Hike at Rucu Pichincha Volcano
Hike to the Rucu Pichincha summit, discovering unique high-Andean plants, native wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic views over Quito and the Andes Mountains
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
See you at your accommodation
- We will pick you up at your accommodation and drive to the Quito Teleférico to purchase the tickets. The hike will begin upon arrival at Cruz Loma, the highest station of the cable car.
Arrive to the Bear Cave
Take the cable car up to the high station and begin the hike toward the Rucu Pichincha summit, walking at a steady pace with breaks as needed along the way. At the Bear's Cave, we’ll stop to rest, hydrate, and enjoy snacks to prepare for the last stretch to the top.
Climbing the Summit
This last part follows a scenic high-Andean trail with rocky sections and wide open views. As you ascend, take in unique alpine plants, occasional wildlife, and dramatic landscapes overlooking Quito. The final stretch requires careful footing and steady effort, but reaching the summit is rewarding, offering panoramic views of the city, surrounding volcanoes, and the Andes stretching into the distance.
Return to the Cable Car & Quito
Depending on weather conditions, after a well-deserved snack and rest to regain energy, we will begin the hike back toward the cable car. We’ll carefully descend the rocky section, continue through the sandy area, and then follow the same trail we used at the beginning of the hike.
Ending Point
Once on the Cable Car, we will go back to the station where our car will be waiting to go home.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Bilingual Speaking Guide
- Entrance Fee to Cable Car
- Helmet
- Private Transportation from your accommodation to the Cable Car station and back. (type of car depends on the number of participants)-Suzuki
- Parking fee
- Fuel Fee
- Meals
- Personal Expenses
- Tips
Tour Important Information
- If you are traveling solo, no worries—just let us know in advance.
- During the rainy season, for everyone’s safety, the hike will go only as far as the Bear’s Cave.
- Participants should have some prior hiking experience, as the trail includes steep and rocky sections.
- On some occasions, our pets may join the hike (especially on weekends), so please let us know if you are comfortable with this.
- For your safety, it is essential to follow all guide instructions. We cannot be responsible for risks taken against guidance, such as continuing in bad weather, not using provided safety equipment (helmet, thermal blanket), or not carrying enough water.
Available on Sat/Sun only
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Cecilia P.
Hola, amigos! I’m Cecilia, a certified Ecuadorian National Guide. Ecuador is my home and a place that I adore showing to people from all over the world. I may be biased, but I think there’s something special about the nature, landscapes, and people of this beautiful place.
I’ve spent the last 10+ years working in the tourism industry in Quito and beyond. I’ve assisted international guests in creating perfect itineraries, managing all the logistics, and showing them the most captivating and off-the-beaten-path locales of my country (and Latin America as a whole).
I work with my clients to personalize trips that check all the boxes on their Ecuador bucket list. Everything we offer is fully customizable, as we offer comfortable group and private tours. Our private options are totally catered to your unique adventure.
Our #1 goal is to create immersive, all-encompassing experiences that show you the true Ecuador in all its beauty. So, we invite you to join us and can’t wait to meet you.
$165/ per group
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