DiscoverYourTour icon

Rucu Pichincha Hike & Quito Cable Car Tour

Recently Added
Quito, Ecuador
Rucu Pichincha Hike & Quito Cable Car Tour — cover photo (1 of 7)

See Quito from a different perspective, combining the thrill of the cable car with a trek on Rucu Pichincha. Connect with Andean nature, breathe the pure páramo air, and discover unique landscapes where the city meets the mountain in an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Location
Quito, Ecuador
Duration
5h
Starting Times
10:00
Languages
EnglishSpanish
Difficulty
Moderate
Categories
Nature & Wildlife, Walking Tour, Photography

Our Tour Guide

Kunakkuna Experiences — guide profile photo · Rucu Pichincha Hike & Quito Cable Car Tour
Provider:Kunakkuna Experiences Verified Expert
Guaranteed small group
Instant confirmation
Flexible free cancellation
Mid-mountain trekking

Overview

This tour invites you to discover Quito from a unique perspective, combining adventure, nature, and breathtaking Andean landscapes. The experience begins with a ride on the Quito Cable Car, one of the highest in the world, taking you from the city to the slopes of Pichincha volcano, where the air becomes purer and the scenery changes completely.

From the top, you will begin a guided hike along Andean páramo trails toward Rucu Pichincha, surrounded by native vegetation, volcanic formations, and, with a bit of luck, typical high-mountain wildlife such as birds and small mammals. Along the way, your guide will share information about the ecosystem, volcanic geography, and the cultural importance of these landscapes for Quito.

Tour Itinerary

30 min

Quito Cable Car: the start of the adventure

We begin the experience at 10:00 a.m. at the entrance to the Quito Cable Car, where your guide will welcome you and provide all the necessary instructions for the route. Here you will receive your entrance ticket for the ascent to Cruz Loma, a scenic ride that will take you from the city to the Andean heights. From this point, the connection with nature and the landscape of Pichincha volcano begins.

15 min

Cruz Loma: Quito’s natural viewpoint

Upon arriving at Cruz Loma, you will be greeted by one of the most stunning views of Quito, the famous “Carita de Dios,” surrounded by volcanoes and Andean mountains. This natural viewpoint offers the perfect setting for unforgettable photos. At this point, you will also receive a box lunch to recharge before continuing the hike in the heart of the Andean páramo.

180 min

Columpio del Cielo and the route to Rucu Pichincha

At this stop, you will experience the thrill of the Columpio del Cielo, where the feeling of height combines with a breathtaking view of Quito and the Andes. We will then begin a hike along páramo trails toward Cueva del Oso, a perfect natural setting to rest, explore the volcanic landscape, and enjoy your box lunch surrounded by peace and fresh mountain air.

90 min

Challenge to Rucu Pichincha: adventure at the summit

At this stage of the route, you can decide whether to continue the ascent to the summit of Rucu Pichincha, a demanding experience rewarded with spectacular views of the Andes and Quito from the highest point. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you will begin the descent toward Cruz Loma while enjoying the páramo scenery. The summit ascent is optional and has an additional cost per person.

30 min

Descent from Cruz Loma: the end of the adventure

Before starting the return, you will have free time in Cruz Loma to explore its small shops and discover local handicrafts and souvenirs inspired by the Andes. Then, we will begin the cable car descent, enjoying one last time the breathtaking views of Quito and its volcanoes. A perfect ending to a day of nature, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes in the heights.

What's Included

  • Professional mountain guide
  • Quito Cable Car ticket
  • Guided trek to Rucu Pichincha
  • Box lunch during the route
  • Assistance throughout the entire experience

What's Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Additional drinks
  • Guide gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Activities or extensions not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Information

Frequently Asked Questions

From€65.00
per person