Hiking to a set of eroded volcanic peaks in the eastern Andean Cordillero.
Cerro Puntas is a cool day hike about 1-1.5 hours from Quito. The eroded peaks are pretty dramatic, and offer the potential for good scrambling and some cool dramatic views. I recommend starting early in order to get there so you can explore. I would love to go back and shoot some more drone footage (but check out what I did get below).
We had two things come up that reduced the time we could spend at the cliffs before heading down again - 1) incorrect map point for the entrance that put us on the ridgeline across from where we needed to be and which added 45 minutes, and 2) parking too low and spending half the hike trudging up a dirt road we could have driven up and cut off an hour, giving us more time at the top.
Recommendations and notes
Key Points can be found on this map
1) Be sure you have the proper entrance set so you can get there directly. In google maps it comes up as "Ingreso a Cerro Puntas." There is a staffed gate there. The attendant charged us $5/car and $2/person (yes both). He photographs the plates to make sure you go in and out. Map.
2) You will need to drive up further than the entry gate. There is a small farm where you can park, just before a very tight turn. You can park there, but it's a long tramp up after that.
3. If possible, go all the way up to second parking spot (map), up in the paramo. From there it is hiking only, and not cars. The road is navigable with a good 4x4 when it is dry. It's dirt so probably horrendous after the rain. It was really dry and dusty when we did it. I drove back up at the end of the day to pick up one of the party who looped back to find a lost item. No problem for my Toyota Prado.
4. The crags and points are really cool, and looks there there could be lots to explore both on top and in the crater below. The maps show a series of caves in the middle. Also looks like could be some OK climbing, there were a few visible anchors around.
