One of the last activities we did in Quito, Ecuador was to take the Teleférico (or TelefériQo) cable car up the Pichincha Volcano to the Cruz Loma lookout point. Breathtaking views of Quito and adventure await you in every direction you look! If you’re seeking an exhilarating experience with a wide variety of activities to partake in, then the Teleférico in Quito is an absolute must-visit. I wish we had done this sooner because I would have visited it multiple times.
Getting To the Teléferico in Quito
The Teleférico in Quito is located near the heart of the city. It is an easy Uber or taxi ride to the base. The cable car takes you on an impressive journey to the Cruz Loma viewpoint. The panoramic vistas that it offers will leave you spellbound. As you ascend higher and higher, the vibrant landscape of Quito unfolds before your eyes, revealing a stunning blend of colonial architecture, lush green valleys, and the majestic peaks of the Andes Mountains. It is truly spectacular.
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‼️TIP‼️ Bring warm jackets and maybe a scarf, hat and/or gloves. Quito is at an elevation of 9,350 feet already and when you step out of the cable car at the top of Cruz Loma, you will be at nearly 13,000 feet! It gets chilly, and you’re going to want to have plenty of water and sunscreen along as well!
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What to Expect at the Top of the Teleférico in Quito
At the top of the Teleférico in Quito, there are many ways to take in the stunning 360-degree views of Quito and its surroundings. It is the perfect spot to capture those instagram-worthy photographs. Some of these attractions are touristy like the cloud bridge which is cheesy and awkward. The swings are a bit cheesy too, but we sure enjoyed them! 😀
‼️TIP‼️ Visit the Teleférico early in the morning. It is the best chance to catch clear skies in Quito!
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After taking those beautiful photos of the view, we started out hiking on the trail that leads to the summit of Rucu Pichincha Volcano. The trail is very well marked at the beginning, and if you reach the top, you’ll find yourself at an elevation of 15,696 feet (4784 meters)! Our city tour guide told us that the trail disappears near the top and you have to find your own path. Fortunately, there were plenty of people heading to the top, so your chances of getting lost are low.
It was a beautiful hike, and we would love to come back someday and finish it. Unluckily for us it was looking like rain and our children were tired, so we turned around about halfway.
At the top of the Teleférico in Quito, you can get a bite to eat and a coffee at the Cruz Loma Café while enjoying the views of Quito below. It is a perfect spot to just relax and take it all in. I had a delicious empanada and the kids (and Mike 😁) had donuts.
What Other Activities Are There at the top of the Teleférico in Quito?
Other activities you can plan at the top that we didn’t do are:
- horseback riding
- paragliding
- extreme cycling
- rock climbing
- camping
- Jeep tours to waterfalls
If you are interested in learning more, visit the Teleférico website.
As we rode down, we noticed an amusement park near the base. The kids really wanted to go, so we made a day of it. VolQano Park doesn’t have that many rides, but it was a perfect little adrenaline rush for our kids.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply seeking a unique perspective, the Teleférico in Quito promises an unforgettable adventure above the clouds.
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