Rucu Pichincha

Rucu Pichincha is the rocky summit of the volcano that Quito climbs the flanks of, and the TeleferiQo cable car from the city lifts visitors from about 3,000 to nearly 4,000 metres at Cruz Loma, from which the trail runs along a paramo ridge and up a final scramble of sand and rock to the summit at 4,698 metres, five to six hours round trip. The route is straightforward in good weather but it is a real high-altitude walk, and the city below, spread along its valley with Cotopaxi and Cayambe on the horizon on clear mornings, is the reward. The neighbouring Guagua Pichincha is the active crater, which erupted ash over the city in 1999. Weather turns fast, and afternoon cloud and hail are routine.

What you actually see

• The cable car to four thousand metres - the city lift onto the paramo.
• Quito along its valley - the capital seen from directly above.
• The summit scramble - sand and rock to 4,698 metres.
• Cotopaxi and Cayambe on the horizon - the volcano line on clear mornings.

When to go

June to September for the driest weather, and mornings always; cloud builds by noon. A day. Acclimatise in Quito first; the altitude is serious. Weekends bring many Quito walkers.

Honest expectations

Altitude sickness is common in visitors fresh from sea level. Weather changes fast and hail and lightning happen; start early and turn back at cloud. The final scramble is loose. Robberies were once a problem on the lower trail; go accompanied and check current advice.

Nearby

Quito is below; Guagua Pichincha lies behind the summit.