven outdoor plans less than an hour from the city, Quito confirms itself as a capital where nature is not an extra, but part of everyday life. To choose the best option for you, think about three things: how much time you have, what level of effort you want to undertake, and what type of landscape attracts you the most (paramo, cloud forest, dry forest, crater, or urban forest).
If it’s your first time, a good combination could be: Teleférico and Cruz Loma to feel the páramo, Parque Metropolitano to walk without complicating logistics, and Pululahua or Jerusalem to experience very different landscapes. If you already know Quito, dare to explore Pasochoa, Ilaló, or Yanacocha and turn your weekends into small expeditions.
The most important thing is to remember that these spaces are fragile. Walking on marked trails, taking your trash back with you, respecting the fauna and flora, and hiring local guides when necessary are concrete ways to enjoy Quito’s natural beauty today, without compromising the experience of those who will come tomorrow.
