Pichincha is an active volcano with two peaks that lies just outside of Quito. Rent a car to drive up to its summit from which you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Andean Mountain Range and the valley below that stretches to Ecuador’s capital city. More adventurous visitors may prefer to hike or mountain bike ride around the volcano.
The two peaks of the volcano have taken the indigenous Quechua names of Guagua (Child) and Rucu (Old Person). The pair dominates the city’s western horizon with each of their peaks reaching around 4,700 metres (15,419 feet). Rent a four-by-four and drive it up the Pichincha’s summit from the small quaint village of Lloa. There is a dirt track that leads straight to the top of Guagua, the active peak.
The more adventurous among you may prefer to climb the rock with a local guide. The entire hike should take about 4 hours to complete, although you may stop just before the peak at an establishment with accommodation and snacks. You can climb Rucu in around 3 hours from Cruz Loma, which you can reach via the Teleférico (gondola).
Wonder at the panoramic vista from the top of the volcano. You can see many other peaks dotted across the Andes Mountains, such as Padre Encantado and Condor Guachana. The last time that Guagua erupted was in 1999, when the city of Quito was covered in a layer of ash. It is also an important site in the country’s history, as the place where the Battle of Pichincha was won to secure Ecuador’s independence.
You can arrange tours on four-by-fours, guided hikes and mountain bike trips with operators in the city. There are also ideal hiking spots around some of the smaller mountains nearby.
Pichincha is situated about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) to the west of the capital city. Remember to bring the appropriate equipment, such as footwear, along with sufficient water. Take time to get used to the altitude in Quito before hiking even higher up to the top of the volcano.
