The TelefériQo is Quito’s cable car: an 18–20 minute gondola ride from about 3,117 m at the base station to Cruz Loma at 3,945 m (12,943 ft) on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano. As of 2026, tickets cost about $9 for foreign adults and about $5.25 with an Ecuadorian ID. Go in the morning for the clearest views, and ride it after 1–2 days in Quito.
We send guests up the TelefériQo almost every day from our hostel in the Old Town, so this guide covers what people actually ask us at reception: prices, hours, how to get there, how to handle the altitude, and whether the Rucu Pichincha hike is worth it.
Quick answer: TelefériQo Quito essentials
- Price (as of 2026): about $9 for foreign adults, $7 for under-18s, $6.50 for seniors; about $5.25 with an Ecuadorian ID.
- Hours: Mon–Thu 10am–6pm, Fri 8am–6pm, Sat–Sun 8am–7pm.
- Ride: about 18–20 minutes each way, from 3,117 m to 3,945 m.
- Getting there: taxi from the Old Town, about $5 and 15–20 minutes.
- Best time: morning, before clouds build up over the mountain.
- Altitude: the top is higher than most travelers have ever been, so give yourself 1–2 days in Quito first.
How much does the TelefériQo cost in 2026?
There are two price lists: one for foreign visitors and a lower one for anyone with an Ecuadorian ID (cédula). Prices below are round-trip tickets as of 2026 and are approximate, so treat them as a guide rather than a guarantee.
| Ticket type | Round-trip price (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Foreign adult | about $9 |
| Foreign visitor under 18 | about $7 |
| Foreign senior | about $6.50 |
| With Ecuadorian ID (cédula) | about $5.25 |
Prices in USD, as of September 2026.
Even on a tight budget, this is one of the best-value views in the city.
What are the TelefériQo opening hours?
Hours change by day of the week, and ticket sales close before the last gondola, so don’t cut it fine in the afternoon.
| Day | Opening hours (2026) | Last tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 10:00am–6:00pm | around 5:00pm |
| Friday | 8:00am–6:00pm | around 5:00pm |
| Saturday–Sunday | 8:00am–7:00pm | around 5:30pm |
Weekends open two hours earlier than Monday to Thursday, which makes Friday, Saturday and Sunday the easiest days for an early start or for the Rucu Pichincha hike.
How do you get to the TelefériQo from the Old Town?
The simplest way is a taxi. From the Old Town it takes about 15–20 minutes and costs about $5. The base station sits on the lower slopes of Pichincha, above the city, so walking there from the historic center isn’t practical.
- Taxi app: Uber, Cabify or InDrive work well and show the price up front.
- Street taxi: use a registered taxi and make sure the meter is running or agree on the price before you get in.
- Coming back: order another app ride from the base station when you’re done.
For a full overview of buses, the Metro and taxis in the city, see our Quito transport guide.
Starting from the Old Town? Community Hostel Quito is in the Centro Histórico, a short taxi ride from the TelefériQo. Our rooftop serves breakfast from 7:30am every day, so you can eat, grab a jacket and be at the base station when it opens at 8am on weekends.
Is the altitude at the top a problem?
It can be. Quito already sits at about 2,850 m (around 9,350 ft). The top of the TelefériQo, Cruz Loma, is 3,945 m (12,943 ft), and you gain that height in under 20 minutes without any time to adjust.
Our advice:
- Wait 1–2 days. Don’t ride it the day you land. Spend a day or two in Quito first so your body starts adjusting.
- Move slowly at the top. Short walks are fine; rushing uphill is where people feel it.
- Drink water and skip the alcohol the night before.
- Head down if you feel unwell. A headache, dizziness or nausea that gets worse is a signal to take the next gondola back.
Our guide to altitude sickness in Quito covers symptoms and prevention in more detail.
What is the best time of day to go?
Go in the morning. Views from Cruz Loma are usually clearest early in the day, and clouds tend to roll in over the mountain later on. On a clear morning you look straight down over Quito, which stretches north to south along the valley below you.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can ride from 8am; Monday to Thursday you have to wait until 10am. Weather also matters by season: June to mid-September is Quito’s dry season, while March and April are the wettest months. Our best time to visit Quito guide breaks this down month by month.
Can you hike Rucu Pichincha from the TelefériQo?
Yes. The TelefériQo is the usual starting point for Rucu Pichincha, a 4,696 m (15,407 ft) summit. From Cruz Loma it’s about 4 km each way, and the round trip takes around 4–6 hours. The last stretch is loose sand followed by a rocky scramble to the top.
Rucu Pichincha safety advice
- Acclimatize first. This is a serious altitude hike, so do it after several days in Quito, not on your first morning up the cable car.
- Don’t go alone. Hike with a partner or a guide.
- Start early. Take one of the first gondolas so you have plenty of time and better weather.
- Turn back in fog. Visibility can drop quickly, and the upper trail is easy to lose. If fog rolls in, head down.
- Know your limit. The scramble is the hardest part; there’s no shame in stopping before it.
If you’d rather go with a guide, our sister agency Community Adventures Ecuador runs day tours around Quito. Hikers with less time can simply walk the trails near Cruz Loma for an hour or two and still get the views.
What should you bring?
The top of the TelefériQo is much colder and windier than the city, even when it feels warm in the Old Town. Pack:
- Warm layers: a fleece or sweater plus a windproof jacket.
- Rain jacket: especially outside the June–September dry season.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: the sun is strong at this altitude.
- Water and a snack: essential if you plan to walk or hike.
- Proper shoes: sneakers are fine for short walks; hiking boots for Rucu Pichincha.
- ID: Ecuadorian residents need their cédula for the local price.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the TelefériQo ride take?
The gondola ride takes about 18–20 minutes each way. Plan at least two to three hours for the whole visit, including the taxi from the Old Town, time at Cruz Loma and a short walk. If you’re hiking Rucu Pichincha, allow most of the day.
Is the TelefériQo worth it?
Yes, on a clear day. For about $9 you get one of the widest views of Quito and the surrounding mountains, plus easy access to walking trails at almost 4,000 m. Go in the morning, and skip it if the mountain is covered in cloud.
When should I ride the TelefériQo after arriving in Quito?
Wait one to two days. The top is 3,945 m (12,943 ft), and the ride gains nearly 1,100 m above Quito in under 20 minutes. A day or two in the city first makes headaches and breathlessness much less likely.
Can I hike Rucu Pichincha without a guide?
Some experienced, acclimatized hikers do, but never go alone. Hike with a partner or a guide, start early, and turn back if fog rolls in. The final section is loose sand and a rocky scramble at over 4,600 m.
How much is a taxi from the Old Town to the TelefériQo?
About $5, and the ride takes 15–20 minutes. Use a taxi app like Uber, Cabify or InDrive, or a registered taxi with the meter running. Order another app ride for the trip back down to the city.