Ecuador Day 6 – Rucu Pichincha (15,413 ft)

Guagua and Rucu Pichincha Map
The Map

TeleferiQo in Quito
Riding the Gondola (TeleferiQo) in Quito

Rucu Pichincha: A Lovely Ridge Hike
The Approach. It starts on the ridge, then it climbs ever steepening terrain until the last wee bit is 3rd class. The summit is in the clouds, left of frame!

Tilden Stepping up on Rucu Pichincha
Third Class Section…Most Fun bit, but unfortunately only 10 minutes!

Rafael and Tilden on Rucu Pichincha
Rafael and Tilden Enjoying The Summit

For our 3rd mountain, we climbed Rucu Pichincha. It is a unique ascent because it is very close to Quito and the trip starts with a ride on the Gondola! From where we got off on the Gondola, it took us 2 hours and 50 minutes to summit and just under 2 hours to get back.

It’s a great half day acclimatization. While the navigation and hiking is relatively easy during the ridge traverse to the peak, the ascending of the peak itself is not for the beginner. There are cliffs surrounding the entire base of the mountain. Thus, it’s really important to go with a guide on this mountain, or be in the company of an experienced mountaineer who is already familiar with the peak. Clouds are pervasive threats to navigation and the terrain at the top is steep and chossy!

The TeleferiQo at Start of Hike
We got off the TeleferiQo and started walking towards the peak. After about 10 minutes of walking, I turned around and got this picture of the Gondola.

The majority of the hike is on very nice even trail which follows a ridge. From this ridge, there are some amazing views and the hike goes by quickly.

Passing the Powerline
Right before you get to these huge powerlines, the trail goes from really wide double track to single track.

Looking back from the Powerline Turnoff
Looking back to the fork in the trail, which is just before the powerlines. We took a left at this fork! On the way back, though, we’ll need to take a right!

Heading into the Fog
If you don’t like hiking in clouds, don’t go to Ecuador!

Rucu Pichincha Lost in Clouds
Rucu Pichincha is lost in the clouds.

Pichincha Chuquiragua
Pretty Chuquiraqua!

Fun Scrambling on Rucu Pichincha
About 10 minutes from the summit, we got to the 3rd class section. I turned around and took a picture of the way down. Clearly, the consequences for slipping were dire in this spot!

Rafael Leading the Way on Rucu Pichincha
Looking up from the same spot as the last section, I catch Rafael pointing out a foothold to Tilden. It was very important that we pay attention during the last 30 feet of the climb!

Notice our helmets, these are not so much to help in the event of a fall as for rocks being knocked off from people above us. On Rucu Pichincha, it is a very good idea to have a helmet!!!

Rafael and Clare on Rucu Pichincha
Climbergirl and Guide Rafael on the Summit. How happy am I!!!

Rafael on Summit of Rucu Pichincha
Our Guide, Rafael, the head Honcho!

Curiquingue Walking on Summit of Rucu Pichincha
Curiquingue on the summit of Rucu Pichincha. These guys were persistent beggers for snacks! We resisted the urge and did not feed them.

Descending Rucu Pichincha
Descending Rucu Pichincha was really fun! We found a great little boot skiing sand ramp. Unfortunately, one of my mittens fell off while taking this picture and I didn’t realize it until I had descended 400 ft. So, I had to go back up and get it!

Tilden, Rafael, and Vaclav Hiking Rucu Pichincha
Tilden, Rafael, and Vaclav the Czech! (We made a friend on the summit!)

Quito from Rucu Pichincha Ridge
Looking down at Quito from the ridge. Amazing views!

Rafael Running the Ridge of Rucu Pichincha
Running back to the Gondola. I did a tiny bit of jogging, but without trekking poles, I wasn’t willing to risk a full out run. We still had 2 more mountains to climb before the end of the week!

Rucu Pichincha Ridge
Looking back at the ridge and Rucu Pichincha (in clouds). You can see the Powerlines about halfway…

TeleferiQo Parking Lot
An empty car parking lot (as it should be on a rainy midweek day!

After our half day hike up Rucu, we had to drive to El Chaupi, where we were staying at the lodge called La Llovizna to climb the Illiniza Norte.

The place was super nice! Both Tilden and I were excited to have our own rooms. We enjoyed the warmth of the wood stove in the common area and were looking forward to a home cooked dinner.

La Llovizna Nativity Scene
The Nativity scene at our hotel in La Llovizna

A Climber's Retreat at La Llovizna
I thought it was a little ironic how there was a photo of climber, Bobbi Bensmen, climbing in Eldo (which is like 45 minutes from my house). In any event, if you are a climber or a mountaineer, you will love staying at this lodge. The owner and the staff really understand how to serve climbers and they are excellent hosts!

Dinner was amazing. They served us traditional corn & potato soup, with meat, salad, and rice. Dessert was also served and it was a jam made out of the “tree tomato” which is slightly sour and sweet. I was totally stuffed and after a hot shower, I sunk into bed and slept like a baby.

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