Guagua Pichincha Volcano is a great place for hikers and climbers. Located 10 km west of Quito, the mountain consists of four peaks: Guagua Pichincha, Padre Encantado, Cerro Ladrillos, and Rucu Pichincha. It's an active volcano; Guagua erupted in 1999, sending 2mm of ash to the city below. Since then, it has been considered safe to climb. There are several routes up the mountain depending on experience level, from public transportation routes to private guided tours. Climbing the mountain is possible year-round but is best during the dry seasons from August to December. Camping isn't necessary because most people summit in one day. The fastest way to reach Guagua Pichincha is to go to Lloa and then take a 4x4 van to the refuge and hike for 15 minutes to the summit.

This volcano is usually part of the Ruta Integral de los Pichincha, which is a hike that goes through the four peaks. It usually takes around 8 hours to complete, and in a shared group tour, it costs around $50. It's also typically part of the acclimatization program to climb higher volcanoes like Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana, or Chimborazo.