Antenas del Pichincha

Dogs Off-leash

One of the classic Quito trails, you can start it from any point in the city as long as you go to Mariscal Sucre Av. at the intersection with Mañosca Street, and this is the best point to cross the Highway using the elevated pedestrian crossing.

Be sure you are already acclimated for the high altitude. Quito's weather changes constantly, try to be prepared. Best time to start running this trail is at 6:00 am so you can avoid the mid-day sun. Be sure to have enough water and snacks. Bring a light waterproof jacket. During the dry season, the path will be very dusty and loose, some sections can get very muddy during the rainy season. Suncream is always a good idea. Lots of it.

From this point, you'll get into a residential zone some people shuttle here and leave their cars parked next to the guard booth, just follow the trail and eventually you'll get into the woods. At this point, you are probably thinking “Does this get any easier?" Well it doesn't, you still have a lot of climbing to do.

There is only one main track to follow so you can't get lost. Once you get to the farm please make sure to close the metal gate. From this point, I can only tell you take it easy, stay hydrated and eat some snacks from time to time. Most of the people take two, three or four stops to recover and take some nice pictures of the city. If you are lucky and the sky is all blue you'll have the chance to see Cayambe and Cotopaxi volcanoes.

Once you get to the top, just relax and have fun as you are 3800 meters above sea level (12,467 feet). It is very windy up there so be sure to have a nice light jacket and please make sure not to litter.

On the way down, just try to stay to the right side of the trail since you'll probably find more people climbing.