Is the Teleférico in Quito Worth It? A Family Travel Guide
Riding the Teleférico in Quito is one of the city’s most popular attractions, soaring up to 4,000m (13,000 ft) in just minutes. But is it really worth it with kids? In this family travel guide, we share what it’s like to take the cable car as a family, from altitude challenges to the sweeping views of Quito and the Andes, plus practical tips to make the trip smoother for parents.
What Is the Teleférico in Quito?
The Teleférico de Quito is one of the city’s best-known attractions — a cable car that lifts you from the edge of the capital up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, reaching nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level.
For many travelers, the draw is simple: some of the best panoramic views in Ecuador. But is it worth it with kids? As a family of four slow traveling through South America, we gave it a try — and here’s what we learned.
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How to Get to the Teleférico in Quito
The Teleférico is located on the western edge of Quito, about a 15-minute ride from the center. Getting there isn’t complicated, but your choice of transport changes the experience:
Taxi or Uber: Quick and easy. Expect to pay around $3–5 USD from central Quito. Be aware of the occasional taxi scam, some drivers will “forget” to turn on the meter. Always agree on a price first or use Uber for peace of mind.
Public Bus: Dirt cheap, but less practical with kids. You’ll likely need at least one transfer and a short uphill walk at the end. Add in a couple of backpacks and a restless five-year-old, and the savings might not feel worth it.
When we arrived, the base area didn’t exactly scream “world-class attraction.” An abandoned diner stood closed, the warehouse-like entrance was half-empty, and taxi drivers hovered, ready to hustle confused tourists.
But once you step inside the main building, things become more organised, ticket booths, toilets, and clear signs pointing you toward the gondolas.
Teleférico Quito Tickets, Prices, and Opening Hours
Tickets are relatively affordable compared to other attractions in Quito:
Adults (tourist rate): $8.50
Children: $6.50
Locals: discounted prices with Ecuadorian ID
For our family of four, it came to about $20–25 total.
Opening hours are 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily, with the last ride up at 5:30 pm.
Best time to go: mornings. Quito’s famous afternoon clouds roll in quickly, and your “panoramic view” can turn into staring at a white wall.
Funny family fail: At the ticket counter, I asked confidently for “cuatro bicicletas” instead of “cuatro boletos.” The staff laughed, handed us the right tickets, and we shuffled off with bruised pride but intact dignity.
What the Teleférico Ride Is Really Like
Each gondola fits up to six people. We lucked out and had one all to ourselves. The ride takes about 10–15 minutes as the cable car glides over the city and into the mountainside.
For parents: It feels sturdy and safe, though if you hate heights, the occasional sway in the wind might tighten your grip on the handrail.
For kids: Ours started nervous but quickly turned giddy. They pointed out landmarks, spotted the airport, and loved watching Quito shrink into a Lego-like sprawl below.
By the time we reached the summit, we were already buzzing
What to Expect at the Top (4,000m Above Quito)
Stepping off at nearly 4,000 meters, the first thing you notice is the amazing view at 4000m up.
On a clear day you’ll see:
Cotopaxi Volcano in the distance, perfectly cone-shaped.
The jagged Andes ridgelines stretching endlessly.
A sprawling quilt of Quito below, cut by valleys and hills.
If the clouds roll in, the experience shifts, mist swirling around, kids chasing fog, and a sense that you’re standing in the sky.
Things to Do at the Top of the Quito Teleférico
There’s more than just staring at mountains. Here’s what’s waiting:
Puente en las Nubes (Cloud Bridge): A short wooden suspension bridge paimted on concreate where kids can giggle about “walking on clouds.” Great photo spot.
Cruz Loma Café: Hot chocolate and coffee with a view. Slightly overpriced, but worth it when you’re at 4,000m.
Swing at the Edge of the World: For adventurous families, a trek takes you to a massive swing that feels like flying over the Andes. Warning: it’s a bit of a hike (and not toddler-friendly).
Other Adventures: If you’re visiting without small kids, there are options like paragliding, horse riding, and long hikes across the ridge. For families, it’s usually best to stick to short walks and photo ops.
Facilities and Food at the Teleférico
Toilets: At both the base and top station. Bring tissues or wipes otherwise you’ll have to pay.
Food Stalls: Basic snacks (chips, sweets, empanadas) at the top. Don’t rely on them for a full meal.
Cruz Loma Café: Cozy, with indoor seating and decent hot drinks.
Pro tip: Bring your own water and a stash of kid-approved snacks. At altitude, appetites get weird, our kids demolished a pack of crackers like they hadn’t eaten in days.
Family Tips for Visiting the Teleférico in Quito
Sunscreen + Layers: The sun burns quickly at altitude, but it’s chilly in the shade. Pack both.
Hydrate + Snack Often: Dehydration and low blood sugar make altitude symptoms worse.
Allow 2–3 hours: Enough time to ride up, explore, grab a drink, and ride back down. Longer if you’re hiking.
Morning vs Afternoon: Clear skies are more likely in the morning, but afternoons bring dramatic cloudscapes if you don’t mind the chill.
Is the Quito Teleférico Worth It With Kids?
Here’s our honest verdict after doing it as a family:
Pros
Affordable for a big-name attraction.
Short ride = easy win for kids.
Epic views you’ll remember forever.
Safe, clean, and well-run.
Cons
Altitude can hit kids hard.
Food options are limited.
Weather is unpredictable, clouds can ruin the view fast.
Our take: Worth it. Even with the altitude huffs, snack demands, and one mini-meltdown, this was one of the best things we did in Quito.
FAQs About the Quito Teleférico
How much does it cost?
$8.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids (tourist rate). Locals with ID pay less.
How long does the ride take?
About 10–15 minutes each way.
Is it safe with kids?
Yes. Gondolas feel secure, and staff manage the flow well. The only real challenge is managing the altitude at the top.
What’s the altitude at the top?
Around 4,000m (13,000 ft). Expect shortness of breath and tiredness, especially in the first few days in Quito.
Can you hike from the top?
Yes. Trails lead further up the volcano, including to the famous swing. With kids, stick to shorter walks unless you’re fully acclimatized.
When’s the best time to go?
Mornings for clear skies, afternoons if you want moody clouds.
Final Thoughts
The Teleférico is one of those “touristy” experiences that actually lives up to the hype. For families, it’s a perfect half-day trip: accessible, memorable, and just the right mix of adventure and challenge.
If Quito is your first stop in Ecuador, save this for day 3 or 4, when everyone’s had a chance to adjust to the altitude. Bring layers, pack snacks, and prepare for both wonder and wobbliness.
For us? It was chaos, laughter, altitude headaches, and absolutely worth it.
