Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito
Description
Escape Quito for a full-day adventure to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Travel along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, explore Limpiopungo Lagoon, and enjoy a guided walk through high-Andean páramo landscapes. Spot wild horses and native birds while learning about local ecosystems. With flexible pacing, private guiding, and breathtaking views, this tour blends nature, culture, and altitude into a memorable Andean experience. You can enjoy this experience as a shared tour, small group, or private tour, choosing the option that best fits your travel style.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We'll start with a drive from Quito to Cotopaxi on the Panamerican Highway, then on a secondary road to get to the Cotopaxi National Pak.
We will visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, located at the base of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano. Surrounded by Andean landscapes and unique paramo vegetation, it’s perfect for a peaceful walk, birdwatching, and taking in stunning views of the volcano reflected in the crystal-clear waters weather permitting.
Then we will drive up to the parking lot from where we can hike up to the José Rivas Refuge, enjoying breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. For those seeking more adventure, continue up to the glacier for an unforgettable experience at over 5,000 meters. This challenging yet rewarding trek offers a unique glimpse of Cotopaxi's natural beauty.
We'll savor a delicious 2-course traditional lunch at the charming Rondador restaurant, where vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. One of the highlights of this stop is the unique opportunity to feed the friendly llamas—a favorite experience for many visitors!
After a full day of adventure, we will return to Quito.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If your hotel is not listed or you are staying at an Airbnb, please reach out to us after booking.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(2)
Bring warm clothes, a windcheater, a beanie, gloves and hiking stick. Walk really slowly, and breathe deeply .
Thank you for sharing these helpful tips! You are absolutely right — dressing warmly and being prepared for changing mountain conditions makes all the difference. We also appreciate your advice about walking slowly and breathing deeply. Taking a steady pace allows our guests to better acclimate, enjoy the scenery, and fully embrace the experience. Thank you again for contributing such practical guidance for future travelers! Team Cuenca Bestours
Great Tour with Alejandro😊We had so much fun and learned a lot of things about Ecuador and the different Volcanoes. He is very knowledgeable. We adapted the order of the itinerary due to the little weather changes so we could have the best experience of the Cotopaxi and the Laguna. On top the hot chocolate at the refugio is also tasty and great to warm up again😉
We’re so glad to hear that Alejandro made your tour both fun and enriching with his knowledge of Ecuador and its volcanoes. It’s great that the flexible itinerary allowed you to enjoy Cotopaxi and the Laguna at their best—and we agree, the hot chocolate at the refugio is a real treat! We truly appreciate your kind words. Cuenca Bestours Team
