Ecuador - Rucu Pichincha Volcano |
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| Overall Rating |
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| Technical Difficulty |  |
| Aerobic Difficulty |  |
| Distance (mi) | 6.4 |
| Elevation Range (ft) | 13002 - 15466 |
| Total Ascent (ft) | 2662 |
| Total Descent (ft) | -2679 |
| Total Ascent Distance (mi) | 2.9 |
| Total Descent Distance (mi) | 3.5 |
| Moving Time | 02h 51m 24s |
| Stopped Time | 02h 14m 15s |
| Average Speed (mph) | 1.2 |
| Average Moving Speed (mph) | 2.0 |
| Stops | 54 |
| Start Time | 2009/10/17 08:03:27 |
| Finish Time | 2009/10/17 13:09:06 |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (US & Canada) |
Description
Caught an 8:00 taxi from downtown Quito to the base of the Telefériqo, $5. Took the tram up to the top of the ridge. Base elevation 3000m, top elevation 3950m, cost $8. From there, simply hiked up the obvious path which heads toward the peak, then around its right side. There are a couple of scrambly bits once you are along the steep side of the peak, then more easy scrambling once you get to a shoulder before the final 50m to the top.
From the summit you can see Cotopaxi, also Iliniza Norte & Sur, Antisana, Cayambe, and Imbibura.
From the shoulder, a quick descent 100m down some powdery scree, then back on the path. We got to the tram just as it started to rain, and then hail. Perfect timing!
For a longer trip involving a traverse, head west out of Quito to Lloa, then up to a refuge to spend the night before departing at dawn to climb Guagua Pichincha, then hike around, or up and over, Padre Pichincha, before reaching Rucu Pichincha and then descending to take the tram back to town.
Note: the map below is best viewed using the Terrain view.
Nearby trips
| Distance to (mi) | Name | Created by | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 | Rucu Pichincha (Oren's pictures) | tom |
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| 0.8 | Rucu Pichincha | tom |
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| 32.9 | Cotopaxi Drive, Hike, Bike | tom |
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| 34.1 | Ecuador - Iliniza Norte Volcano | midtoad |
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| 34.2 | Illiniza Norte | tom |
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| 35.3 | Ecuador - Cotopaxi Volcano | midtoad |
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| 53.8 | Lago Quilotoa | tom |
|
Map
Map Markers:Printable Maps
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Terrain 1024x768 1600x1200 Street 1024x768 1600x1200 MyTopo new! 1024x768 1600x1200 OSM 1024x768 1600x1200
Pictures
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Arriving at upper tram station, 3950m ASL
2009/10/17 07:43:43
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Cotopaxi (L), Quito (middle), Iliniza Sur, Iliniza Norte, Corazón (R)
2009/10/17 07:56:24
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2009/10/17 09:03:33
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school kids on the trail
2009/10/17 09:20:29
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diagonalling up the peak
2009/10/17 09:49:25
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Mountain-top window on the valley
2009/10/17 10:19:50
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Padre Encantado (middle), Guagua Pichincha (back)
2009/10/17 10:38:38
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Spot the fox below the summit
2009/10/17 10:51:33
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Guagua Pichincha
2009/10/17 11:05:43
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Lower tram station
2009/10/17 13:40:15
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Comments
Nice!
Next up: Illiniza Norte?
Thanks Tom. I climbed Iliniza Norte today. Pics are posted. Next stop, Cotopaxi!
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