6 Best Hikes and Volcanoes Near Quito
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Quito itself sits at 2,850 meters, and nearly everything on this list goes higher still, so acclimatize in the city for at least a day before attempting any of these, drink more water than feels necessary, and don’t push a summit push on day one.
TelefériQo to Cruz Loma
The cable car itself does the hard work, lifting you from the city’s edge to roughly 4,050 meters at Cruz Loma in about 20 minutes. The short walk around the viewpoint here is easy, but the altitude alone can hit unacclimatized visitors harder than the flat terrain suggests.
Rucu Pichincha summit
Beyond Cruz Loma, the trail continues toward the Rucu Pichincha summit, a genuinely serious high-altitude hike that should not be attempted straight off the plane. Go with a guide if you haven’t spent at least a couple of days adjusting to Quito’s elevation first.
Cotopaxi refuge hike
About 1.5-2 hours from Quito, Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes at 5,897 meters. Most visitors hike or drive to the José Rivas refuge at around 4,864 meters rather than attempting the summit, which requires technical glacier equipment and a certified guide. Access has been affected by periods of elevated volcanic activity in recent years, so check current park status before planning around it.
Quilotoa crater rim
Roughly 3 hours from Quito and sitting near 3,900 meters, the Quilotoa crater lake has a rim trail with striking turquoise-water views. Treat this as an overnight trip rather than a rushed day hike; the drive alone eats most of a day each way, and the villages along the loop are worth the extra night regardless.
Pululahua crater reserve
Just 30-45 minutes north, near Mitad del Mundo, this reserve sits at a friendlier altitude and offers easier trails around and into the inhabited volcanic crater, a good option if you want scenery without the elevation gain of the other entries here.
Mindo cloud forest trails
About 2 hours northwest, Mindo trades altitude for warmth and greenery, with lower-key trails through cloud forest built around birdwatching and waterfalls rather than summit views. It’s the easiest hiking day on this list on the lungs.
Before you go
Pack layers regardless of which of these you choose; weather at altitude in the Ecuadorian Andes swings fast between sun, wind, and rain, sometimes within the same hour. A local guide is worth the cost for Cotopaxi and Rucu Pichincha specifically, both for route-finding and for reading conditions that change quickly at that elevation. For the easier options, Pululahua and Mindo, a rental car or a day tour both work fine without a specialist guide.
For the day-trip logistics behind several of these, see our Quito day trips guide .