Rucu Pichincha Summit Hike near Quito: Cable Car Start

A volcano hike that starts where the cable car ends, not where the trail begins

Rucu Pichincha is a guided summit hike starting from the Teleferico cable car's high station near Quito, climbing to the extinct volcano's peak over roughly three hours up and two hours down. The route passes through Bear's Cave, where guides pause before the final push to the rock basement and summit. A live guide in English or Spanish leads small groups, with hotel pickup included and children welcome from age 5.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Rucu Pichincha summit

• Pick up participants or meet point
• Buy tickets at Teleferico
• Take cable car to High station
• Hike towards Rucu Pichincha summit
• Stop to rest and observe plants and animals
• Arrive at Bear's Cave and rest
• Continue hike to rock basement
• Take photos and enjoy mountain solitude
• Return to cable car station
• Take transportation back home

The experience

The hike begins with pickup from your hotel or a meeting point in Quito, then moves to the Teleferico cable car station where you buy your ticket and ride to the high station. From there, the trail climbs toward Rucu Pichincha's summit. The pace is set by the group's fitness level: guides stop at specific points to let people catch their breath, and the route passes through different plant and animal zones as elevation increases. After roughly an hour and a half, you reach Bear's Cave, a natural landmark where the group rests before the final push.

The last hour of climbing leads to the rock basement at the summit, where the trail opens to views and quiet space. This is the turnaround point. The descent back to the cable car station takes about two hours. On rainy season days, the group's destination becomes Bear's Cave instead of the summit, for safety. Once back at the first cable car station, your transportation is waiting to return you to the city.

The whole outing runs six to eight hours door-to-door. A guide in English or Spanish stays with the group throughout, and private transportation is included in the price. Children from age 5 can join, though the hike demands at least moderate fitness. The altitude and sustained climbing are real, and guides expect travelers to move steadily even if not quickly.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel or a meeting point in Quito to the Teleferico station.
• a helmet for the hike.
• a live guide in English or Spanish throughout the day.
• Teleferico cable car ticket to the high station.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except ThursdayDepartures at 07:30 and 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sommer Ekvator

Is this one for you?The six- to eight-hour commitment means you lose most of a day in Quito, so book this if a full-day mountain outing fits your schedule and you have moderate fitness for sustained climbing. The cable car start saves you from hiking the lower slopes, but the altitude and the final push to the summit still demand steady effort.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does it take to reach the Rucu Pichincha summit from the cable car station?

The climb to the summit takes roughly three hours, with stops built in for rest and to let your body adjust to the altitude. The descent takes about two hours.

What is Bear's Cave and why do guides stop there?

Bear's Cave is a natural landmark reached after about an hour and a half of hiking. Guides use it as a rest point before the final hour of climbing to prepare for the steeper push to the summit.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the cable car station?

No. Private transportation picks you up from your hotel in Quito or from a meeting point if you are staying farther out, and takes you to the Teleferico station to start the hike.