Pasochoa has been inactive since the last ice age. The area is unique in that it preserves the last of the original forest and other vegetation including an enormous variety of flowers that once covered the entire Quito basin. Pasochoa Forest Preserve claims almost a hundred species of birds. This is a good place to see the sword-billed hummingbird, the viridian metal tail, mountain tanagers, red crested cotinga, and many more.
There are two different trailheads that we use. The first is from private property ($5 fee) but makes an easier hike up to the summit. Expect 3 - 4 hours up and 1.5 hours back down. The other option is the standard trailhead by the hydro plant. That will add a couple hours roundtrip but eliminates the $5 fee charged by the landowners.
This is one of the best first acclimatization mountains for climbers preparing for a 5000+ meter peak.
Transport from Quito takes about 1 1/2 hours through beautiful valleys.