In the fleeting embrace of time, the vast tapestry of Ecuador unfolds before you. Picture this: a caldera, spanning a vast three kilometers, its birth a testament to nature's raw power, carved from the earth by a cataclysmic eruption some eight centuries ago. And then, the towering majesty of one of the planet's highest active volcanoes, standing as a sentinel of nature's fiery heart. As you find respite in the historic charm of Quito, remember, each stop on this journey is but a brief interlude, a mere 30 minutes. Yet, in that half-hour, vistas of unparalleled beauty unfurl, beckoning you to capture their essence in frames that will forever echo the spirit of Ecuador."
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:20 AM and 7:30 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 1–80)
$139
Child (ages 0–0)
$59
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $210.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Unveiled!
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa: Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Unveiled: A Daylong Dance with Nature's Grandeur!
Itinerary
5 min
7:20 Start your tour here at our Go F.A.R / CarpeDM Office 7.30am or from the New Town - Hilton Colon Hotel
Cotopaxi National Park
Admission included30 min
Embark on a Journey to the Skies with Cotopaxi's Majestic Embrace! As we chauffeur you to the heart of Cotopaxi National Park, prepare to ascend one of the world's loftiest active volcanoes, standing tall at a staggering 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). But the adventure doesn't end there! Let the serene Limpiopungo Lagoon unveil the legend behind Cotopaxi's name - the Moon’s Throne.
Quilotoa
30 min
Embark on a Daylong Odyssey to Ecuador's Hidden Gem: The Mesmerizing Laguna Quilotoa! Dive deep into the heart of South America's most enchanting lagoon, cradled amidst the vibrant tapestry of Ecuador's indigenous villages. On Thursdays, let the bustling Saquisilí market be your gateway to cultural wonders, while Sundays usher you into the vibrant hues of the Pujili market. As we journey through these authentic hamlets, witness the unfiltered essence of Ecuador in all its glory. Upon reaching the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater Lake, brace yourself for a stunning opportunity to take in the moment or capture it, the lagoon's embrace await you.
5 min
Return to Quito. Drop off in Old town or New Town.
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Lunch
All Fees and Taxes
Guide
Not included
Lunch and personal expenses
Tips
Breakfast
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
23 reviews
5
23
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Quito
Starting price $139 is close to the typical $139 for tours of similar length in Quito
Excurgo comparison of 999 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! take?
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! lasts about 9–11 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! cost?
Prices start at $139 per person for this Quito experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $210. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:20 AM and 7:30 AM.
How much does Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! cost for children?
Children aged 0–0 pay from $59, adults from $139.
Can I cancel Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 7:30am to 7:45am. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 23 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by CarpeDM Adventures.
Reviews(23)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
mardrea21
September 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Experiences
Felipe is an incredible guide, very knowledgeable, excellent driver. Very kind, he is very knowledgeable and at the same time very well-known. It is a great advantage. I really enjoy that he usually stops to buy from the indigenous people. In addition to helping them, the warmth and kindness they provide is incredible.
Operator response
¡Muchas gracias por compartir su experiencia y por sus bonitas palabras sobre Felipe!
Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutó de la experiencia con él. Felipe es un guía con muchísimo conocimiento de Ecuador y, además, su experiencia y sus conexiones con las comunidades locales le permiten mostrar a nuestros viajeros un lado más auténtico del país.
Nos encanta especialmente que haya destacado algo que también valoramos mucho: detenerse en el camino para comprar directamente a los artesanos y productores indígenas. Más allá de apoyar a las familias y comunidades locales, estos encuentros suelen convertirse en algunos de los momentos más cálidos y memorables de un viaje. La amabilidad y hospitalidad que se recibe en estos pequeños encuentros realmente forman parte de la esencia de Ecuador.
También agradecemos que haya destacado sus habilidades como conductor y su amabilidad. Compartiremos sus palabras con Felipe; estamos seguros de que le hará mucha ilusión saber que su manera de trabajar fue tan apreciada.
¡Gracias por elegir CarpeDM Adventures y por valorar esa forma de viajar más cercana a las comunidades locales! Esperamos volver a recibirle en Ecuador para otra gran experiencia.
A
anjalisF1451MX
July 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience, highly recommend
We had a great experience doing the Cotapaxi and Quilatoa 1-day tour with CarpeDM. The communication
with the operator Paul prior to and after booking the trip was very easy and genuine. Paul helped us with various options, even suggesting tours in the Galápagos. Our driver and guide Lincoln was wonderful. He arrived at the hotel right on time. He was extremely knowledgeable about history and culture of Ecuador, and enthusiastically discussed with our family. He was very warm, kind, never rushed, and went out of his way to make sure we had a great trip. Our lunch was included in the tour. The lunch was sumptuous. Highly recommend both CarpeDM and Lincoln.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review!
We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience on your Cotopaxi and Quilotoa day tour with us. It's especially rewarding to know that your experience was positive from the very beginning, with Paul helping you find the right tour and answering your questions before your trip.
Lincoln will be thrilled to hear your kind words. He is passionate about sharing Ecuador's history, culture, and landscapes, and we're so pleased that his knowledge, warmth, and dedication helped make the day so memorable for your family.
We're also glad you enjoyed the included lunch. We believe that great local food is an important part of any Ecuadorian adventure, so it's wonderful to know it was a highlight of your day.
Thank you for your recommendation of both CarpeDM Adventures and Lincoln. It was our pleasure to be part of your Ecuador journey, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure—perhaps in the Galápagos or another beautiful corner of Ecuador!
F
F5982NFwillg
July 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great guide for epic day trip
I had a very enjoyable day driving and hiking down and up Quilotoa. Our guide Lincoln was super welcoming and made sure that he helped speak in English when needed and provided relevant and interesting information about Ecuador and the area.
Had a great time and enjoyed Lincoln's company, he is a great guide and excellent at walking up the steep trail from Quilotoa lake!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable day exploring Quilotoa with Lincoln. The hike around the crater and back up is certainly rewarding, and we're glad you had a great experience taking it all in.
Lincoln will be very happy to hear your kind words. He takes great pride in making sure every guest feels welcome, understands the history and culture of Ecuador, and enjoys the journey as much as the destination. We’re especially pleased that you appreciated his company and support on the challenging climb back from the lake.
Thank you again for choosing CarpeDM Adventures. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Ecuador soon!
L
linpaws
June 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Cotopaxi
Excellent 1 day experience. Descent to the base camp wasn't easy but our guide Filipe was giving the group lots of tips. Stunning views and absolutely worth the day trip from Quito.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had an excellent day at Cotopaxi and found the experience worthwhile. The hike to the refuge can certainly be challenging due to the altitude, but we're glad Felipe’s guidance, encouragement, and helpful tips helped you along the way.
And of course, the stunning views of Cotopaxi make every step worth it!
Thank you for choosing CarpeDM Adventures, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Ecuador.
V
valentine_J
June 17, 2026 · via Viator
I have an amazing day...
I have an amazing day with Felipe as tour guide.Beautiful views of Quilotoa and Cotopaxi.Amazing picture with Alpagas!I totally recommend this tour!
T
Trail25162335369
March 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Cotopaxi in one day
Excellent activity experience in the high mountains, extraordinary landscapes with flora and fauna. A flawless organization and very friendly guide Felipe with whom we learned a lot.
Operator response
Merci beaucoup pour votre superbe commentaire ! Nous sommes ravis que votre journée au Cotopaxi ait été une excellente expérience et que vous ayez apprécié les paysages, la faune et la flore.
C’est un plaisir de savoir que l’organisation a été à la hauteur de vos attentes et que Felipe a contribué à rendre la journée encore plus enrichissante et agréable.
Merci encore pour votre confiance et nous espérons vous accueillir à nouveau pour une autre aventure en Équateur !
S
Sabourintime
January 27, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Cotopaxi day tour
This was a fantastic tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating, he made sure that we were dropped off at the right location and was willing to make sure that we had everything we needed throughout the tour.
He also was very patient and helpful during the hike. He made sure that our journey was safe and that we got to experience the beauty and wonder of Cotopaxi.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had a fantastic Cotopaxi day tour and that your guide’s knowledge, patience, and attentiveness helped make the experience so special. Making sure our guests feel safe, well prepared, and comfortable throughout the day is very important to us, especially during the hike.
We’re glad you were able to fully enjoy the beauty and magic of Cotopaxi, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Ecuador soon!
C
callumbE5801LE
January 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Recommended
Amazing time and good value for money. Felipe was amazing
Operator response
Thank you for your recommendation! We’re delighted to hear you had an amazing time and felt it was great value for money. Felipe will be very happy to know he made your experience so enjoyable. We hope to see you again soon for another adventure with CarpeDM!
A
Ad0a0m_S
December 22, 2025 · via Viator
Definitely recommend!
The tour was wonderful! Our guide, Alejandro, was very attentive and always helpful, even after the tour! He has all the information and interesting facts about the sights. He knows everything about local plants and animals and told and showed us a lot of interesting things! The tour was private, by car, and Alejandro himself drove it—he's a very good and careful driver. Thank you so much, Alejandro! I hope we'll see each other again on tours to other wonderful places in Ecuador!
M
moucachenj
December 8, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Cotopaxi day trip
Great day with Lincon Amazing tour guide, we visited Cotopaxi hiking all the way up to the glacier! Met amazing people and had a great time everything was perfectly set up
Operator response
Thank you so much for your review!
We’re delighted to hear you had a great day on the Cotopaxi tour with Lincon. Hiking all the way up to the glacier is an incredible achievement — well done! It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the group, the experience, and that everything felt well-organized from start to finish.
We truly appreciate you choosing to explore Cotopaxi with us and hope to see you again for another adventure in Ecuador!
Compare similar tours in Quito
Lowest price: Cotopaxi Full-Day from Quito Including Entrances — $59
Best rated: Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way — 5.0 (549 reviews)
Shortest: Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way — 9h 30min
