Two systems climb the 500 vertical metres from the base station on Avenida Circunvalar to the summit of Cerro Monserrate: a funicular railway that runs on tracks up the hillside, and a cable car (teleférico) that sweeps above the treetops. Both operate on the same schedule and the ticket covers one ride up and one down on whichever system you choose.
The cable car offers better views on the ascent; the funicular is the older and more atmospheric option. The lower base station is reached by taxi or on foot from the Palacio de Nariño area. At the summit, the white church is the destination for weekend pilgrims who walk the steep stone path up from the city — on clear Sundays, several thousand people make the ascent on foot, and the atmosphere at the top is festive.