(4794 masl, free)
The Guagua Pichincha volcano (Guagua = boy) is one of the two largest peaks of the Pichincha volcano, located west of Quito. It is an active volcano with a large crater and its last eruption was in 1999 when it formed a huge giant fungus that covered the city of Quito with more than 2mm of volcanic ash. From the edge of the crater on clear days you can see fumaroles in the crater. However, descending into the crater is prohibited as it is unsafe.
Walking these trails is free. However, there are tours of the integral circuit ($ 55, 12 hours) which include transportation to and from the lodge and the tour guide. Also, there are paid tours that from the shelter (4500 masl) deliver bicycles to tourists, who descend to the slopes of the volcano. It is advisable to bring plenty of water, food, trekking shoes, sunscreen, goggles and thermal clothing as the temperature can descend a few degrees below zero in the vicinity of the summit.
FROM THE COMMUNITY OF LLOA:
To reach the volcano, it is necessary to climb 14Km from the community of LLOA to the refuge of the volcano. It can be done on foot by a third order path (6 hours) or in a 4WD (30min). You can also rent a van-taxi from LLOA ($ 20, 30 min). Some ride a bicycle (3 hours). However, the route is very difficult and you have to endure the continuous passage of cars that leave dust behind.
Once in the refuge (4500msnm), you climb on foot to the virgin of the volcano where you will see a cross on the top. From there you can continue along the edge of the crater of the volcano in an anti-clockwise direction to the summit of Guagua Pichincha. Once at the summit, you can return to the refuge or continue along the rim of the crater in an anti-clockwise direction and descend through a sandy area towards the next peak called Padre Encantado (2 hours walking).
The three peaks of Guagua Pichincha - Padre Encantado - Ruco Pichincha can be reached in a single day (called an integrated circuit). To do this, you have to leave LLOA very early either on foot or by taxi-van, after arriving at the refuge, make the summit of Guagua Pichincha and continue in a counter-clockwise direction down a sandy path towards the Padre Encantado peak (2 hours) ). Then descend from the peak and continue along the path, skirting clockwise the enchanted Father arriving west of Ruco Pichincha (2 hours). Finally, from Ruco Pichincha descend the well-marked path to Cruz Loma (2 hours) where the Quito cable car is located. The Quito cable car descends to Quito for ($ 5) and is open until 6pm.
Corone the three peaks lasts between 10 to 12 hours and it is only recommended to do it if you have good physical condition especially if you walk from LLOA. The help of a guide is recommended especially if you do not know anything about the route as the weather conditions can change suddenly and the fog makes it difficult to locate the trails. The three peaks have no snow and no special equipment is required to upload them. However, on very cold nights the peaks rise with a thin layer of snow which can make rocks slippery.
Cascada río Pita Thursday 06 February 2025
Tourism
