A standard ascent takes roughly two days with an overnight at the Cayambe refuge, Ruales Oleas Berge. Challenging terrain, glacial passes, and unpredictable weather changes make summit treks suitable only for advanced mountaineers. If you’re not up for such a technical trek, you may enjoy a view of the volcano by hiking, mountain-biking or horseback riding through the scenic foothills of the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve. Most tours of the reserve combine a journey just north of the city to a rose plantation, indian markets and leather goods stores in towns near Otavalo, and Cuicocha Lake inside the crater of Cotacachi volcano.
Cayambe Volcano is located in the small town of Cayambe in Pichincha Province, about 43 miles (70 kilometers) northeast of Quito. Take the #207 bus from Terminal La Ofelia to Cayambe; expect about 1.5 hours on the road. Parking is available at the entrance of the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve.
Climbing the volcano comes with the risk of high winds, snowstorms, and avalanches, and is only advisable from October to January. If you aren’t planning to scale the mountain, visit the park during the dry season, from June to December. Throughout the year, the high-altitude climate of Quito is consistently springlike with chilly nights. To experience the city in party mode, visit from February to April for Carnival and religious holiday Semana Santa.
Cayambe Volcano is located within the pristine Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve and National Park. Varied habitat conditions from grasslands to cloud forests house a variety of animals, making it an ideal place to spot native species such as Andean condors, armadillos, mountain tapirs, and cougars. Inside the protected area, it’s possible to visit indegnous Quechua and Cofan villages for a cultural deep dive.