Carbon Neutral 100%
Destinations
Our most popular destinations in South America
  • Tour Ideas
Holiday Ideas
  • Travel Style
  • Interests and Activities
  • Tour Ideas by Month
  • Continents and Regions
An update from Evaneos
Pichicha

Pichicha (Ecuador)

Practical information about Pichicha

  • Viewpoint
  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Mountain
  • Volcano
4 / 5 - One review
How to get there
30 minutes by bus from Quito
When to go
From June to September
Minimum stay
One day

Reviews of Pichicha

David Debrincat Travel writer
459 travel articles

At 4,794 metres high, Pichincha volcano is still active and looms dangerously over Quito. However you can climb it in about 4 hours.

My suggestion:
In town there are agencies that offer to guide you for $200 per person. Which is pointless as you can just follow the path. I climbed up alone without any danger.
Summary:

Going up Pichincha is one of my best memories of my trip to Ecuador. It's not particularly difficult, only the altitude slows you up. I'll save you $200 and guide you myself! Follow me and I'll explain to you what happens.

The first part of the climb is really easy, it's done by cable car. From the cabin, which goes up to 4.100 metres, the view of Quito is breathtaking. I began to walk. At this altitude it is difficult to breath. But the view over the valley is magical. I was very pleased when I spotted Quito's bull fighting arena. So off I went for a 4 hour long walk. I went slowly because the least increase in speed made me breathless. It was odd - I was above the clouds and practically at the same altitude as Mont Blanc, the highest summit in Europe. All I had to do was follow the path to the top. Be careful, though, because the weather is very changeable, and if the fog becomes too thick you really should be prudent and turn round.

Just so you know, when I was coming to the volcano the bus dropped me in an area that was a bit dodgy. Some policemen who were worried about my safety gave me a ride on the back of their pick-up truck. On my way back I met some firemen who drove me to the fire station in their fire engine. We had all the sirens going to celebrate my arrival in town. The Ecuadorian emergency services are very nice!

The countryside at Pichincha