One of the icons of the city of Quito, the Cable Car

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The Teleférico of Quito is one of the most important tourist icons in the city, a must-visit site for domestic and foreign tourists. Inaugurated on May 24, 2005, and located in the foothills of the Rucu Pichincha volcano, it rises from the Motriz platform to 3,117 meters above sea level, to Cruz Loma at 3,947 meters above sea level, which makes it one of the highest cable cars in South America. Open 365 days a year, it offers its visitors a great diversity of sports and leisure activities.

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On a trip that takes about 18 minutes, you travel a distance of 2.5km, flanked by the El Tejado ravines to the north, and Vásconez to the south. You will feel in your body the effects of rapidly ascending a slope of 1,000 meters between the two platforms, and you will fly over three micro climates: starting from the Andean forest formed mainly by eucalyptus; a few meters above the vegetation changes dramatically, and you will find bushes of pumamaqui, achupallas and romerillo; At the end of the tour, you will reach the Andean moorland formed by pajonales, alfombrillas and chuquiraguas. If you are attentive you can observe blackbirds and hummingbirds. And if you are lucky, you will see moor rabbits, hawks and partridges; In the late afternoon you can see wolves nearby. On the summits, occasionally, you will witness the majestic flight of the Ecuadorian condor.

 

His incomparable view

The view of Quito during the trip is spectacular, but it is not comparable with the view that Cruz Loma offers from its viewpoints. From them you can see the valley of Los Chillos, San Rafael and Machachi. On a clear day you can observe an imposing chain of volcanoes: From the Atacazo to the Cayambe, through the Heart, Ilinizas, Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, Rumiñahui and Antisana.

 

Once in Cruz Loma, the recreation alternatives are multiple, and are free to your imagination. You can go camping, hiking, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, paragliding, extreme cycling, photography, mountain marathon, etc., or visit the peaks of the Guagua and Rucu Pichincha just five kilometers away from Cruz Loma.

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The temperature in hours of the day can drop sharply to 6˚C, and a cold wind runs permanently down from the mountain, so it is advisable to wear warm clothes. And if you plan to ascend to the Volcano it is necessary to bring mountain equipment and do it in the company of an experienced guide.

The TelefériQo de Quito is open to tourists 365 days a year, from 08h00 to 20h00, however, it should be borne in mind that since the descent takes about 18 minutes, you must be at the return station before 7:30 pm to be able to descend without inconvenience.

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SENDERISM

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In the Quito Cable Car you can enjoy outdoor walks, on the different paths enabled for those looking for a low-impact sport and at the same time marvel at the view of the city, more than 4,000 meters above sea level, or admire the flora and fauna of the place.

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The weather can vary suddenly so it is advisable to wear the right clothes, a windbreaker, non-slip shoes, comfortable clothes that protect against possible rain and cold wind.

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• Suggested maximum time to leave the summit of Rucu Pichincha from Cruz Loma (Teleferico arrival station): 11hoo