Pasochoa Mountain

Address: Pasochoa Protected Forest, near Quito, Pichincha Province, Ecuador

Pasochoa is an extinct volcano in Pichincha Province, Ecuador, with a summit at roughly 4,200 metres above sea level. The mountain is notable for remaining patches of native cloud forest on its slopes and for day-hiking access.

Trails lead through forested slopes to viewpoints near the crater rim, with visitors commonly hiking to observe native flora and Andean birdlife. The volcano’s wooded flanks and the protected refuge area provide a contrast to nearby agricultural valleys.

Pasochoa is classified as an extinct volcanic cone; its eruptive history is not active in the modern era and its slopes have been progressively colonised by forest and secondary growth. The surrounding forested areas have been set aside in parts as protected land to conserve local biodiversity.

The volcano lies to the southeast of Quito in Pichincha Province, within a few tens of kilometres of the capital city and accessible by regional roads from local towns.

• Elevation: approximately 4,200 metres above sea level, making it a prominent extinct volcanic summit in the region.
• Conservation: contains remnants of native cloud forest and a small protected wildlife area on its slopes with established hiking paths to the upper reaches.

What to See#

• Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge: A protected wildlife and forest area on the volcano’s slopes containing cloud forest fragments and marked trails used for day hikes to the upper slopes and crater area.

Pasochoa lies southeast of Quito. From Quito, take the Pan-American Highway (E35) south toward Latacunga, then branch off toward the reserve near Sangolquí/Amaguaña depending on the trailhead. The drive is about 1-1.5 hours from Quito; local buses run to nearby towns from where private taxis or moto-taxis reach the reserve entrance.

• Start early: cloud cover often builds by late morning on Pasochoa, obscuring views.
• Hire a local guide at the reserve gate - trails fork and the guide can find the rare páramo plants and the forest's elusive birds.
• Bring warm layers for summit weather: the altitude (about 4,200 m at nearby peaks) can feel cold and windy even on a sunny day.