(4520 masl)
The Enchanted Father or Fraile Encantado is a peak of the Pichincha volcano that is in the middle of the Guagua Pichincha peak and the Ruco Pichincha peak. Its rocky shape is easily scalable by a kind of sand that exists on the western side.
Normally the Enchanted Father is part of the integral circuit of the Pichincha that consists of making the three most significant peaks of the Pichincha volcano: Guagua Pichincha, Padre Encantado and Ruco Pichincha.
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 shelter of the Guagua Pichincha 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 shelter (4500msnm) there are two roads. the first to the left rises to the summit of the Guagua Pichincha vocán. The second option to the right of the refuge, leads us to the peak of the Enchanted Father (2 hours walking).
The three peaks of Guagua Pichincha - Padre Encantado - Ruco Pichincha can be reached in a single day (called an integral 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 along the rim of the crater in a counter-clockwise direction, descending through a stretch of sand towards the peak. Enchanted Father (2 hours). Then get off the peak and continue along the path bordering clockwise the Enchanted Father arriving at the western face 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 cable car to Quito descends to the amusement park ($ 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 Saturday 22 February 2025
Tourism
