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Pululahua Crater
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Pululahua Crater is a massive caldera near Quito and one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world. The area was declared Ecuador's first geobotanical reserve in 1966, covering an area of over 3,300 hectares. The caldera was formed about 2,500 years ago by the collapse of the volcanic summit following a massive eruption. The floor of the crater is used for agriculture, while the steep walls are covered by dense cloud forest that hosts enormous biodiversity. The name "Pululahua" comes from Kichwa and means "cloud of mist," referring to the frequent cloud formations that drift into the crater. Geologically, the site is fascinating due to its lava domes, such as Pondoña and El Chivo, which formed within the caldera.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: The Fungus Garden · Monumento Mitad del Mundo Calacalí · RESERVA GEOBOTÁNICA PULULAHUA
- Nearby: Sangolquí (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 139 | 143 | 176 | 177 | 123 | 58 | 34 | 25 | 38 | 76 | 90 | 100 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Pululahua Crater is located north of Quito near Mitad del Mundo and is accessible via a paved road to the viewpoint and a gravel track leading into its interior.
Best season
A visit is possible year-round, with mornings typically offering the best visibility before clouds often move into the crater during the afternoon.
Terrain & paths
The descent from the crater rim to the floor is steep and follows a zigzag path; the crater floor itself is flat and actively used for farming.
What to bring
Comfortable hiking shoes are important for the steep path; additionally, bring sun protection and water, as the climb back to the rim can be strenuous.
Parking
There is parking available at the viewpoint (Mirador), where most visitors leave their vehicles before starting the walk down into the inhabited crater.
Safety
Climbing back up in the midday heat can be taxing on the body; hikers should watch for falling rocks on the slopes and plan for adequate rest breaks.
Time needed
For the descent, exploring the floor, and the return climb to the parking area, visitors should allow for a total of approximately 3 to 5 hours.
Geography
Facts
- One of the few inhabited craters worldwide
- Geobotanical Reserve since 1966
- Formed approximately 2,500 years ago
- Area of over 3,300 hectares
- Name means "cloud of mist" in Kichwa
- Contains lava domes like Pondoña
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pululahua Crater (10)
ECUSTARS🎭 culture
A local marketplace near Pululahua where regional vendors offer various goods, foods, and traditional crafts.
🌐 ecustars.com🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-18:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Pululahua crater?
It is one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world.
How far is it from Quito?
It is about 30 km north of Quito, near the Middle of the World monument.
Can you hike down into the crater?
Yes, there is a steep path leading from the viewpoint down into the village.
Are there accommodations there?
Yes, there are hostels and ecotourism farms inside the crater.
Why is it often foggy there?
Moist air masses from the coast often condense at the crater rim.
Pululahua Crater: where is it located?
Pululahua Crater is located in Ecuador.
Pululahua Crater: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Fungus Garden, Monumento Mitad del Mundo Calacalí, RESERVA GEOBOTÁNICA PULULAHUA.
Pululahua Crater: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Pululahua Crater: why is it worth visiting?
Pululahua Crater is a massive caldera near Quito and one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world.
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Quito
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Atahualpa Olympic Stadium
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Cyclist Monument
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Sucre National Theater
The oldest and most prestigious opera house in Quito, housed in a magnificent neoclassical building.
Independence Monument
A historic column monument in the heart of Plaza Grande in Quito, honoring the first cry of independence.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito
The main Catholic church of Quito, located on Plaza Grande, famous for its white facade and colonial art.
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Mitad del Mundo
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Iglesia de San Francisco
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