Guagua Pichincha Trek 4.785 m / 15,694 ft

The most accessible mountain from Quito with mesmerizing views of its cauldron

DURATION 1 day

DIFFICULTY Moderate

TRIP OVERVIEW

Guagua - Quichua for baby - is one of the three major peaks that make up the Pichincha massif. Located 20 km West of Quito, it is normally snow free but an occasional high-altitude storm will cover the mountain with a layer of snow.

In the past it was possible to descend into the crater of the volcano. You could watch the fumaroles and superheated water rising from its vents.

Our Volcanoes expedition (which includes Pichincha) is also available for those looking for a longer program https://www.andeanface.com/tour/volcanoes-expedition/

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: Open

Pre-requisites: Acceptable physical condition

Difficulty Levels: Moderate
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out

Activity: Trekking / Wildlife & Natural History

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: Trekking Excursions Gear List
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ITINERARY

Guagua Pichincha is a good second acclimatisation hike. We drive up to 4.000 m / 13,120 ft to a small valley from where we start the hike to the summit.

It is quite an arduous walk and normally takes three hours up and one hour down. On a clear day you have a beautiful view of the so-called "Avenue of the Volcanoes", including Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana.

 

DAY
01

Trek to the Summit of Guagua Pichincha

  • Pick up at Quito at around 7:30
  • Travel for 2 hours to the slopes of Pichincha
  • 3 hour hike to the summit
  • Box lunch
  • 1 hour down to the vehicle
  • Back at Quito by 16:00

Activity: 3 hours climbing up / 1 hours descending

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Box Lunch

Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The nearest volcano to Quito
  • Amazing views of the city
  • Chance to see the active fumaroles inside the crater
  • The most accessible mountain from Quito
  • Just 1 1/2 hours away from the Old Colonial Town of Quito
  • All year round climbing

MAP

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COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

We have designed these hikes after being exploring and trekking in Ecuador for over 20 years. We don’t just offer the classic trekking routes; we have a comprehensive range of hiking excursions that take you to explore the hidden corners of the northern Andes of Ecuador, offering you off-the-beaten-path experiences, hikes that discover forgotten trails, and stunning natural sights. Each single excursion can be part of a multiple day tailor made program.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Hiking and a bit of scrambling at the end

Terrain

Part of the hike is along an old dirth road, from the refuge on we follow a trail up to the edge of the crater and the summit

Travel

We travel to Guagua Pichincha by jeep, crossing the city towards the south and then taking the road to the small town of Lloa, where the dirt road begins the climb up the slopes of Pichincha

Weather

The earlier we can reach the summit the better views we can get

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

We suggest the following hike and two Culture & Relax tours to complete your trip in Ecuador.

Papallacta Hot Springs

Relax and enjoy these hot springs with magnificent views of…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

3.220 m / 10,562 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Quito City Tour

Explore the hidden treasures that earned it the declaration as…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

Difficulty

Easy
Pasochoa Trek

A great trek with a view of the pristine forest…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.200 m / 13,776 ft

Difficulty

Easy