Go Backpacking

  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
×
Home » Destinations » South America » Ecuador

Riding the Quito Teleferico & Climbing Pichincha Volcano

Modified: Dec 16, 2018 · Published: Sep 9, 2011 by Dave Lee |

The base of the Quito Teleferico
The base of the Quito Teleferico

Riding the Quito Teleferico, one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, offers visitors the best views of the capital city.

If you're up for it, climbing Pichincha Volcano (4,784 meters) once you're up there is a physical challenge you can be proud to complete.

Heading to Quito? Book your hostel here

Opened in 2005, this gondola rises quickly from its base of 2,900 meters to 4,100 meters in about 10 minutes.

The cost for the roundtrip ride is $8.50, and experiencing the effects of high altitudes on your body won't get any easier than this.

Even after a few days of acclimatizing at 2,800 meters in Quito, I developed a headache within 30 minutes of walking around (at a reasonable pace) atop the Teleferico.

However, this is an entirely normal reaction for your body, and no reason not to take the trip up if you're in otherwise healthy condition.

View of Quito atop the Teleferico - 4,100 meters above sea level
View of Quito atop the Teleferico - 4,100 meters above sea level

Riding the Quito Teleferico

If you have the time and flexibility, it's best to wait for a relatively clear morning to make the trip up.

Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and that's especially true once you reach altitudes above 4,000 meters, so go as early as possible. The Quito Teleferico operates from 9 AM to 7 PM daily.

Bring a rain jacket, as well as your camera.

The easiest way to reach the base of the Teleferico is to take a taxi.

Once you arrive, you can buy your ticket, and queue for the gondola.

When I went on a weekday afternoon, it was practically empty.

The ride is quick and smooth, and you'll be atop the mountain before you know it.

When you disembark, remember to take it slowly. Very slowly.

If you've never experienced such a high altitude, you may be surprised at how quickly your heart starts beating as you begin to walk around.

Take deep breathes, and again, go slow.

Most visitors will go for a short walk to take photos of Quito to the West, and Pichincha Volcano to the East.

There are several cafes, restaurants, and public bathrooms around the top of the Teleferico where you can rest and enjoy the city views.

If you start to get a headache, drink lots of water and get something to eat.

Chances are this won't have an immediate effect. However, it's a good idea anyways, especially if you're climbing Pichincha Volcano.

Our bodies use/lose water more quickly at high altitudes, so it's important to stay well hydrated.

As a rule of thumb, drink before you're thirsty, and eat before you're hungry.

The easiest way to alleviate a high altitude induced headache is to just take the Teleferico back down to the lower elevation.

Taking aspirin or Tylenol can also help reduce the severity.

Pichincha Volcano as seen from top of the Teleferico
Pichincha Volcano as seen from top of the Teleferico

Climbing Pichincha Volcano

If taking the Teleferico isn't enough, you can also try climbing Pichincha Volcano once you're up there.

A few tips to keep in mind:

  • Start early to ensure better views, as it's often more likely to get cloudy, foggy and rainy in the afternoons.
  • Allow an hour or two more time than you think you need. Trekking at high altitudes is a slower process than at sea level, especially if you haven't already acclimatized to Quito's 2,800-meter elevation.
  • Dress in layers, as temperatures can fluctuate quickly at altitude.
  • Bring a water-resistant jacket.
  • Bring a daypack with a few liters of water, and some high-energy snacks (ex: Snickers, protein bars, chocolate).
  • Hike with at least one other person, if not a group, to ensure your safety and deter potential thieves.
  • Remember that getting to the top is often the easy part. Don't push yourself beyond your limits, as you'll need your energy to get back down safely too.
  • Tell someone where you're going, and when you can be expected back.

I decided not to try and climb Pichincha for a few reasons.

First, I was still experiencing light headaches every afternoon since arriving in Quito, so I knew my body hadn't acclimatized to Quito's 2,800-meter elevation.

Second, being the sometimes-loner that I can be, I didn't have anyone to go with and didn't want to take any unnecessary risks (robbery, acute mountain sickness).

Trail map for hiking Pichincha Volcano, found at base of the Teleferico
Trail map for hiking Pichincha Volcano found at the base of the Teleferico

What You Need to Know

Hours:  9 AM to 7 PM daily

How Much: $8.50 - Quito Teleferico / Free - Climbing Pichincha Volcano

Difficulty:  Easy - Quito Teleferico / Moderate to Difficult - Climbing Pichincha Volcano

How to Get There: Schedule a taxi through your hostel for a fixed price (one way or return trip), or hail one on the street and negotiate a rate.

What to Bring: Several layers of clothes, including a rain jacket, camera. To climb the volcano, also bring a daypack with 1-2 liters of water, and several snacks (candy or protein bars, fruit, etc.).

Need more itinerary ideas? Get this complete Ecuador guidebook

Related Stories

  • Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador (photo by Noam Levenson).
    The 5 Things I Learned Climbing Chimborazo, Ecuador's Highest Peak
  • ecuador peru border crossing
    Vilcabamba to Chachapoyas: An Ecuador-Peru Border Crossing
  • Downtown Guayaquil
    How to Spend 24 Hours in Guayaquil
  • locro de papa
    Decadent Dining at Tiesto's Restaurant
248 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Comments

  1. Elise @ Positive World Travel says

    September 09, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    Heading there in a few days! Will have to do this!!

    • Dave says

      September 09, 2011 at 5:35 pm

      Teleferico is easy! Walking around once you get up there, not so much! :) Look forward to hearing your experiences in Ecuador.

  2. Chelsea says

    November 28, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    This looks like a great way to see the city. I'm concerned more with the potential for robbery than for altitude sickness. Is Quito a relatively safe city? Thanks for sharing your experience.

    • Dave says

      December 01, 2011 at 11:34 pm

      Robbery is VERY common in Quito, unfortunately. Tourists who stay around Plaza Foch, the main backpacker/nightlife area, are routinely robbed -- even in daylight.

      I minimized my time in the city because of all the stories I'd heard, however I also know a few people who have spent a lot of time there without any problems. I just think there are better places to spend your time in Ecuador than Quito.

      • Trina says

        October 26, 2015 at 6:32 pm

        Not sure if you are still active, but we leave for Quito in 2 days, what other areas were your favorites? We are there for 2 weeks! Thanks in advance!

        • Dave says

          October 26, 2015 at 8:03 pm

          I'd also recommend visiting the Equator and hiking or mountain biking Cotopaxi volcano if it's accessible (ie. not closed due to seismic or volcanic activity).

  3. Zsolt Babocsai says

    November 24, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Hey folks,

    Let me add my 2 cents on the topic of public safety in Quito. I think things have improved quite a bit since you were here Dave. I've been here for 2 months now and have been going out quite a lot in the night in the Mariscal area including Plaza Foch. Nothing has happened to me so far and neither have I seen any sort of crime being committed. I may have been lucky, I don't know, but it seems to me like Quito is no less safe than any other metropolis in the world.

    I've just attempted climbing the Pichincha, it was incredibly fun and beautiful. Click on my name for details and photos.

    All the best,
    Zsolt

    • Dave says

      November 24, 2013 at 8:12 pm

      Hi Zsolt, I'm glad to hear Quito seems a bit safer in 2013 than what I experienced in 2011. Continued good luck to you, and congrats on your climb of Pinchincha!

    • Chandra says

      February 05, 2016 at 4:06 pm

      Hi Zsolt: I notice that you stayed in Quito for two months. When you attempted to climb the volcano you experienced head aches. Am I correct? Does that mean acclimatization did not help with altitude adjustment? The other question I have is how steep is it near the top? Does one walk up to the summit or do you have to climb on all four if I were to ask?

  4. Zsolt says

    November 25, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    Thanks Dave!

    Life is not without its irony :)

    I had my phone stolen earlier today as I was trying to get off an extremely crowded bus.... didn't notice until it was too late.

    It doesn't change what I said above though, this could have happened anywhere and I feel lucky that I've got my wallet with all my IDs and credit card in there.

    I'll be sure to stay away from the crowd in the future :)

    • Dave says

      November 25, 2013 at 10:56 pm

      Bummer! Btw, I've been testing out the Pickpocket Proof Pants by Clothing Arts the last three months here in Colombia, and they've been awesome. Both stylish and I feel secure walking through big crowds.

      Stay safe down there.

  5. Greg says

    December 15, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    Quito has become a lot safer than what I use to hear about. Have been 2 times in the past couple years and go to The Fosh all the time have not had problems at least yet.

    • Dave says

      December 15, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Glad to hear it! I haven't been in Ecuador since 2011.

  6. Charles says

    January 14, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    Hi Dave,

    Do you recall other options at the top of the Telferico for hikers? Side trails, places to rest, other services?

    • Kristy says

      May 22, 2016 at 9:15 am

      Hi Charles,

      We were there last summer. There is a little building up there with some small cafés, a candy store, washrooms, etc... There was also an outdoor café-restaurant. There were lots of places to sit when you reach the top of the teleferico. While climbing the trails, the higher you go, the smaller the trails. There are not many options on the way up. It was really windy and pretty cold, so bring something warm. :) Let me know if I can help you answer any other questions.

  7. david says

    June 29, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    yes, but how do you get off of the mountain. I found no taxis waiting and it was an hour before one arrived with someone going up! And I had arranged for a lift down in advance..

    • Kristy says

      June 30, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      When we got to the bottom of the teleferico, there were a few taxi drivers waiting for us, asking if we needed a ride. I also know that the people who took money for the tickets could call taxis as well. I am sorry to hear that you had difficulty. What time of the day did you go?

    • Stuart says

      August 15, 2016 at 9:56 am

      Hi. Same thing happened to me. There were lots of taxis offering to take me there. I got a card and he said to call when I needed to return. When I called the taxi mans number he said he was too busy to pick me up. So I had to walk back!

  8. amycnoel says

    October 18, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    Just went a couple of days ago - found Quito (incl. the TeleferiQo) to be very safe. I encourage you to edit your post with updated safety in Quito. Walked around a lot at night, didn't have any problems. We only spent one day in Quito before tackling Pichincha and though we were slow, we made it and only got headaches at the top. We found it was a lot cheaper to walk out of the TeleferiQo park down to the highway to get a cab - they wanted to charge us a 'minimum mandatory' $5 fee to pick us up within park gates. Nope to that! Caught a cab at the bottom of the hill back in to town for $3.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

Footer

back to top

About

  • About
  • Archive
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Follow Us

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Submissions

Copyright © 2025 Go Backpacking

248 shares
  • 215
  • 2