Atacazo

Mountain Stratovolcano near Quito popular with hikers

A volcanic peak west of Quito used by hikers and mountaineers for high‑altitude day trips; routes include steep scrambles and ridge walks, and locals often use it for acclimatization and training in the Andes.

Main image
Atacazo
Atacazo (Volcán Atacazo), Pichincha Province, Ecuador
-0.3570, -78.6189

How to Get to Atacazo #

Atacazo is a volcano in Pichincha Province south of Quito. The usual approach is by car from Quito via the Panamericana (E35) heading south toward Latacunga and then onto local roads serving Machachi and nearby highland villages to reach trailheads. Depending on traffic the drive from central Quito is commonly around 1-1.5 hours; local taxis or organized 4x4 trips are often used to reach higher access points.

Best Time to Visit Atacazo #

Aim for the dry season (June-September) for the most stable weather and clearer conditions when hiking Atacazo.

Dry season (best for hiking)
June-September · Daytime around 0-10°C at higher elevations; colder at night
Clearer skies and more stable weather on the Quito highlands make summit approaches and visibility better.
Wet season
October-May · Cool and often damp during the day; summit areas can be below freezing at night
Frequent afternoon rains and clouds reduce visibility and make trails slippery; summit nights are often freezing.

Weather & Climate near Atacazo #

Climate

Atacazo's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -1°C to 10°C. Moderate rainfall (899 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
10°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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