The closest to heaven
in the middle of New Town
This is your call to visit the Cable Car in Quito
Also known as the Teleferico in Quito, and offering a thrilling ascent to the slopes of the oldest peak among the Pichinchas, this marvel of engineering provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Quito’s sprawling urban expanse, as well as one of the highest and colorful hikes you could easily find up the majestic peaks of the Andes.
As one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, reaching an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level, the cable car promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ecuador’s natural beauty. From the moment you step into the gondola, suspended high above the city, anticipation builds as you ascend towards the heavens, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life far below.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast seeking adventure or a traveler yearning to capture the perfect photograph, the cable car in Quito offers an unparalleled experience that combines adrenaline-pumping thrills with awe-inspiring vistas. Join us as we delve into the plethora of wonders you can do awaiting atop the cable car in Quito, where every ascent brings new discoveries and memories to cherish forever.
Bring your puppy for a walk here when you visit Quito
Stay at pet-friendly hotels in Quito, look no further than us!
Riding on the Cable Car
First things first, its time get on board through the skies of Quito, as the cable car carries you towards the Cruz Loma Station, on the slopes of Rucu Pichincha Volcano. As the gondola glides smoothly upwards, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a sense of wonder, with each passing moment revealing new perspectives of Ecuador’s vibrant capital below.
Gazing out from the panoramic windows, the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds before your eyes, its colonial charm juxtaposed against the fascinating view of the New Town, both collapsing into each other in the distance.
The cable car ride offers more than just transportation; it’s a mesmerizing experience that immerses you in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Quito, and it’ll give you chills skin as you acknowledge you’re ascending to over 4,000 meters above sea level, where the Cruz Loma shelter awaits, offering breathtaking views and the promise of all kinds of adventure surrounded by the Andean wilderness.
If you chose this place as your next stop to visit Quito from a perspective like no other, you need to know they are open 7 days a week, working from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, opening two hours earlier on Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. The price goes from 6.50 USD to 9.00 USD, but there are extras you could consider according to your needs.
Hiking the trails towards Rucu Pichincha
Once on the top, there’s a couple of options to consider depending on your likes and physical condition; even though you certainly can take a while to check-out the amazing views available as you leave the gondola, you definitely should venture inside the trails on a very exhilarating hike whether you want to discover to the last hidden lookout point or simply enjoy the walk.
This is the perfect time to mention you actually can bring your furry little friends up here (paying extra 5.00 USD with your ticket), especially if you picked them as your companion for your trip; there are many pet-friendly hotels in Quito like ours, whose staff will also recommend pet-friendly attractions like this for you to enjoy together.
Now you two can witness how the trails meander through the Andean highlands, leading to jaw-dropping viewpoints and amusing activities waiting to be discovered, such as the swings by the cliff a few meters inside the trails or hot chocolate tasting next to the horse stable, deeper in the journey. With each step, you’ll feel a profound connection to nature and a newfound appreciation for Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes.
Plus, you can always rely on retreating at your pet-friendly accommodation after a day of hiking the trails of Rucu Pichincha, where you and your four-legged friends can rest and recharge for the next day’s exploration.
The next are awesome for romantic getaways in Quito
Have all the attractions in Quito at your feet to witness your love
Enjoying the vistas &
having picnics
However, you might as well prefer taking a while to just give a look of what you’ve got right at your feet thanks to the stunning and empowering view of a sprawling metropolis only the Cruz Loma Station at the Cable Car can offer.
It doesn’t matter if you came on your own or along with your family or significant other looking for romantic getaways in Quito, simply craving a serene escape from the urban rush, this signature attraction promises a relaxing haven aside from all the extreme sports and exciting hikes for the adventurous ones.
In fact, at the summit, outdoor enthusiasts will count on a bunch of picnic spots and viewpoints as soon as the gondola stops at the top, which means little effort will be required if you came just looking for a place to unwind, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility of Ecuador’s capital.
Highlight lookout points can be found after a short walk, and you shouldn’t miss this chance to stretch your legs for a while as you enjoy the nature and earn unforgettable experiences of outdoor activities in Quito for your memory collection. So, pack a picnic basket, grab your camera, and prepare to be captivated by the splendor of the Andean landscape.
Imagine soaring high above the cityscape, gliding effortlessly through the crisp Andean air with the city laid out below like a patchwork quilt. Well, let’s stop dreaming and make it happen! You’re in luck since the Cruz Loma Station on top of the Cable Car in Quito also works as the meeting point where paragliding enthusiasts flock to for the thrill of a lifetime and the unparalleled perspective it offers of Ecuador’s vibrant capital.
Experienced locals and visitors alike line up every day bearing their gear to have an adventure of a lifetime in the skies of Quito, but even the unexperienced ones with no equipment can rely on third-party agencies, their professional instructors and top-notch safety measures to make it true.
In fact, there’s a growing number of agencies in Quito well-prepared to help you do the most with your visit to Teleferico and gaze at the attractions in Quito from a whole new angle, so even first-time flyers can experience the exhilaration of free flight.
While it’s true that the Cable Car itself does not offer this activity, they’re aware of the people’s fascination with the thrill of heights, that’s why they will allow you ride the gondola with your gear paying extra 1.70 USD with your ticket, but you can also hire a third-party and leave all the planning on theirs so you simply enjoy your flight.
Who'd tell extreme sports in Quito were Heaven-sent?
Teleferico in Quito has something special for everyone
Mountain climbing the slopes of Rucu Pichincha
As of the last place on this list, we can tell Quito’s cable car isn’t just a scenic ride, but also the ultimate launchpad those seeking extreme sports in Quito, and now it’s the mountain climbing adventures turn. As the cable car ascends, it reveals the rugged beauty of the Andes, enticing climbers with its jagged peaks and steep cliffs.
Extreme sports enthusiasts would come to Teleferico in Quito for the opportunity to conquer these formidable summits, pushing themselves to their limits against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas. From technical ascents to heart-pounding rappels, the mountains surrounding Quito offer challenges for climbers of all skill levels.
After a nothing despicable three-hour hike from the Cruz Loma Station, visitors will finally be able to meet face to face with the Rucu Pichincha and test their skills as they conquer the rocky walls of one the signature elevations in Quito.
However, just like the last one, the Cable Car does not offer this experience in their own catalogue, but you are free to either hire a third-party to get the gear and a guide for you or put your own expertise to the test and challenge the slopes. In case you choose to do it alone, make sure you take all due cautions with your equipment and the time prior to start your journey so you don’t miss the last gondola back to the entrance.
Downhill biking the challenging trails
While Teleferico offers stunning panoramic views, it also serves as a launching point for adrenaline-fueled downhill biking adventures. After covering an extra rate of 5.25 USD for an only transport, or 9.00 USD for unlimited daily transport together with the regular entry ticket, riders will be allowed to ascend, and there’ll be a growing feeling of excitement burning from deep within for the thrilling descent that lies ahead.
Once at the Cruz Loma Station, emotions start to burst as bikers embark on a high-speed journey down the trails, navigating sharp turns and challenging obstacles against the backdrop of the Andean mountains. With adrenaline pumping and the wind rushing past, each twist and turn offers an exhilarating rush like no other.
Anyways, it’s worth to mention that, even though the Quito’s Cable Car counts on an adequate path for bikers to make their way back to the bottom, caution is always advised, and every sign and boundary must be respected to keep this experience as a memorable one in the best way.
Now the time has come to grab your bike (or rent one on the go) for the downhill trail at the Cable Car promises the perfect starting point for enthusiasts looking for extreme sports in Quito to push their limits and conquer the mountains in exhilarating fashion.
Among outdoor activities in Quito, these are the best!
Keeping it simple, but never running out of things to do in Quito
Horseback riding your way to the Rucu Pichincha
Another highlight among the possibilities for animal lovers in Quito visiting the Cable Car is the horses around the Cruz Loma Station, offering a unique opportunity for horseback riding in the heights. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Andean mountains, a ride on horseback from the cable car summit provides an unforgettable experience that combines adventure with natural beauty.
As you traverse the winding trails and lush valleys, you’ll feel a sense of connection with Ecuador’s rich cultural and natural heritage, as one the guides from the San Franscisco de Cruz Loma Community introduces and explains the environment to you while riding through the natural trails by the gates of the Rucu Pichincha.
The lenght of the ride may vary depending on the price, beginning with 5.00 USD for a thirty-minute ride, 10.00 USD for fifty minutes, 15.00 USD for one whole hour, and up to 25.00 USD for the whole experience of horseback riding from the Cruz Loma Station to the Rucu Pichincha and back, including a woven poncho and a hat as gifts for your three-hour ride, but notice that horseback riding at Teleferico is available only on weekends and holidays.
So, if you’re looking for a memorable addition to your list of things to do in Quito, don’t miss the chance to saddle up on a horseback riding adventure from the heights of the city’s iconic cable car.
Camping under a starry night in the city
With well-equipped campsites and facilities available, spending a night under the stars is not only an opportunity to connect with nature but also to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ecuador’s capital. From stargazing under the clear sky away from the city lights to waking up to the sound of birdsong, camping at Quito’s Teleferico provides a memorable alternative to traditional hotel stays.
Even though some of the best hotels in Quito with their luxurious accommodations like ours, are awaiting around the skirts of this dormant volcano, for those seeking a more adventurous stay, camping at the city’s Cable Car facilities offers a unique experience in the middle of the Andean wilderness.
The requirements are simple, it’s mandatory that you plan this trip properly, so you don’t miss packing up any of the essentials like food, a sleeping bag, a tent, and warm clothing to withstand a moor-like weather night, also make the staff at the ticket counter aware that you will spend the night up there, and do not make a campfire.
So, for travelers craving a taste of outdoor adventure while visiting one of South America’s most vibrant cities, pitching a tent inside the Cable Car facilities promises an unforgettable experience surrounded by natural beauty at no extra cost.
Make it happen with the Old Town Quito Suites
Top-off your visit by staying at one of the best hotels in Quito!
A journey on the Cable Car in Quito is not just a mere ride up a mountain; it’s an extraordinary gateway to an array of outdoor adventures and breathtaking experiences. From the panoramic vistas that unfold before your eyes to the serene picnics you can have surrounded by the Andean peaks, the Cable Car promises moments of awe and tranquility.
Besides, for the thrill-seekers, there’s hiking, mountain climbing, downhill biking, and even paragliding, each offering a unique perspective of the stunning landscape. For those seeking a more leisurely exploration, horseback riding or camping under the starry sky provide unforgettable moments of connection with nature.
To make the most of your adventure, consider staying at Old Town Quito Suites, where you’ll find comfort and colonial heritage in the heart of the city’s historic charm.
Our friendly staff can help you arrange your cable car experience and other outdoor activities in Quito, even if you came with no plans and want to last-minute organize it, with a carefully tailored and customized itinerary to ensure a seamless and memorable journey through the wonders of Quito.
On your next trip to Ecuador, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure and have an unforgettable exploration of Ecuador’s capital city.
