Gondola over Quito

In Quito, Ecuador, the Quito Teleférico climbs 3,609 feet to the summit of Cruz Loma, a starting point for hiking the peaks of the Pichincha Volcano complex. 

The gondola ride to the peak takes 10 minutes to cover the 2,500-meter (8,200-foot) distance. Each gondola car holds six passengers. The lift is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Buy tickets ($8 foreign adult, $5 foreign child, $4.50 for locals) at the embarkation point at the intersection of Calle Arnulfo Araujo and Avenida Occidental. Visit the Quito Teleférico website.

Also located at the base station is Vulqano Park, the first permanent amusement park in Quito, with carnival rides and a roller coaster.