Explore Cotopaxi National Park: Shared and Private Day Tours from Quito
Experience the Cotopaxi Volcano like never before with a private or shared tailor-made tour—enjoy exclusive access to stunning landscapes and personalized adventures from Quito.
Experience the Cotopaxi Volcano like never before with a private or shared tailor-made tour—enjoy exclusive access to stunning landscapes and personalized adventures from Quito.
The tour starts in Quito and returns to the same location in Quito
Pick-up time is at 8:00 a.m. from your hotel or place of residence.
We will head south of Quito, through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. From the car, and with good weather, you can admire the beauty of the Pasochoa, Corazón, Rumiñahui and Ilinizas volcanoes."
Arrival at Caspi, the entrance control of Cotopaxi National Park, located at an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level. Time for restroom breaks and passenger registration.
The distance from Quito to this point is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
After this, we will gradually ascend to help our bodies acclimate to the altitude.
- Once in the park, we will visit the Mariscal Sucre Information Center. Here, you will find general information about the park's entire ecosystem, the activities available, the eruptive history of Cotopaxi Volcano, and more...
We are now at an altitude of 3,600 meters.
- Our next stop is at Limpiopungo Lake. This location is at an altitude of 3,892 meters. Various bird species, such as the Andean teal, Andean gulls, Andean coots, and the solitary sandpiper, inhabit this area.
Walking around the entire lagoon takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- The last attraction is the climb to the José Rivas Refuge. By car, we will drive up to the parking lot, which is at an altitude of 4,600 meters. From there, with the guide, we will hike up to the refuge. The refuge is at 4,864 meters above sea level.
How long does it take to hike from the parking lot to the refuge?
In March 2023, I personally did the hike in 47 minutes going up and 21 minutes coming down. For reference, I am 47 years old, 1.64 meters tall, and weigh 84 kilograms.
Return to your hotel or place of residence in Quito. This marks the end of our tour services.
What to bring for the Cotopaxi day tour?
Departure Days: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Two Convenient Pick-Up Locations:
Departure from Plaza Foch at 07:15 AM (La Mariscal area)
Departure from Plaza San Blas at 07:30 AM (Quito's historic center)
Your Cotopaxi Experience Will Include:
- Stunning views of the highland landscapes and nearby volcanoes: Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, and Rumiñahui
- Vehicle transport to the José Rivas refuge parking area, at an elevation of 4,550 meters (14,928 feet)
- A hike up to the José Rivas refuge at 4,864 meters (15,954 feet)
- Optional ascent to the glacier at 5,120 meters (16,794 feet) if you're up for the challenge
- Optional bike descent to Limpiopungo Lagoon
- Photographic moments around Limpiopungo Valley and Lagoon
One-Day Shared Cotopaxi Tour: Cost $65.00 per person. To reserve or learn more, reach out via WHATSAPP.
What's Included in the Cotopaxi Shared Tour?
- Tourist transportation
- Assistance from a professional bilingual tour guide
- Bicycles and safety helmets
- Access permits to protected reserves
- Set-menu lunch
What's NOT Included:
- VAT
- Tips
Consider this: Cotopaxi is the second most significant geographical point in Ecuador. Its symmetrical, conical shape, molded by layered lava, gives it an impressive beauty. Its ideal location in the central Andes is just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Quito, with easy access allowing visitors to appreciate the stunning scenery of Cotopaxi National Park, even from inside the car. You will discover the páramo ecosystem, with its impressive flora and fauna that have adapted to thrive at such high altitudes.
Picture this: from the moment you enter the Avenue of the Volcanoes, you are surrounded by volcanoes along the eastern and central Andean ranges, including Antisana, Pasochoa, Corazón, Rumiñahui, and the Ilinizas. While approaching the core of Cotopaxi National Park, you'll notice the vegetation changing as you gain altitude. As if by magic, you'll find yourself amid beautiful landscapes shaped by the Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, and Rumiñahui volcanoes, as well as Limpiopungo Lake and more.
The saying about visiting Cotopaxi goes, "Any time of the year is perfect to visit." To some extent, this is true, because even in the heart of the wet season, you can still enjoy beautiful views—though it's not always guaranteed. The dry season isn't necessarily the best either, as clouds can still obscure the volcano's beauty. In conclusion, the dry season (June to September) may be slightly better than the wet season (October to May), but it ultimately comes down to luck with the weather.
Tour Operator in Quito Ecuador
