How to get Pasochoa hiking daytrip from Quito

                                                (4210 MSL, 500 hectares, 12.5Km hiking, 8 house walking, FREE)
The "Pasochoa" is an inactive volcano with a huge crater where a well preserved forest has grown. This forest is a sanctuary for wildlife and is part of the Ecuadorian protected areas. There are some animals and flowers you can only find in this area.

This is a perfect daytrip from Quito for nature lovers and hikers. There is a parking area with ranger who would register all visitors. There is a basic infrastructure with toilets, camping area, BBQ area, and a small snack bar. The main attractions are the 6 pathways for hiking (all levels).

HIKING PASOCHOA:
There are six pathways, first five pathways are from 30 min to 4 hours which cover the nearby protected forest. There is a wet forest with native animals and flowers. All these pathways are well marked and easy to follow. The last and longest pathway is the one to Pasochoa summit (4210 MSL). This is high demanding and a guide is recommended because because fog and rain can suddenly appear. 

1 Colibri pathway (1Km, 30 min)
2 Nature pathway (1Km, 30 min)
3 Forest pathway (2Km, 1 hour)
4 Mayguayaou pathway (3.5Km, 2 hours)
5 "Palma de Cera" pathway (8Km, 4 hours) there you can camp at the highest point of the pathway.
6 "Los Pantzas" pathway (volcano summit) (12.5Km, 8 hours)

Weather in Pasochoa:
The temperature in the lowest parts are between 10 to 15 Celsius. However, if you want to reach the summit of Pasochoa, the temperature is around 3 to 9 Celsius above 3500MSL. It is a good idea to get waterproof clothes and extra clothes in case you get wet. Also bring enough water and food. Weather above 3000MSL can change suddenly and fog and rain can make your pathway difficult to follow.

                                        

                                                        BY BUS:
You can take a bus from Quito to Amaguaña ($0.4, 1 hour) from "Playon de la Marin" in Quito old city. The buses are green and have a front sign with the name "Amaguaña". The bus drops you in Amaguaña city and then you can take a van-taxi ($7, 30 min) there is a 6Km third order road and a big car is recommended.

BY TAXI:
A taxi from Quito will cost around $25, 75 min. However, the last 30 min is a third order road and a big car is recommended.
                                                        
                                                    

Around

Tourism

Web page

http://areasprotegidas.ambiente.gob.ec/es/areas-protegidas/refugio-de-vida-silvestre-pasochoa

Phone

+593998945704

                                                                8am - 5pm