Located just 8 km from Quito in Pichincha Province, Ilaló is an eroded and inactive Pleistocene stratovolcano. It is surrounded by the rural parishes of Cumbaya, Tumbaco, La Merced, and Alangasi. Thanks to its unique natural landscapes, this destination is an important attraction for tourists visiting the Tumbaco valley; ideal for an off-the-beaten-path hike.

Today

The Ilaló volcano rises to more than 3,185 m in elevation. Its main dome, heavily eroded, features a rounded shape. This site boasts a small caldera open to the west, with remnants of lava from the volcano's last eruption. To the south stands a small dome named Milivaro. Now extinct, this part of the volcano is entirely covered by cangahua—ash and debris from eruptions of surrounding volcanoes.

The Ilaló volcano is encircled by the San Pedro River to the west and the Chiche River to the east. It nestles in the heart of a verdant, fertile valley blessed with mild climate and pleasant temperatures. This area is divided into two sectors: to the south, the Los Chillos Valley, and to the north, the Tumbaco Valley.

With its location and volcanic formations, Ilaló is home to numerous shrub plants and several animal species. Through the moss forest, ferns, pines, and eucalyptus, you may spot blackbirds, tanagers, doves, and sparrows. You may also encounter amphibians such as lizards.

What to Do on Ilaló Volcano

Although inactive today, this volcano still exhibits some volcanic activity through its thermal springs. Its last eruption occurred roughly 1.6 million years ago. The existence of these springs has facilitated the establishment of hydrotherapy centers. During your visit, you can enjoy the traditional El Tingo spa resort, Mercy, and Cununyacu. It's also possible to bathe in the private thermal pools of the surrounding area. You can participate in guided tours, take leisurely walks, go mountain biking, or engage in birdwatching.

To climb the volcano, it's possible to reach the summit via all four cardinal directions. From the bus stop, following dirt paths toward the church on the volcano's foothills, the trek takes approximately 2 hours. However, the safest and most-used route relies on the northern and southern starting points. Named Tumbaco, the northern trail offers gentler slopes, though hiking it takes longer. Conversely, the southern trail slopes or the El Tingo trail are picturesque. They wind through Panamo-Andean vegetation and beautiful shrub tunnels.

The summit of Ilaló volcano is marked by a large iron cross standing 18 m tall. Constructed in September 1936 by Colombian industrialist and owner of the El Progreso factory, Leopoldo Mercado, this structure serves multiple purposes. It acts as a lightning rod for local residents, but that's not all. It is also a sacred place to pray and honor the Virgin Mary.

The panoramic view is by far the finest reward for hikers who climb Mount Ilaló.

It offers a magnificent view of the majestic snow-capped Cotopaxi mountain. It also provides a stunning vantage point over the northern mountain ranges stretching to the Colombian border.

From downtown Quito at La Marín Station, buses operated by "Transportes Termas Turis" depart every 10 minutes to El Tingo. For buses heading to Tumbaco, they can be caught at the Ecovia North Station and depart every 30 minutes.