Quito’s TelefériQo-an iconic place

One of the main attractions in Quito is the TelefériQo, with a clever name too. Undoubtedly it offers impressive city views. Quito lays at an elevation of 2,850 m.s.n.m the TeleferiQo reaches an elevation of 3,947 m.s.n.m thus the amazing views, if one is lucky enough to have a clear sky.

We visited the TelefériQo on a Sunday. This was back in August almost as soon as we moved to Quito. It is one of their iconic places, and in August the weather is better than October through March which are the rainy months.

We took a taxi there, and they dropped us off near the boletería-ticket booth, the line was long, coming out of the building. We waited, mainly because the line was ambling but moving along. After 25 minutes we were inside the building and we have been noticing some people going in before us. First it looked as a coincidence and after paying more attention they were going before us.

We made some inquires and found out that they have a fast pass option that nobody told us about, no signs showing this either. All you see are the prices on a board. Immediately we changed lines and got our fast pass.

This was a smart decision because the line after purchasing the tickets was also long. They have an organized system to let people with fast pass but also regular ticket holders. Overall, this was smooth, and the money was worth the time saved. Remember to keep your passes for the return trip as well.

Prices vary between national tourists and foreigners, we had to pay $8.50 per person and $7.00 minors, plus the fast pass was $11.00 USD more per person. The facility is fairly new; it opened back in 2005. The TelefériQo is on the foothills of the Rucu Pichincha volcano. It is a popular place with easy accessibility.

The gondola carries 6 passengers. The trip comprises; departure from the main platform at an elevation of 3,117 m.s.n.m. A ride that takes 18 minutes to arrive at Cruz Loma at an elevation of 3,947 m.s.n.m. Where the city views are spectacular if the weather cooperates.

From here, there is access to some viewpoints call miradores. In a clear day one can see some volcanoes. These could be:

Cayambe at 5,790 m.

Antisana at 5,704 m.

Pasochoa at 4,200 m.

Sincholagua at 4,899 m.

Cotopaxi at 5,897 m.

Rumiñahui at 4,721 m.

Illinizas at 5,248 m.

Corazón at 4,790 m.

Atacazo at 4,457 m.

Chimborazo at 6,268 m.

Again, depending on the weather. As a reference there are fifty-five volcanoes in Ecuador, from which seventeen are very active. Cotopaxi is one of  South America’s active volcano, and they also considered it the most beautiful volcano in the world. Thanks to its perfectly snow-capped symmetrical cone shape. And Chimborazo is the highest volcano in Ecuador. It made it into our list of 6,000 meters and above in The Andes.

 

 

 

Also, this is the starting point for many people who wish to hike to the summits of Guagua and Rucu Pichincha volcanoes. And, they also have other outdoor activities. There is rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, para-gliding, and camping. For details on these visit their web page teleferico.com.ec

 

 

 

 

There is a small coffee shop and two other shops selling food and small souvenirs.

We wanted to visit the place and see how it looked like; we weren’t disappointed and now we are familiar with all the different options available. We had a good day but at that elevation it gets cold. They recommend bringing a jacket, and other accessories as gloves, and hats.

I would like to come back on a very clear day and observe some volcanoes that is what Quito is all about. Alexander Von Humboldt who traveled around South America in the eighteenth century. He coined-the now popular phrase- “Avenue of the Volcanoes.” Regarding to the seven high, snow-capped peaks at over 17,000 feet high, running 200 miles south of Quito, along The Andes.

 

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