TelefériQo
A cable car that climbs from the foot of the western hills to about 3,945 m on the slopes of Pichincha, offering views over the long, narrow city of Quito, and hikers can continue on foot to Rucu Pichincha peak.
The lower station is on the west side of the city. The cable car takes about 10 minutes to climb to Cruz Loma at about 3,945 m, where there is an observation deck, a café, and a small chapel. On clear days you can see snowy peaks such as Cotopaxi and Cayambe. Fit visitors who have acclimatized can hike from the upper station to the summit of Rucu Pichincha (4,698 m), a round trip of about 3 to 4 hours, and should start early. Round-trip tickets cost about USD 9 (check on site). Don't go up on your first day in Quito, as the summit is very cold.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–20:00 (opens earlier on weekends; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Basílica del Voto Nacional
- Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
- Centro Cultural Metropolitano
- Historic Center of Quito
- Plaza Grande & Metropolitan Cathedral
- Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía)
- Casa del Alabado Museum
- National Museum of Ecuador (MuNa)