Rucu Pichincha Summit
From Quito
Beginner
From 170 USD p.p.
We’ll summit:
- Rucu Pichincha: 4,696m / 15,407ft
If you’re a solo traveler, we can try to match you to another climber.
Our itinerary
Rucu Pichincha Full-Day Summit
“Quito’s closest summit. Climb Rucu Pichincha and see the city from above.”
After the gear check, we head to the Quito cable car for the start of our Rucu Pichincha acclimatization.
From the top station at Cruz Loma (4,050m), we hike up to Rucu Pichincha, a high-altitude peak of 4,696 m / 15,407 ft, that’s ideal for acclimatizing.
The route takes 4 or 6 hours round trip. We’ll walk along nature trails through the high-altitude páramo ecosystem. We’ll advance at a leisurely pace, stopping to take photos and short breaks, while enjoying the views of the city and the Avenue of Volcanoes from various viewpoints.
At the summit of Rucu Pichincha (4,696 m), we take a break, eat box lunch, and enjoy the view of the Andes and the city of Quito (weather permitting).
Group Rate: from 170 USD per person with a minimum of 2 participants.
Solo Traveler Rate: from 240 USD for 1 participant. Alternatively, we can try to match you with another solo traveler for the tour.
Departures are every day of the week.
Important:
Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.
Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.
Although we recommend participants have good fitness for the hike’s and climbs physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.
Please note that when you are a solo traveler and request us to match you with another climber, we cannot guarantee the physical condition or prior experience of your partner, just as we cannot guarantee your conditions and experience to the other climber. As a solo traveler with significant mountain experience and a strong desire to ensure a successful summit, we always advise booking a private tour.
Certified ASEGUIM mountain bilingual guides
Private 4×4 transportation from/to Quito
Box lunch on the mountain
Full technical gear:
- harness, helmet, and rope
Summit certificate
Personal technical clothing (jackets, boots, etc.)
Extra food, snacks and drinks
Quito cable car ticket (Rucu Pichincha day): $10 per person.
Travel or accident insurance
Tips
Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.
Know what equipment is included and what to bring. Check our climbing equipment list before your ascent.
Group Rate: from 170 USD per person with a minimum of 2 participants.
Solo Traveler Rate: from 240 USD for 1 participant. Alternatively, we can try to match you with another solo traveler for the tour.
Departures are every day of the week.
Important:
Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.
Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.
Although we recommend participants have good fitness for the hike’s and climbs physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.
Please note that when you are a solo traveler and request us to match you with another climber, we cannot guarantee the physical condition or prior experience of your partner, just as we cannot guarantee your conditions and experience to the other climber. As a solo traveler with significant mountain experience and a strong desire to ensure a successful summit, we always advise booking a private tour.
Know what equipment is included and what to bring. Check our climbing equipment list before your ascent.
Certified ASEGUIM mountain bilingual guides
Private 4×4 transportation from/to Quito
Box lunch on the mountain
Full technical gear:
- harness, helmet, and rope
Summit certificate
Personal technical clothing (jackets, boots, etc.)
Extra food,snacks and drinks
Quito cable car ticket (Rucu Pichincha day): $10 per person.
Travel or accident insurance
Tips
Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.
Frequently Asked questions
Rucu Pichincha
Q: How difficult is the Rucu Pichincha full-day climb?
This tour is considered beginner – moderate to challenging. You don’t need previous mountain experience, but you do need to be acclimatized to the altitude, as the hike begins near 3,950 meters and the summit is 4,696 meters above sea level. Along the route, you’ll encounter stretches of dirt, loose volcanic sand, and a final section with rocks where you’ll have to climb a little. This last section is safe if you go with a guide, as we use a harness, helmet, and rope.
Q: Do I need previous climbing experience to summit Rucu Pichincha?
No, no previous climbing experience is necessary to reach the summit of Rucu Pichincha. It is a high-altitude hike, not a technical climb. However, the hike is physically demanding due to the altitude (up to 4,696 meters / 15,407 feet) and the final stretch, which involves light rock climbing. You must acclimatize for one or two days in Quito.
Q: What’s the altitude of Rucu Pichincha?
Rucu Pichincha reaches 4,696 meters (15,407 ft) and is used for acclimatization.
Q: What is the best time to climb Rucu Pichincha?
The best time to climb Rucu Pichincha is during the dry season, from June to September. During these months, there’s less rain, clearer skies, and the trail conditions are generally safer and more enjoyable.
Q: How many people are in a group?
This climb is available for small groups with a minimum of two participants. For safety reasons, summit day is guided with a 1:2 guide-to-client ratio.
Q: What happens if we can’t reach the summit?
High-altitude climbing always depends on weather and physical condition. If conditions aren’t safe, the guide may decide to turn back. Your safety is always the top priority.
Q:What happens if I feel affected by the altitude during the hike?
It’s normal to feel a bit tired or short of breath at high altitudes. If you’re affected, we’ll slow down, take breaks, and your guide will monitor how you’re feeling. If symptoms don’t improve, we’ll descend immediately. Your safety and well-being are always our top priority.
Rucu Pichincha Summit
From Quito
beginner
From the Teleférico of Quito to the summit of Rucu Pichincha.
Duration
Full day
Highlights
City & Andes views
Physical level
Difficulty level
per person
Cayambe Summit
From Quito
beginner
Conquer the third-highest peak in Ecuador with incredible views from the top.
Duration
2 days
Highlights
#3 highest peak
Physical level
Difficulty level
per person
Cotopaxi Summit
From Quito
Intermediate
Challenge yourself to reach the top of Ecuador's second-highest volcano.
Duration
2 days
Highlights
#2 highest peak
Physical level
Difficulty level
per person
Chimborazo Summit
From Quito
Advanced
Reach the highest peak in Ecuador and the highest point on Earth from the equator.
Duration
2 days
Highlights
#1 highest peak
Physical level
Difficulty level
per person
