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ECUADOR | Quito, Ecuador Travel Guide
Friday, April 19, 2024
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Near Quito
Pasochoa Reserve
Less than an hour southeast of Quito, is a wonderful retreat within the nearest intact Andean humid forest reserve. Administered by one of Ecuador’s most prominent conservation organizations, Fundación Natura, Pasochoa offers hiking opportunities at various levels of physical activity and a diverse range of interests for the birder and general nature enthusiast. Numerous trails offer hikes from 30 minutes to eight hours in length. One trail reaches the summit of Pasochoa and takes about six hours to complete.
Pichincha Volcano
Just west of Quito is Volcán Pichincha, the site of the historic battle that freed Ecuador from the clutches of Spain. It offers great views and a relatively strenuous, though not technically difficult, climb. Unfortunately, it has also been the site of attacks by thieves and armed bandits, so do not go alone.
Although Pichincha is still active and has recently dropped ash on Quito, experts do not expect any activity from it that would threaten Quito in the near future. The volcano has two climbable summits. Gaugua Pichincha, at 15,369 feet, is the lower of the two (but it’s also the active one). Nevertheless, it does offer some spectacular views. To get there, take a taxi west out of Quito to the upper reaches of the city and start climbing via Cruz Loma. Allow about seven hours for the climb. Keep in mind that these poor suburbs can be dangerous..
The higher summit, Rucu Pichincha, at 15,676 feet, is the dormant cone and a bit farther away than its sister. Your best bet is to catch a taxi to the quaint village of Lloa. From the main plaza facing the volcano, follow the sign-posted road to the summit. It takes about eight hours to get to the refuge, where you can sleep and obtain water. Bring a sleeping bag and ask the caretaker if he will share his cooking facilities. The summit hike from the refugio is short, but the descent back to Lloa, which takes about three hours, is steep and strenuous. Once you are back on the main road in Lloa, walk down until you reach a fork. Wait for a truck to the outskirts of Quito, and catch a taxi from there.
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