Hiking Pichincha Volcano

From our apartment we had to walk one block to the bus stop on Ave. Colon. The bus we took was La Comun number 131A.  After the going through a small tunnel just past Ave. Occidental we got off the bus walked across the street and took the bus to the bottom of the gondola.  Since I am over 65 and a resident cost was $2.50 to ride to the top and back down.  The bus ride was $.25 one way.  Not bad $3.00 for a fun day.

Going to the top of Pichincha Volcano

Quito’s Skyrail named in 2005 as the Teleférico, is the highest in South America. Starts at 2.950 m.a.s.l. and ends at 4.050 (13.2874 ft) m.a.s.l. It reaches the top of Cruz Loma, adjacent to the Pichincha volcano.  The moor of Pichincha volcano, at the top of Cruz Loma, offers a spectacular view of the whole city of Quito. If the weather is good can be seen some main elevations of the Andes mountain chain such as: Cayambe, Antisana, Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, Rumiñahui and the list goes on. Besides the beautiful view offered here is the Andean landscape, the cold wilderness with almost straight, flat road to the summit of Rucu Pichincha, Pichincha most visible elevation from Quito.

Nearby volcanoes

Quito's closest volcano is Pichincha, looming over the western side of the city. Quito is also the only capital in the world to be directly menaced by an active volcano.^[8] Pichincha volcano has several summits, among them Ruku Pichincha at 4,700 metres above sea level and Wawa Pichincha at 4,794 metres. Wawa Pichincha is active and being monitored by volcanologists at the geophysical institute of the national polytechnic university. The largest eruption occurred in 1660 when more than 25 centimetres (10 in) of ash covered the city.^[9] There were three minor eruptions in the 19th century. The latest eruption was recorded on October 5, 1999, when a few puffs of smoke and a large amount of ash were deposited on the city.^[10]

Gondola with Bike Rack.  Anyone want to ride half a day down Pichincha???  Sweet!!!!! Notice the person in the gondola mopping it out before we got in!

On our way to the top

We made it!!!  Sometimes things like that are questionable.

It was a clear day and we were able to see a number of volcanos in the distance.  This one is Cotopaxi and has been erupting for a couple of months.

The Eucalyptus trees are taking over the hills around the city.  Finally some native vegetation!!!

Ready to hike!!  I'm glad I brought my hiking clothes.

Pichincha!!

We got lost and had to ask directions while the horses took a breather.

I wanted to take a horse to the top but mom thought it would be better to hike.

Had to take a picture of these beautiful lupins!  Reminded mom of PEI.

View of Quito

Different plants!  About the size of a quarter.

We didn't take time to worship but didn't see anyone else stop either!

Interesting bark!

Beautiful Hiker!!  Couldn't resist taking a picture.

Communication towers.  They paint all the concrete they use at the bases white so that it looks like snow from a distance.

Neat vegetation!!

Hillsides are pretty steep!!  I think the trail up Pichincha is the steepest yet!  Mom couldn't breathe so we had to turn back.  We were up 14.000 feet, the highest we've ever been!!

Quito! again.

Beautiful buildings but empty!!  They thought they could make a great attraction.

Famous Ecuadorian artist.  Yuck!!  These kinds of pictures are all over.

Feather painting!  Told they were hand painted but probably stenciled.

Quito from bottom of lift!

The bus we took to the teleferico.  Notice lawn chair of driver.  The young man in the dark sweater takes your money when you get on the bus.  The man in the orange vest comes on and checks the bus driver's timing record and also comes down the isle and checks all our tickets to make sure we have paid our whopping 25 cents!!