Pichincha Volcano

Rucu Pichincha and the Zona Norte in Quito

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Pichincha is the " mountain" of Quito, Ecuador's capital city. The volcano has two peaks, one of which Rucu Pichincha ( Quechua: Old Pichincha) ( 4690 m) in the city is much closer than its 4794 m with slightly higher Guagua Pichincha brother ( Quechua: young Pichincha), which is about five kilometers west, from Quito but not visible. The latter was very active in 1999 and brought the city an eruption with ash rain. This outbreak brought with it that a large part of the western crater rim broke off. Due to the geographical location of Quito is assumed that any lava flows represent no danger for the city.

Rucu Pichincha is easy to climb in one day tour. Especially since the completion of the funicular Telefériqo climbing has become quick and easy: Tourists can travel a distance of 800 m at the edge Cruzloma which they carried up to 4100 m altitude. Former security warnings are no longer confirmed by local police and tour operators; the ascent of both peaks is now considered very safe.

One of the first and most prominent European climbers was Alexander von Humboldt, who performed 1802 different measurements on both peaks.

After the Battle of Pichincha on May 24, 1822 Ecuador and the Real Audiencia de Quito became independent from Spain.

View of Quito from the top station of the cable car

On the way to the summit of Pichincha Rucu

Pichincha