Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
Explore the unique Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, home to one of the world's few inhabited volcanic craters, offering stunning views and hiking oppor...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, less fog
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
Best Time
Clearer views, less fog
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the unique Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, home to one of the world's few inhabited volcanic craters, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.
"Amazing site. The trail into the crater is steep. Bring good hiking shoes if you want to trek it."
🧥 Dress for the Wind
The wind inside the crater can be strong, so bring a warm jacket.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Essential for the steep trail into the crater.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pululahua Crater View
Mirador (Lookout Point)
Gaze into the vast, inhabited crater of a dormant volcano. A truly unique geological wonder.
Volcano Floor Trek
Trail into the crater
Descend into the crater for a closer look at the unique ecosystem and isolated community.
Horseback Riding Adventure
Within the crater
Explore the volcanic landscape on horseback for an unforgettable experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress for the Wind
The wind inside the crater can be strong, so bring a warm jacket.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Essential for the steep trail into the crater.
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy a coffee and snack at the cafe near the mirador.
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the stunning views without an entry fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress for the Wind
The wind inside the crater can be strong, so bring a warm jacket.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Essential for the steep trail into the crater.
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy a coffee and snack at the cafe near the mirador.
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the stunning views without an entry fee.
🐴 Crater Horseback Rides
Experience the volcano's interior on a guided horse tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of visiting an inhabited volcanic crater, with many highlighting the stunning views from the mirador and the free admission. Some note the steepness of the trail into the crater and the potential for clouds to obscure the views, especially in the afternoon.
"Amazing site. The trail into the crater is steep. Bring good hiking shoes if you want to trek it. Otherwise enjoy the view from the top and with a latte and snack at the café."
Peter De Graff
"Beautiful spot,very isolated community. There's a track you can walk to get to the bottom of the crater as well."
Stephen Hull
"This place is beautiful as long as the fog or clouds do not roll in and obstruct views of everything. Our drive brought us here before Mitad del Mundo because the weather was just right.
Thea small admission to the lookout that is well worth the price."
Brian Spain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pululahua is located about 45 minutes to an hour north of Quito. You can drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi. Public transportation options are limited and may require multiple transfers, making a private car or tour the most convenient way to visit. +1
Yes, Pululahua is very close to the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) complex, just about 10 minutes away. Many visitors combine a trip to both attractions.
For exploring the crater floor, you can hike down the steep trail or opt for a horseback riding tour.
Several tour operators in Quito offer day trips to Pululahua, often combined with other nearby attractions. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
The roads leading to the mirador are generally paved and well-maintained, but can be winding as you ascend. The trail into the crater is unpaved and can be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission to the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve itself is free. There might be a small fee for specific viewpoints or facilities, but the main access is complimentary.
The reserve is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit in the morning for clearer views, as afternoons can be foggy.
No advance booking is typically required for general entry to Pululahua, as admission is free. If you plan on specific activities like horseback riding, it's advisable to book those in advance.
While the reserve is open, be mindful of the steep and potentially slippery trail if you choose to hike into the crater. Always be aware of weather conditions.
Yes, Pululahua is open on public holidays. However, expect potentially larger crowds on these days.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy breathtaking views from the mirador, hike down into the crater, or take a guided horseback riding tour. The reserve is also a great spot for nature observation.
Yes, there are glamping and lodging options available within or near the crater, offering a unique experience to wake up inside a volcano.
The weather can be unpredictable. Mornings are often clearer, while afternoons can be foggy and cool. It's always best to be prepared for changing conditions and bring layers.
Basic facilities, including restrooms and a cafe, are available at the main lookout point.
Yes, families can enjoy the views from the mirador and the unique experience of being inside a volcano. Hiking into the crater might be challenging for very young children due to the steepness. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The main mirador offers panoramic views of the crater. For unique shots, consider the trails leading down into the crater or the historical sites like the Temple of the Sun.
Early mornings usually provide the best light and clearest views before clouds roll in. Golden hour light can also be beautiful if the weather permits.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive crater views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the crater. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan for low-light shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in protected areas like Pululahua.
While sunrise can offer clear views, sunsets can be obscured by clouds. The mirador provides a good vantage point for morning light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike into the crater is steep and may be challenging for very young children, older kids might enjoy the adventure. Alternatively, horseback riding tours within the crater can be a fun and memorable activity for the whole family, offering a different way to explore the unique landscape.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventurers
Consider combining your hike with a horseback riding tour for a more comprehensive exploration of the crater's vastness. This offers a different perspective and allows you to cover more ground, making the most of your adventurous visit.
📸 Photographers
For more intimate shots, explore the trails into the crater, capturing the unique community and agricultural scenes. The Temple of the Sun offers historical and architectural photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Inhabited Crater
The history of human presence here dates back to the Incas, and later, Dominican monks established themselves in the area for mining and agriculture. This long-standing human settlement within a volcanic crater makes Pululahua a place of significant cultural and historical interest, in addition to its natural beauty.
Exploring the crater floor offers a different perspective, revealing the agricultural terraces and the daily life of the residents. It's a chance to witness a truly unique way of living, nestled within the embrace of a dormant volcano.
Navigating the Trails and Activities
For an alternative way to explore the vastness of the crater, consider a horseback riding tour. These tours offer a unique perspective and allow you to cover more ground comfortably, guided by local experts who know the terrain well.
When planning your visit, remember that weather can change rapidly. Mornings typically offer the best visibility, while afternoons are prone to fog. Always check the forecast and dress in layers to adapt to the fluctuating temperatures and wind.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit