Cable car swing

Cable Car Swing in Quito: How to Ride “The Swing in the Clouds” Above the Andes

High above Quito, at the top of the TelefériQo cable car on the flanks of Pichincha volcano, you’ll find one of the city’s most photogenic spots: a giant wooden swing facing straight out over the capital and the Avenue of the Volcanoes. It’s often called the Cable Car Swing or Columpio en las Nubes (Swing in the Clouds).

This guide walks you through exactly where it is, how to get there, what it really feels like at nearly 4,000 meters, and how to stay safe and comfortable at altitude.

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Where Exactly Is the Cable Car Swing?

Your POI data lists the Cable car swing at:

• Coordinates: -0.1832868, -78.5384471
• Approximate address: Unnamed road on the upper slopes of Pichincha, reached via the TelefériQo cable car above Quito, Ecuador

Although some databases associate it with Santo Domingo de los Colorados, those coordinates and multiple travel sources confirm it’s part of the TelefériQo Cruz Loma complex directly above Quito, not in the lowland city of Santo Domingo.

The swing is set on the Cruz Loma plateau, reached by riding the gondola from the western edge of Quito up the eastern side of Pichincha volcano, a stratovolcano whose slopes wrap around the capital.

Key facts about the cable car and viewpoint:

• Name: TelefériQo (often written TeleferiQo)
• Lower station altitude: ~3,117 m (10,226 ft)
• Upper station altitude (Cruz Loma): ~3,945 m (12,943 ft) – among the highest aerial lifts in the world
• Ride time: ~18–20 minutes one way
• Swing location: A short, gently uphill walk from the upper station area along the main gravel paths where you’ll also find viewpoints and trails; many sources refer to it explicitly as a “swing in the clouds” at the TeleferiQo. Paul-García Locator

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What the Experience Actually Feels Like

The Cable Car Ride

From the base next to Vulqano Park on Quito’s western hills, enclosed gondola cabins (typically 6 people per cabin) climb sharply up Pichincha’s slopes.

On clear days, you’ll see:

• Quito stretching along the valley floor, with its long north–south sprawl
• Layers of Andean ridges fading into the distance
• On very clear mornings, snow-capped peaks like Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Corazón, Illinizas, and Chimborazo visible from the top viewpoint. Trip To Ecuador

Because the line rises almost 800–900 vertical meters in a short time, you feel the temperature drop and the air thin as you go.

At the Top: Cruz Loma Plateau

At the upper station, there’s a small complex with:

• Indoor viewing areas and basic cafés/shops
• Restrooms
• Outdoor walking paths, viewpoints, and trailheads leading towards Rucu Pichincha, a popular but demanding high-altitude hike.

From here, it’s a short walk to the Cable Car Swing itself – a sturdy wooden frame with long chains and simple seats facing directly toward the city. Images and trip reports show multiple swing bays in a row, with open ground beneath and Quito far below. Paul-García Locator

On a clear day, swinging here feels like you’re suspended above the city with an uninterrupted Andean panorama in front of you. On cloudier days, you’re literally swinging into moving mist, which can be dramatic but limits views.

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Practical Details: Tickets, Opening Hours & Weather

> Important: Prices and hours change periodically. The figures below are current as of late 2025 based on recent sources, but you should always confirm on the official TelefériQo website or at the ticket office on arrival. World Over

• Ticket price (foreign visitors):
• Around US$9 per adult, with reduced prices for under-18s and seniors reported around US$6.5–7. World Over
• Typical opening hours:
• Mon–Thu: roughly 10:00–18:00
• Fri: often from 08:00–18:00
• Sat–Sun: often from 08:00–19:00, with last tickets sold 60–90 minutes before closing. World Over

Weather and visibility at 3,900+ meters are highly variable:

• Mornings are usually clearest; afternoon clouds and fog are common.
• Temperatures at Cruz Loma are significantly cooler than in central Quito, and windchill can make it feel cold even on sunny days.

Bring:

• A warm layer (fleece, light down, or softshell)
• Windproof outer shell or rain jacket
• Sunglasses and sunscreen – UV at this elevation is intense even when it’s cool

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Getting to the Cable Car Swing from Quito

Most visitors base themselves in central Quito and reach the TelefériQo by road:

• Taxi or app-based ride:
• Standard yellow taxis and app rides from the historic center or La Mariscal typically cost just a few US dollars (around US$3–5 reported from central areas). Trip To Ecuador
• Ask for TelefériQo or Vulqano Park – both names are widely recognized by drivers.
• Public bus:
• Buses running along Avenida Occidental can drop you near Vulqano Park; from the stop it’s around a 10–15 minute uphill walk to the base station area. Trip To Ecuador

From the upper station, follow signposted paths and beaten tracks toward the main viewpoints—several swings are placed in this area, so you’re not hunting through dense forest; it’s open páramo terrain with obvious footpaths. Paul-García Locator

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Safety, Altitude & Health Considerations

Because the swing sits just below 4,000 meters, this isn’t a casual “city park” experience. The rapid change in elevation from Quito (around 2,850 m) to Cruz Loma (around 3,945 m) is enough that some visitors develop mild altitude symptoms such as headache, light-headedness, or shortness of breath.

Practical altitude tips:

• Acclimatise first: Ideally spend at least a day or two in Quito before riding the cable car.
• Go slow at the top: Walk the short distance to the swing at a relaxed pace. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, rest immediately and, if necessary, return to the gondola to descend.
• Hydrate and avoid heavy drinking the night before: Dehydration worsens altitude symptoms.
• Health conditions: Anyone with significant heart or lung disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or pregnancy should speak with a medical professional before planning very high-altitude outings like this.

Wind and weather safety:

• The swing area is exposed. On very windy days, staff may restrict access or conditions may simply feel uncomfortable; respect closures and your own risk tolerance.
• Ground around the swing can be uneven or muddy after rain. Closed shoes with good grip are safer than sandals. Paul-García Locator

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Accessibility & Inclusivity Notes

Accessibility information for the TelefériQo is mixed and evolving, and it’s important to distinguish between:

1. The cable car infrastructure, and
2. The outdoor plateau and swing area.

Documented information indicates:

• The base station can be reached by vehicle right up to the entrance, and some guides note step-free entry with space for wheelchairs in waiting areas. Critic Community
• A wheelchair user–focused guide reports that staff can deploy a portable ramp to roll into the gondola, suggesting that boarding is possible for many wheelchair users with staff assistance. Free with Cory Lee
• At the same time, some commercial tours describe TeleferiQo experiences as “not wheelchair accessible,” which usually reflects the more rugged outdoor terrain and hiking options rather than the gondola itself. Activities

For the swing specifically:

• Paths are unpaved and can be rutted or muddy in wet season. Reaching the swing may be challenging for visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, or with limited mobility, depending on conditions. Paul-García Locator

Because infrastructure and policies change, travelers with mobility, sensory, or chronic health needs should:

• Contact TelefériQo or a trusted local tour operator shortly before visiting for the latest practical details
• Ask specifically about current ramp availability, escort support, and surface conditions near the swings

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What Else Can You Do Around the Cable Car Swing?

Even if you mainly come for that iconic photo, there’s more to do at Cruz Loma:

• Short scenic walks along the plateau to other viewpoints over Quito and the volcano chain Pursuits
• Longer hike towards Rucu Pichincha, a demanding half-day trek to ~4,700 m used as an acclimatization hike by many climbers – best tackled only if you’re well-acclimatised, properly equipped, and comfortable in high-altitude terrain WITH ALLY
• Occasional horseback riding, biking, and other outdoor activities operated by local providers on the plateau Paul-García Locator

To build a strong Quito itinerary around your swing experience, it pairs naturally with:

• A broader Quito travel guide covering the historic center, Basilica del Voto Nacional, and El Panecillo
• A dedicated Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) guide for the equator monuments and nearby viewpoints

Tours commonly bundle TeleferiQo, city sightseeing, and the equator line into a single full-day experience, which can simplify logistics if you’re short on time.

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Is the Cable Car Swing Worth It?

If you’re comfortable with altitude and want big-screen Andean views with a simple, high-impact experience, the cable car swing is one of Quito’s standout outings:

• You get a world-class viewpoint in under an hour from central Quito. Tour Bus
• The swing delivers a genuinely memorable moment without needing to commit to a full volcano summit. Paul-García Locator

Just plan around the reality of high altitude, rapidly changing weather, and mixed accessibility, and check current prices and opening hours before you go.