From anywhere in Quito, you’ll be ableto see the snow-capped peaks of Pinchincha. Take a daytrip to this activevolcano by four-wheel drive and experience stunning views of the Andeanmountain ranges and the valleys below. Adventurous visitors can hike up thevolcano’s eastern slope or take a scenic biking tour around the mountainface.
The legend of Pinchincha lies in thenames of its two peaks, Guagua, which translates from Quechua to mean “child”, and Rucu, which translates to “old person”. These twin peaks, reaching heightsof 4,784 metres (15,696 feet) and 4,698 metres (15,413 feet), cast a mightyshadow over the western half of Quito. Get there via a rugged path to Lloa, a small village thatbegins a trail to the Guagua summit. Hiking enthusiasts can climb on footaccompanied by a guide. This 4-hour hike passes a small refuge just 20minutes from the summit where you’ll find lodging and refreshments.
To conquer Rucu, the inactive volcanopeak, take the 3-hour hiking trail from Cruz Loma. Get to Cruz Loma usingthe TelefériQo (gondola).
From the peaks of Pichincha, experienceviews that stretch to the other summits of the Andes Mountain ranges, all theway to Padre Encantado and Condor Guachana. The active Guagua actually eruptedin 1999, covering Quito with a layer of ash. Despite its dangerous demeanour,this volcano holds dear significance to Ecuadorians, being the site whereAntonio José de Sucre successfully fought the Battle of Pichincha and securedthe territory’s independence from the Spanish colonial army.
Find Pichincha approximately 10kilometres (6.2 miles) west of Quito. Book four-wheel drive tours, guided hikesand mountain bike trips at operators in town. For another challenge, try hikingnearby mountains like Antenas or Condor Guachana. Be sure to prepare for longhikes by packing plenty of water, wearing comfortable footwear and taking yourtime acclimatising to altitude in the mountains.
