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.
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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.
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.
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).
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.).
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Elise @ Positive World Travel says
Heading there in a few days! Will have to do this!!
Dave says
Teleferico is easy! Walking around once you get up there, not so much! :) Look forward to hearing your experiences in Ecuador.
Chelsea says
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
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
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
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).
Zsolt Babocsai says
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
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
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?
Zsolt says
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
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.
Greg says
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
Glad to hear it! I haven't been in Ecuador since 2011.
Charles says
Hi Dave,
Do you recall other options at the top of the Telferico for hikers? Side trails, places to rest, other services?
Kristy says
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.
david says
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
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
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!
amycnoel says
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.