Visiting TelefériQo Cable Car in Quito: Cost, What To Do and Helpful Tips

How Do You Get To The TelefériQo In Quito?

Taxi drivers know the TelefériQo, so you can hail a cab from Quito's old town. Ask your hotel to arrange transportation or flag one down on the street. To save more, take any bus along Av. Occidental, get off near Vulqano Park, and walk about 15 minutes to the base.

Getting to the TelefériQo was super easy for us! Since it’s such a popular spot, every taxi driver knows exactly where to go. We just hailed a cab from Quito’s old town, and it only cost us $3. You can also ask your hotel to arrange transportation, but honestly, just flagging one down on the street is quick and straightforward. It’s definitely one of the simplest and most budget-friendly ways to get there!

If you’re looking to save even more on transportation, you can also take a bus! Any bus that runs along Av. Occidental will get you close. The closest stop drops you off near Vulqano Park, which is only about a 15-minute walk to the base of the TelefériQo. We opted for a taxi for convenience, but if you’re up for a little stroll, the bus is a great budget option!

How Much Does The TelefériQo Cable Car Cost?

The official price for foreign adults is $9 per person, and $7 for minors under 18. Check current prices on the official website before you go, since prices can change. Keep your gondola ticket, because you will need it again on the way down. Guided tours can be booked, sometimes cheaper than offers from locals.

From the operator's site; its FAQ page shows slightly different hours, so check before you go.

The cost for international tourists was $8.5 per person when we visited in 2022, and in 2026 the official price for foreign adults is $9 per person ($7 for minors under 18), but make sure to check the current price on the official website. Make sure to keep your gondola ticker as you will need it on the way down. You can also get one of these guide tours (it’s cheaper price than we were offered in Ecuador from locals lol):

What Is The TelefériQo Cable Car Experience Like?

The enclosed gondola has windows on all sides and benches, and feels similar to a ski lift. The top station stands at almost 4,000 meters, where it is much colder and the altitude can cause light-headedness. The building at the top has small gift shops, eateries, and extra oxygen pumped in to help with the thinner air.

El TelefériQo really reminded me of a ski lift. The enclosed gondola has windows on all sides and benches to sit on, each one securely attached to a sturdy metal cable. As we ascended, I felt that gentle sway as we glided higher and higher, which was a unique experience in itself.

Once we reached the peak, which stands at almost 4,000 meters (about 12,950 feet), the change was immediate — it was much colder, and I felt a bit light-headed from the altitude. There’s a building at the top with some small gift shops and a few eateries. I noticed they pump extra oxygen into the structure to help with the thinner air up there, which was definitely appreciated. If you’re planning this trip, I’d suggest taking ChlorOxygen a couple of weeks in advance to help acclimate to the altitude. Trust me, it makes a difference!

What Can You See When You Get Off The TelefériQo?

On a clear day there are views of Antisana, Illinizas, Corazón, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cayambe, with Vulqano Park below. You can hike to Rucu Pichincha's peak, a moderately difficult five-hour round trip; start before 11 a.m. and check fog conditions. Horseback riding and mountain biking are available, and the swing Columpio en las Nubes can get crowded.

Stepping out of the cable car was like entering another world — swirling clouds wrapped around us, making it feel like we were standing on the edge of the sky. The summit of the volcano isn’t just a stunning natural wonder; it’s an adventure playground. We were incredibly lucky to have a clear day when we visited. It felt like we were on top of the world, with breathtaking views of Antisana, Illinizas, Corazón, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cayambe in the distance. We could even spot Vulcano Park far below.

For those feeling more adventurous, there’s also the option to hike to the peak of Rucu Pichincha. It’s about a five-hour round trip, but a word of advice — always check the fog conditions and start your hike before 11 a.m. to avoid getting caught in the afternoon mist.

The trail is rated as moderately difficult.

Might be best to book this free walking tour with a local guide who leads all the way to the peak of Rucu Pichincha.

We were not able to do some photo ops at the Columpio en las Nubes — a side-by-side swing on top. It was way too crowdy.

We took a stroll through the lush foliage, following pathways and trails past rugged cliffs and steep slopes.

Mountain biking and horseback riding can be also enjoyed in the area.

We couldn’t resist the chance to ride horses while we were up there. For just $5 each, we enjoyed a 25-minute ride. Our guide was super friendly and made sure we were comfortable with our horses. After a short guided walk and plenty of picture-taking, we decided to explore more on foot. The scenery was just too beautiful to pass up, and walking around gave us even more time to soak in those panoramic views.

How Do You Get Back Down From The TelefériQo?

Keep your ticket from the ride up, because you need it to board the gondola again. At the base, taxis are usually near the entrance by Vulqano Park, but be prepared to wait or flag one down. A shuttle back to hotels runs every hour, and ride-hailing apps may work closer to the city.

When it’s time to head back down, make sure you’ve kept your ticket from the ride up. You’ll need it to board the gondola again.

Once you reach the base, you’ll likely want to grab a taxi for a comfortable ride back to town. After walking down to the entrance near Vulqano Park, taxis can usually be found if someone has just been dropped off. But just in case, be prepared to wait a bit, or try to flag one down as they pass by.

In our case, we opted for the shuttle back to our hotel, which conveniently ran every hour. The area around Teleférico is somewhat remote, so we didn’t see many taxis waiting around. However, you might be able to catch one that just dropped off other visitors if it’s not too late in the day.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also walk a bit farther down the mountain and try your luck. Alternatively, once you get closer to the city, using a ride-hailing app might yield better results.

What Should You Bring To The TelefériQo?

Pack waterproof and warm clothing, since it is colder at the top. Bring refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste, sturdy hiking shoes for a comfortable walk, sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light, and sunscreen for skin protection. The altitude at Cruz Loma is almost 4,000 meters, so preparation matters for a comfortable visit.

For a comfortable visit to El TelefériQo, make sure you pack the following items before your trip:

Waterproof and warm clothing

• Refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste
• Sturdy hiking shoes for a comfortable walk
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes in case of too much brightness
• Sunscreen for your skin protection

Is The TelefériQo Worth Visiting In Quito?

The TelefériQo is a must-see spot in Quito and should top your list of places to visit in the city. If you are spending a few days there, add this experience to your itinerary. Without Spanish knowledge and worried about exploring alone, consider booking one of the guided tours available.

Overall, our visit to El TelefériQo was absolutely worth it! It’s definitely a must-see spot if you’re exploring Quito. If you’re planning to spend a few days in the city, I highly recommend adding this experience to your itinerary. The breathtaking views and unique adventure make it a highlight you won’t want to miss. Once again, if you don’t have Spanish knowledge, and worried to explore on your own, just get one of these tours below:

El TelefériQo should be on top of your list of places to visit in Quito.