Pululahua
Volcano Large volcanic caldera with inhabited agricultural terraces
The Pululahua crater reserve north of Quito contains cultivated slopes and lookout points; travelers visit for crater views, cultivated terraces and nearby hiking on volcanic soils.
Pululahua is a volcanic caldera and geobotanical reserve in Pichincha Province north of Quito, Ecuador, notable for its green crater floor and agricultural use. The caldera formed by volcanic activity and today contains fertile soils used for farming and grazing.
The site features steep crater walls surrounding a sheltered interior of fields, small settlements and patches of native vegetation, with trails and roadside viewpoints on the rim. It is managed as a protected reserve because of its unique geology, biodiversity and cultural landscape.
Pululahua is located on the highlands north of the city of Quito within Pichincha Province and is accessible by road from the capital; the reserve lies among a string of Andean volcanic features that surround the Quito basin.
- Inhabited caldera: The crater is cultivated and inhabited in places, with agricultural plots and small communities operating within the caldera; roads reach viewpoints on the rim for visitors.
How to Get to Pululahua #
Pululahua is about 17-25 km north of Quito depending on route. From Quito, take the Panamericana Norte/route toward Calacalí then follow signs to the reserve; local tour operators offer day trips. Driving time is roughly 45-75 minutes depending on traffic and route.
Tips for Visiting Pululahua #
- Drive carefully on the narrow road into the caldera - hire a local driver if unfamiliar with mountain roads.
- Try the local farmer stalls at the caldera floor for fresh vegetables grown in the volcanic soil.
Best Time to Visit Pululahua #
Close to Quito; accessibility year-round but clearer views tend to be in the drier months.
Weather & Climate near Pululahua #
Pululahua's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 6°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (877 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (117 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 19 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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November
November is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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