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Overview
The TelefériQo (a play on teleferico-a form of aerial transport, consisting of cabins attached to a cable- and Quito) is a gondola lift that runs up the steep slope of Volcan Pichincha (4,794 meters) on the western edge of central Quito. The lift delivers passengers to Cruz Loma, where there a lookout point and access to hiking trails. Opened in July, 2005, the TelefériQo is one of the world's highest aerial lifts and one of Quito's most popular tourist attractions. The TelefériQo provides visitors with excellent views of Quito and the mountainous Andean landscape around the city.
From the TelefériQo loading area, up to six people can board one of the 18 gondolas and ride from an altitude of 2,904 meters above the paramo landscape of Volcan Pichincha's eastern flanks up to Cruz Loma, at a height of 4,100 meters in 8-10 minutes.
From the viewing platform it is possible to see volcanoes such as Antisana, Cotopaxi and Cayambe in a sunny and clear day you can see 13 volcanoes and summits around Quito that are over 4000 meters . Also atop the TelefériQo are restaurants, shops, cafes, and even an oxygen bar for those short of breath The lookout platform features horse rental, and access to hiking trails.
Uphill from the main building atop Cruz Loma are hiking trails that lead to the top of dormant Rucu Pichincha (4,680 meters), one of the volcano's two peaks, and the closest to Quito. The higher Guagua Pichincha (4,794 meters) is still active and is not accessible from the top of the TelefériQo. A 1660 eruption of Guagua Pichincha covered Quito in nearly half a meter of ash. Its last most active period occurred in 1999 when it sent up an 18-kilometer-high mushroom cloud and covered Quito in ash.
The TelefériQo runs up the steep slope of Volcan Pichincha (4,794 meters) on the western edge of central Quito...
Hiking Rucu Pichincha is not technically demanding; no special equipment or guide is required for climbing. You can reach the Cava del Oso (Bear Cave–no actual bears present) in an hour and a half. Hiking to the summit takes a fit climber approximately three hours. It is best to acclimatize in Quito before attempting to summit Rucu Pichincha. It is also a good idea to begin your hike as early as possible, before the clouds roll in, and to hike in a group rather than alone.
Vulqano Park, an amusement park, lies at the foot of the TelefériQo. The theme park has 24 attractions, including two rollercoasters. Rides and games can cost as little as $0.75 or as much as $12.50. Vulqano Park sells day passes for $5 and $10. There are also restaurants, cafes with patios, artesanal shops and a visitor center. Concerts are often held at the base of the TelefériQo.
The TelefériQo is on Avenida Occidental near Avenida La Gasca. A $4-6 dollar cab ride from most parts of Quito will get you to the base of the TelefériQo. TelefériQo shuttles ($1) depart every half-hour from Estacion Norte on the Trole bus line, Rio Coca on the Ecovia line, and Plaza La Marin parking area in the Old Town. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Ecovia terminal La Marin to the top of La Gasca or to Comuna Alta and walk from there. Here there is a guard booth, where you must pay $2, or you can wait and take a free shuttle bus from the bottom of the hill to the main entrance. From there it is a brief, but steep uphill walk to the lift building.
A round-trip ride on the gondola costs $8 for foreigners and $4.50 for Ecuadorian nationals and residents. There are discounts available for senior citizens and children.
The best time to ride the TelefériQo up Volcan Pichincha is in the morning, as clouds often roll in at noon, dulling the view of Quito and obscuring the peaks of Volcan Pichincha. The weather atop the TelefériQo is much colder than in Quito due to the altitude, and it can be very windy and foggy during the morning. The TelefériQo is busiest on weekends, when wait times are longer.
