We have been told to set half a day aside to see the volcano as we set out on our excursion to the Teleferico Volcan Pichincha.

Getting There

So from our Inn accommodation in Quito, we grab warm clothes, food, and water and head out for a cab. There is no bus to this place as we discover so it costs $8 each in the taxi-cab which is pretty good.

Teleferico Volcan Pichincha

Riding the Teleferico Volcan Pichincha is safe and easy and the capsules are fully enclosed.

On arriving ‘at the top’ we are ‘talked into’ a very fake but fun Photoshop print. But the guy is super nice. He does do better shots than what we purchased, and maybe I should have said I didn’t like it but we purchase it anyway. I think the fact that he puts it on my memory card for free enticed us. So even though it is a really fake print, I still would recommend his service.

Breathing Issues

As soon as we arrive at the top station of Teleferico Volcan Pichincha, we discover that it is harder to breathe. It is over 14,000 feet, and as we walk around we have to stop a lot.

All Alone

The clouds roll in, and there is no way we will make it to the top. No one else is interested in going with us. I will not go alone.

There are many businesses but all with no customers in the area immediately around the Teleferico Volcan Pichincha – I image they are filled on weekends. This hut is a good spot for a snack, and some water. We’re told to suck on lollies/sweets/candy when we are in high altitude to assist us.

Church On The Volcano

You might find this an odd place to worship but up here there is even a church. Marriages and funerals I believe, but also a place to worship and enjoy the stillness.

Heading to the small church, we take a rest and have a laugh. Posing for photos is also fun, but, oh my butt is cold on that pavement!

The church is deserted inside like the rest of everything else up here, and we take a peek anyway.

Wildflowers and Wildlife

There are some wonderful wildflowers up there away from the Teleferico Volcan Pichincha station. Red, orange, yellow, blue and purple is just some of the colors we see. It’s well worth a small walk to see them, even if it is cold.

Games And Volcano Fun

Explorason sits and just decides we won’t walk any further as it is too hard to breathe. He then slides down the side for one last bit of fun and heads back toward the cafe.

We cross a small creek with a swinging bridge that goes to a picnic area. It is quite pretty, and so peaceful here.

Hang gliding and Parachuting

But what was amazing was this site! As he glides in his bag, you can almost feel this parachutist would be a bird. He disappears and we wonder where he lands.

Café Time

We enjoy some snacks at the café and a good rest back at theTeleferico Volcan Pichincha station.

I loved the cheese-filled pastries as they are so yummy and hot. My son loved his hot chocolate – prior to him knocking it over that is, but thank goodness there is time for another.

Fashion And Function

How about this? My, did we crack up at some of the fashion we saw up there in the Teleferico Volcan Pichincha café?  I’m not sure about the practicality of these shoes as obviously, she was just there for a lunch date and not a mountain walk. We do find that with Instagram and travel going hand in hand these days that we see a lot more people in natural settings dressed like models.

A Happy End

So, we head back – very happy after thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We are flushed with the cold mountain air and the good time we just shared together.  Family travel is amazing and we highly recommend it.

Taxi to Town

Just as we end, we meet an American and an Australian at the base of the teleferico. We join forces since a cab has decided to try not to use his meter and charge both parties too much to get back to town. So we share a cab back to town and talk.

They tell us to go see San Blas Plaza as it has some great art and we love it.

Accident Time

We walk back and next thing I know I have face-planted the road. My mouth is full of dirt and there is no skin on the top of my nose. Oh, how my right knee is in agony.

My son tells me I was deliberately tripped as someone tried to open my purse. I am amazed, as my purse was clipped shut. When I get helped up, my cell phone and other contents are picked up by an indigenous local lady. My wallet is still zipped in the back section and I haven’t been robbed.

But, I can hardly walk so by the time I get back to the hotel, I think I am in shock. We sit and relax downstairs, ordering some ice for my knee, and also for my beer. I don’t really drink beer, but I think I needed it to calm my nerves right now.

I hop up the stairs. My left foot still hurts from falling two weeks ago. Now my right knee is swollen. I am not enjoying getting old so I hope tomorrow it feels better.

Comments and Questions

• Have you ever taken a teleferico ride?
• Where was it?
• Did you like it?
• Has anyone tried to rob you on the street?
• What happened?

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