The dramatic 13,123-feet (4,000-meter) ascent up the volcano takes about 20 minutes and offers magnificent views of the valleys. At the plateau stop, follow marked hiking trails 6 miles (10 kilometers) to Rucu Pichincha, or enjoy a horseback riding excursion. You can also dine at one of the mountaintop restaurants or cafés. Many Quito tours include Telefériqo along with nearby attractions like the Middle of the World Monument and the Intiñan Solar Museum.
Telefériqo Quito runs up the east side of the Pichincha Volcano and can be reached at Vía Al Teleférico, which starts on Avenida Maríscal Sucre, near the neighborhood of La Comuna Alta, just west of downtown Quito. There is a private bus that departs every 15 minutes from Avenida Occidental and heads directly to the base. You can also reach the cable car by taking a taxi to the entrance. The closest bus stop is Antonio Jose de Sucre y N26, which is about a 15-minute walk from the entrance. On-site parking is available for a fee.
The cable car is open daily, from the morning through evening; if you’re visiting in the evening, make sure to check when the last cable car down the mountain leaves. Arrive in the morning if you plan to hike or go horseback riding. Getting an early start is always best here, as the weather may change rapidly during the day. Peak season in Quito is the dry season, which runs from June to September.
Many visitors who head up the cable car to Cruz Loma come to hike the Pichincha Volcano to the Rucu Pichincha peak. After getting off the cable car, follow the marked trail to the top of the peak, which is roughly 6 miles (10 kilometers) away. Depending on your physical fitness level (and how often you stop to take photos), the hike (which is classified as “difficult”) generally takes 3 to 4 hours.