Teleferico Quito

Adventure On The Teleferico In Quito

Teleferico Quito
Teleferico Quito

The Teleferico (TelefériQo)—a cable car that carries you up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano—offers one of the best ways to take in Ecuador’s stunning capital from above. Learn what makes this tourist destination unique and why so many love to visit.

Where Is Teleferico & How To Get There?

Teleferico Quito—often called TeleferiQo—is located at Fulgencio Araujo, y, Quito 170527, Ecuador. If you need more information, you can reach out by:

Getting There

  • Drive Yourself: If you’re comfortable navigating Quito’s roads, you’ll find on-site parking at the base station.
  • Taxi or Rideshares (Uber/Cabify): These are the quickest options if you’d rather not drive. Just plug “Teleferico Quito” into your destination.
  • Public Transportation: Routes can change, so if you prefer taking the bus, it’s best to ask your hotel or a local guide for up-to-date details.

Once you arrive, prepare for a scenic cable car ride that whisks you high above the city. It is a perfect spot to soak in panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding Andean landscape.

How Much  Does Teleferico Cost?

A large mural depicting Mother Earth inside of the building at Teleferico in Quito.
Mother Earth mural at Teleferico.

Ticket prices at TelefériQo Quito depend on your age and whether you’re an Ecuadorian resident (with valid ID) or a foreign visitor. Below is a concise breakdown of the most common options, drawn from the latest information on their official website:

Operating Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Last pass sold at 5:00 p.m. (return trip must be completed by 6:00 p.m.)
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Last pass sold at 5:00 p.m. (return trip must be completed by 6:00 p.m.)
  • Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    • Last ticket sold at 5:30 p.m. (return trip must be completed by 7:00 p.m.)

Tip: The descent takes about 18 minutes, so plan accordingly to avoid missing the final cable car down.

Ticket Prices

Local Promotional Rates (Applies to Ecuadorian citizens with Valid ID)

  • Minors (under 18): $3.25
  • Adults: $5.25
  • Seniors (60+): $2.50
  • Visitors with Disabilities: $2.50

Standard Single Rates (For international Visitors or Those Without an Ecuadorian ID)

  • Minors (under 18): $7.00
  • Adults: $9.00
  • Seniors (60+): $6.50
  • Visitors with Disabilities: $6.50

Note: Children are permitted from 18 months of age and older.

Special Options

  • Bike Transport (Uphill Only): $5.25
  • Bike Transport (All Day): $9.00
  • Locker Rental: $2.00
  • Pets Taller than 30cm: $5.00

These rates are valid year-round but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, it is best to call ahead or visit in person.

Teleferico Google Reviews

“If you visit Quito, you MUST come here and at least do a small hike up to the swings. The gondolas are like any other gondolas you can find worldwide. They are maintained fairly well. Views are fantastic. As they state on the info boards, it takes about 30 minutes to get up to the top. Bring a jacket and maybe a hat. I recommend going in the morning (noon at the latest) to hit good weather. We felt safe the entire time we were there.”

“The most beautiful experience! You can spend a whole afternoon up there. Going earlier in the morning or mid afternoon before the clouds settle in is recommended. Great scenery on the way up and you can hike further up once you reach the top. Altitude sickness is real pace, please yourself when hiking the trail. Once I finished hiking, I made some friends at the top and took some photos with Llamas!✨ and settled in the cafe and happily indulged in a coffee, chicken empanada and cheesecake. (Bring some tums just in case 😊). The whole experience I spent 3-4 hours here Unfortunately going down the day completely set in. Still a chill ride down. Wow!!!✨”

“Seamless ticketing and boarding experience, the staff keep the lines moving at a good pace. The cable car was clean and felt safe. The views were awesome in all directions, looking up to the mountain and down to the city, passed lots of animals and various vegetation along the way which added to the experience. Unfortunately the time we went was a little cloudy, so we couldn’t get the grand view from the last bit to the top. However it was good even passing through the clouds. Take a sweater as it gets a bit chilly.”

Riding The Cable Car & Exploring The Top

A view of Quito from the top of Teleferico.
A view of Quito from Teleferico.

One of the best parts about visiting Teleferico Quito is how safe and comfortable the cable car ride feels—even at such a high altitude. The windows offer spectacular panoramic views of the city below, making it a perfect photo opportunity from the moment you step on board.

I’ve had the chance to visit twice, and each trip felt like a completely different experience. On my first visit, I enjoyed all the classic tourist highlights: soaking in the views and trying out the famous swing on the mountain’s edge. During my second trip, I focused on hiking and discovered there’s much more to do up there than you might realize.

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some of the main activities available at the top:

  • Downhill Mountain Biking
  • Paragliding
  • Horseback Riding
  • Camping
  • Hiking

You’ll also spot opportunities for taking photos with adorable alpacas or llamas (depending on the day), and the swing remains a must-try for anyone craving a little adrenaline rush. With so much to see and do, it’s worth planning extra time to explore every angle of this high-altitude playground!

Hiking Rucu Pichincha (Volcano)

Long grass with a view of Rucu Pichincha in the background.
A view of Rucu Pichincha.

Rising just beyond the top station of the Teleferico, Rucu Pichincha is one of the most popular day hikes in the region. While you can glimpse the peak from the viewing platforms, it’s even more impressive if you venture onto the trail. Below are some general pointers to keep in mind:

  • Altitude & Acclimatization: The trail starts around 3,945 meters (12,940 ft) and goes up to around 4,698 meters (15,413 ft). Give yourself time to adjust to the thin air and stay hydrated.
  • Difficulty: It’s considered a moderate-to-difficult hike, especially near the summit, where some scramble over rocky terrain.
  • Gear & Preparation: Bring layers for sudden weather changes—temperatures can drop quickly at high elevations. Comfortable hiking shoes, snacks, and plenty of water are also musts.
  • Timing: The ascent typically takes a few hours, depending on your fitness level and acclimatization. Plan to start early to avoid midday clouds or afternoon storms.

Hiking Rucu Pichincha is an unforgettable experience if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. The views of Quito—and beyond—make the trek well worth the effort. 

Would I Recommend Teleferico?

Yes absolutely! Whether visiting Quito for just a few days or settling in for a more extended stay, Teleferico is a must on any itinerary. From the breathtaking views and exhilarating swing to the nearby hiking trails, it’s a solid day trip that offers a fantastic taste of the city’s high-altitude adventure!

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