TelefériQo: Quito's High-Altitude Cable Car
Experience Quito from above: Ascend Pichincha Volcano on the TelefériQo for breathtaking views and high-altitude adventure.
The TelefériQo, a blend of "teleférico" (cable car in Spanish) and "Quito," is a gondola lift that whisks visitors from the city's edge to the Cruz Loma viewpoint on the Pichincha Volcano's eastern slope. Opened in July 2005, this popular attraction is more than just a scenic ride; it's a gateway to hiking trails and breathtaking vistas. The ascent begins at 3,117 meters (10,226 feet) and climbs to 3,945 meters (12,943 feet) in approximately 20 minutes. As the cable car ascends, Quito unfolds below, revealing a stunning panorama of the city nestled amidst the Andes Mountains. The enclosed gondolas offer windows on all sides, providing unobstructed views of the landscape. At the summit, visitors can explore the area, hike towards the summit of Rucu Pichincha, or simply soak in the views. The summit offers views of Antisana, Illinizas, Corazón, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cayambe volcanoes on a clear day. A building at the top houses gift shops and eateries, with supplemental oxygen to ease the effects of the high altitude. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential altitude sickness.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid long lines and for the best chance of clear views before clouds roll in.
- Dress in layers, as temperatures at the summit can be significantly cooler than in Quito.
- Bring your ID, as it's required to purchase a ticket.
- Pace yourself and drink plenty of water to mitigate the effects of altitude sickness.
- Hold onto your ticket, as it is needed for the return trip.
A brief summary to TelefériQo Cable Car
- Fulgencio Araujo, y, Quito, Miraflores, 170527, EC
- +5932-222-2996
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Cabify are readily available in Quito. A taxi from Quito's Old Town to the TelefériQo typically costs around $3-$5. Ensure the taxi is official (yellow with orange license plates). Some drivers may only take you to Vulqano Park, requiring a short uphill walk to the TelefériQo station. Be aware that private cars might face an extra fee to access the road leading to the park.
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Public Transport
Take any bus that runs along the Av. Occidental (Mariscal Sucre). From La Marin Station, buses 131 or 131-A will get you close. Get off at the designated bus stop and walk uphill for about 20 minutes to reach the TelefériQo station. A one-way bus ticket costs approximately $0.35.
