A visit to Quito would not be complete without a trip up the TeleferiQo. In 2005 Quito added a cable-car to its range of attractions and its one of the best in South America. Visible from all over Quito the peak of Cruz Loma is now easily assessable and provides a convenient location to appreciate Quito’s spectacular position.
From central Quito a three dollar taxi ride takes you to the base of the TeleferiQo and the brand new VulQano theme park. Containing roller coasters, an ejection seat and go-karting, Quito’s largest permanent amusement park is well worth spending some time in after the TeleferiQo.
The round trip on the TeleferiQo costs four dollars, however at the weekends many people flock to this new attraction and on occasion it may be worth paying the extra three dollars for the express line. Queues can easily be avoided by visiting on a week day, or early in the morning. An early start is also recommended to avoid the inevitable clouds that seem to appear every afternoon in Quito.
The TeleferiQo itself ascends the side of Pichincha Volcano, climbing from just under 3000 metres to the peak of Cruz Loma at an impressive 4100 metres. Throughout the eight to ten minute journey absorbing views of Quito and its’ surrounding countryside are continuously revealed through the cable-car’s glass walls. However the best views await at the summit. From Cruz Loma the spectacular sweeping panoramas of Quito and the Andes are impossible not to be impressed by, and on a clear day it is even possible to see the snow covered volcanic peak of Cotopaxi.
The climb does not have to stop at the TeleferiQo station. For the adventurous it is possible to continue climbing a further 600 metres to the jagged peak of Rucu Pichincha at an imposing 4700 metres. This climb should be taken seriously, allow time to acclimatise to Quito’s altitude before attempting the assent, bring water and wrap up warm. Unfortunately the reward for making the strenuous climb to the summit on most days is a view of a lot of cloud for much of the walk. The enormous sense of achievement when the summit is reached however makes this enjoyable and tiring walk completely worthwhile.
An excursion to the TeleferiQo, including hiking up Rucu Pichincha and a visit to the VulQano amusement park can take an entire day, and there are not many more varied or interesting ways to spend a day in Quito.
